Does ZOE work? Here's what our latest trial results show | Prof Tim Spector and Dr Sarah Berry

Live Healthier: 10 Tips To Live Healthier From ZOE Science & Nutrition - download our free guide: zoe.com/freeguide
We’ve been working for the past 2 years on a randomized controlled trial of ZOE membership.
Participants used personalized nutrition advice to try to improve their health - and the results are fascinating.
In today’s episode of ZOE Science & Nutrition, Jonathan, Sarah, and Tim ask: How did ZOE hold up as part of this trial?
If you want to uncover the right foods for your body, head to joinzoe.com/podcast, and get 10% off your personalized nutrition program.
Follow ZOE on Instagram: / zoe
Timecodes:
00:00 - Introduction
01:24 - Quickfire round
03:11 - Sarah’s first impression of Jonathan
06:09 - What is an RCT
11:45 - What is ZOE and how does it work
16:31 - What did the RCT participants experience
18:40 - Using cookies to measure blood sugar
22:39 - What is blood fat
27:55 - What happens once you’ve done your tests
29:12 - Recent dietary changes Jonathan, Sarah and Tim have made
38:55 - How are you guided through the ZOE program
41:29 - Control group vs ZOE group
45:44 - Results of the ZOE RCT
49:27 - Do other wellness products have RCTs
52:32 - Will the results be greater after a year of ZOE
59:25 - Does the ZOE membership work
1:01:43 - The difference between ZOE and other medical devices
1:03:27 - Summary and outro
Mentioned in today’s episode:
Epidemiology of constipation in Europe and Oceania: A systematic review published in BMC Gastroenterology
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Recent advances in understanding and managing chronic constipation published in F1000Research
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Human Postprandial Responses to Food and Potential for Precision Nutrition published in Nature Medicine
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Microbiome connections with host metabolism and habitual diet from 1,098 deeply phenotyped individuals published in Nature Medicine
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Postprandial glycaemic dips predict appetite and energy intake in healthy individuals published in Nature Medicine
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
Episode transcripts are available here: joinzoe.com/learn/category/po...
Is there a nutrition topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at [e-mail], and we’ll do our best to cover it.

[@charlespaynter8987]

As a farmer, the key point for me about Zoe is that it empowers consumers with real & accurate knowledge about their individual health & nutrition. This translates into them making informed choices at the point of purchase. If enough people do this, it will change the choice and composition of food available in shops. This in turn will drive change right back through the food chain and eventually to the farmer where the process of producing healthy food starts

[@joinZOE]

Beautifully said, Charles. Thank you for sharing.

[@trishwilder7158]

I have moderate Gastro Paresis plus Irritable Bowel with Slow transit bowel movements. Having watched your videos with great interest I have introduced as much of your food suggestions as my GP can cope with , especially nuts , seeds and berries, make my own sourdough bread and mostly cut out sugar based carbs. Gastro Paresis means I naturally fast overnight . My medical conditions which caused nightly awake hours of pain , much sleeplessness over many years now have got to the point of no night pain and finally beginning to sleep all night. What can I say! Wonderful you guys . I feel so grateful and happy. Thankyou ❤😊 (Melb Aust)

[@k8eekatt]

O thank goodness! Peace and relief! Thanks for sharing your good news.

[@charlespaynter8987]

Wonderful story highlighting how our diet underpins a lot of our health outcomes

[@joinZOE]

Hi Trish, thank you so much for sharing. We're so glad our resources have been able to be such a help. Wishing you all the best.

[@debbieshrubb1222]

I'm 65 and my health has massively improved after implementing the principles I've learned through ZOE podcasts. I have a fine motor tremor that was getting much worse; the way I've changed my diet and implemented life style change has helped me recerve the rather alarming fine motor tremor, improve, energy, sleep and general health. I feel better than I have in decades. Big thank you.

[@k8eekatt]

That is so great! Thanks for sharing your good news!

[@joinZOE]

This is so beautiful to hear, Debbie. Thank you for sharing your story with us, we're honoured to be a part of your health journey.

[@wendyhay1302]

I am going to thank you from South Africa. I am 69 years old and feel like a 25-year-old. Zoe is not yet available here, but your channel popped up in my KZbin algorithm because of my struggle with long-term COVID-19 symptoms. It seemed that I was running my life, being a 4-cylinder engine, on 2 cylinders. It has been a long journey but of all interventions, following the Zoe principles has had the greatest impact. I recently went for a medical examination and every important blood result was completely normal. My blood pressure was normal and I have dropped 2 jeans sizes. I cannot thank you enough. I can't wait for this program to become more globally available. I will be the first to sign up.

[@nurserynook]

This comment has made my day! I have signed up for Zoe but am not starting until next week. However I have long covid and I've been very worried about whether what zoe says and does will align to my need. So thanks for this!

[@joinZOE]

Wow, what a powerful story, Wendy. Thank you so much for sharing and we can't wait for the day when we can open our membership to everyone. Keep up the excellent work and thanks again for the incredible support.

[@joinZOE]

@@nurserynook Congratulations on starting your journey!

[@Karen-us3ls]

Great video. I’ve been fighting against poor health all my adult life. I always had a good diet. I cook my food, I eat a big variety of foods, I avoid fat. Nothing worked. Since joining Zoe I finally found out why. People are NOT the same. We are very different. There is no ‘good diet’ for everyone. I am so glad I invested in my health.

[@tonydaddario4706]

Why?

[@Karen-us3ls]

I have bad blood sugar response and bad blood fat response. So I have severely cut down on most fruits, almost all meats and carbs. Nothing is forbidden, but a steak and a glass of wine for me will now be a rare treat. Carbs are now the smallest part on my plate by a long way, and most of my carbs are from veg and beans. I am eating a lot more nuts (plant fats are much easier on the body than animal fats), seeds, legumes and fish. I’ve always eaten a lot of veg, but I’m eating even more, and greater variety. No carbs for breakfast except what’s in raspberries, apples and blackberries with full fat live yoghurt, nuts and seeds. And I used to have a bit of something sweet every day after my dinner (a two finger Kit Kat, a chocolate etc). That’s gone. After seeing what carbs do to my blood sugar on the monitor it made letting go of those so much easier. I am not getting cravings and my hunger and appetite have reduced hugely. It’s a big change, and it will take time to adjust to eating hardly any red meats and a lot more fish. But I have obese BMI and inflammation which is giving me a lot of pain. I am 60 and since age 50 when menopause started I have felt and moved like an 80 year old. I am convinced this is going to help me. There is a lot of diabetes in my family too, so seeing my poor blood response to eating carbs has really made me see the danger of that for me. Sweet fruits…I used to eat a lot. They have almost gone from my diet. Interestingly my gut health was great, which is testament to the amount of fruit and veg I have always eaten. And I almost never ate processed food, fried food or white flour. I was shocked by my results as I had convinced myself that my problems were really just lack of willpower, so I feel vindicated and freed from the guilt I have always carried about being overweight. Now I understand why, and I have control at long last. I have been to every diet class going, some more than once. Restricting calories I would lose a stone (I need to lose 3-4) and then just get stuck and I would be so frustrated as I was following the diet. Then I would restrict myself more and more and…nothing. Then I would give up and go back to eating normally and put on more than I had lost. Soul destroying. I have always enjoyed being active too, but the last 10 years it has been tough because of the arthritis and pain in my feet. Ive tried podiatry, massage, expensive shoes etc and am just hoping that sugar is a big part of the issue. 🙏 Only time and perseverance will tell, but I have lost weight every week since starting my test period, and I am not restricting my calorie intake at all. Most days I am eating over 2k calories. So I would say the investment is worthwhile for me. Am I enjoying it? No. Change is always tough at first. I really miss the enjoyment of carbs, and the boost of energy they give. But I am motivated to keep going and determined to continue. It will be worth the effort. I just want to age well and continue to enjoy life, which was becoming a real battle. Everyone is different. There is no ‘healthy’ diet that suits everyone.

[@aslau3820]

Great that you have (finally) found what is best for you! Thank you for sharing.

[@anakardum1039]

@@Karen-us3ls Thank you for explaining your situation and your current diet. I am in the similar situation when it comes to diabetes in the family, I lost a lot of weight earlier on the prediabetes program before the menopause (mostly with medication and exercise). However, the menopause is now a problem and unfortunately not a widely recognized one. There are a lot of metabolic changes (sugar and fat metabolism; poor circulation) and although the diet becomes more important and needs to be adapted, I do not think it is the only solution to the loss of hormones...I have also noticed the poor metabolism of fructose. I cannot eat a lot of nuts and seeds as they are causing me inflammation and intolerance/allergy (they still contain a lot of fat!). Legumes are causing me a lot of gases so I can only eat them moderately. Too much fiber is slowing down my gut and digestion (bloating). A lot of general advice about menopause is pretty useless in my opinion. There are a few specialists for menopause/aging in women...and the information is often conflicting. As you have said, there is no universal diet for everybody...but menopause can lead to a lot of health problems later in life. It is also a challenge to find an appropriate exercise that is not too exhausting and still moves our metabolism as we age.

[@priyakenward4703]

Thanks for sharing your story. Really helpful to see what your diet is like now. I had similar Zoe results and did the same as you, cutting back red meat and carbs, introduce yoghurt and nuts for breakfast, increase even further my veg intake. Recently I've started having a portion of beans/legumes at every meal although I think it is making me feel bloated so I might tone that down. My doctor said I shouldn't have yoghurt every morning due to fatty liver and cholesterol so trying to cut out yoghurt as a regular breakfast now.

[@patrickchamberlain3980]

My frustration with the Zoe program is that it doesn't offer retesting. This podcast talks about the long term benefits from following Zoe's advice but the only testing that Zoe offers to participants is at the start of the program.

[@tonydaddario4706]

They offered retesting of the microbiome for early adopters (UK) of which I was one, I didn't bother because my original microbiome score was okay to begin with. It was my blood fat and sugar responses that were poor.

[@christineeckersley4505]

I agree

[@julietasilva9079]

They do retest 6 months later, request it ;)

[@patrickchamberlain3980]

@@julietasilva9079 I did ask them and they said no, they don't do retesting. They suggested I ask my GP.

[@AbsenceLacksNothing]

Hahaha, yeah they retest 6 months later once you have shelled out another wad of cash for the luxury of a few recipes and a scoring system that most people internalise in the first two weeks.

[@Antineii]

Very early Zoe Health participant here. Delighted by Tim saying that we 'put our heads above the parapet'. His dry humor is an example of why I am so grateful to the Zoe team of wonderful, brilliant, rather eccentric scientists.

[@robwoodphotos]

It’s encouraging to see the results of the randomised trial. I’ve been a Zoe member and supporter for a couple of years and felt this was Zoe’s Achilles heel in that all the “evidence” was how people felt about doing Zoe… this is important but alongside the trial you’ve done is more convincing. I think in the long term if you are going to keep members like me in board, then the App should develop into a monitoring device for all health measures, including exercise and sleep. I’ve got to the stage where I don’t really need to log my food to know whether it’s good or bad for me

[@joinZOE]

Thank you for the support and the feedback, Rob.

[@zzobs42]

I've been doing Zoe for just over a year and did retest. I was very pleased that my microbiome had become good from its starting position of poor. I've found it easy to follow and it was enormously helpful to discover my glucose and fat tolerances. It's not a diet, it's an education.

[@stephenroe5497]

I have been on the Zoe programme for about 8 months and have had a good improvement in my gut biome. I do have times when I eat low scoring foods but generally eating better and much less highly processed food without being too zealous about it. I feel fitter and have steadily lost a bit of weight without trying. Good work by everybody involved with Zoe !!

[@davidr1431]

Can you explain how you know your gut biome has improved?

[@annemarieharry9290]

I enrolled with zoe one year ago and have experienced so many of the benefits you are talking about. Enabling people to take control over their nutrition with the scientific knowledge you provide is invaluable

[@oldschoolabrahamhicks2742]

Do you need to sub for a year- what are the use/benefits of going with it for so long- deciding what sub to get!

[@k8eekatt]

​@@oldschoolabrahamhicks2742I recently re-enrolled for year #2. They are continually offering new training material, microbe insights, enhanced meal analysis and meal logging enhancements. I and my family enjoy a pretty non standard diet and they are even able to offer me recipies we can use. I don't need a lot of variety but it's nice to have it. I have developed a couple of breakfast bowls and soup we can rely on even when traveling. All the best to you!

[@alexwaring5037]

I have been transformed through all your advice, podcasts and Zoe. Happier digestion, slimmer waist, lots more energy and sleeping better. Love you all so much!!

[@user-lg7eb8qc3j]

I have been following Zoe for the past 6 months just online but have not yet done the testing etc. I just watch the podcasts and get the Instagram help on meal ideas - my family are eating so much better. Its a game changer. Eating healthy breakfast (around 11am for intermittent fasting) sets the tone for the rest of the day. Eating at least 30 plant based foods per week (+ loads of nuts, seeds, legumes etc.) Tim you'd be proud of us! Even bought good kefir! You guys rock. Keep it coming.

[@breathewelldentalservices]

Bought kefir is generally stupidly expensive...I was give a couple of large kefir grains from a friend about 8 months ago and now just buy full fat milk and make it..simples! Soak my oats and good stuff overnight in it in preparation for my late breakfast. The grains keep growing and I've passed on many "babies" to interested friends 😋👍

[@joinZOE]

That's incredible - brilliant work! We're so glad you find our resources helpful!

[@anndebaldo7381]

I am loving the ZOE program! I've been participating for several months and every aspect of my health is improving. What I love most, is that it's fun! Not at all like a restrictive "diet" approach to better health. I primarily joined out of an interest in learning more about my microbiome and my results are fascinating. And well beyond that, I feel that I've found a whole new lifestyle for good health! I look forward to continuing with Zoe indefinitely! Looking forward to the new improvements and features you've spoken about here! Give Sarah the money! 🤣😍

[@user-gk1lx5dp9z]

Fabulous podcast. Almost a year into Zoe so much has changed about the way I eat - and feel my wider family - they do Zoe without realising it! I love that we Zoe members contribute to findings that are reflected back to us and everyone can go at their own pace. Do hope that re-testing, beyond microbiome will be introduced. Well done Jonathan for saying yes to the funding. Thank you.

[@themoodyteam]

What do you mean by your findings being ‘reflected back to us’? Do you get personal updates from Zoe about your findings/data?

[@suewatson1763]

I've been implementing my own Zoe program as no choice in Australia. Although I've not had the opportunity to wear a glucose monitor I suspected that I was one of the 1 in 3 woman who experienced the crashes in energy that Sarah talks about. Since I changed my breakfast to the standard Tim's breakfast I feel so much better have lost some of my visceral fat even though I'm skinny anyway and my cholesterol is heading down. The Zoe lifestyle works and I'm very thankful that you share your knowledge with us so freely via these podcasts. Please bring ZOE to Australia as so many people are eating themselves to poor health in this country

[@nataliakazachenko9950]

I lost some of my visceral fat I was not even aware about! I am not a member of ZOE btw but just started to follow theirs advice to eat 30 different plants a week which led mу diet to be 80% unprocessed plants.

[@victoriasmith1897]

I LOVE these Zoe podcasts as it brings the info to those of us in countries that cannot access the Zoe projects. I’m a Psychotherapist and I share many of the podcasts with my patients as well.

[@paulinefrench7672]

Congratulations to the team and to the rest of us who have participated and now are enjoying life so much more.

[@clarenewman9032]

Never a truer word spoken that the Zoe nutritional programme changes your whole attitude to eating, forever.

[@joinZOE]

It's a way of life. 💛

[@mayapanika105]

I wish it had worked for me. I did the program last year, stuck to it rigidly, but it made no difference at all, no weight loss, no improvement in sleep or mood or in my gut. It was hugely disappointing. I have an auto-immune disease, don't know if this had an efffect on my results. I was disappointed too that, when I did ZOE, there was very little help with the microbiome - the sugar/fat response was vastly more emphasised. When I asked, through the app, for advice on the microbiome, I was told they were unable to give advice on that which seemed absurd since that was the reason I enrollled on the program.

[@melaniesmith2107]

Me too. I'm also disappointed by the emphasis on weight loss. I'm underweight (unintentially) and certainly don't want to lose even more! That wasn't made clear in the marketing of the program either.

[@patrickchamberlain3980]

I followed it pretty strictly until the program in the app stopped (3 or 4 months). It has changed the way I eat in a way that I'm pretty sure is healthier BUT I haven't seen any changes in how I feel or my weight or mood. Nothing at all. I was happy with the emphasis on sugar and fat because they happen to be the things I already knew I needed to watch. In frustration I went and annoyed my GP into running some blood tests. My blood sugar had improved a lot, but my cholesterol had got a little worse.

[@dhjyotida2549]

If you can’t afford this, the podcasts and books are fantastic. I’m in my first two months of Zoe, but I have been following the programme for over six months using the material that is freely available. My results came back good, which I suspect is due to my efforts in the lead-up to doing the programme. One other aspect people often forget to mention is that a plant-based diet (not processed) based on whole foods is, in my experience, more cost-effective than a meat-based or processed diet. Yes, it is more effort, but that is a lifestyle change (I appreciate that some people don’t have spare time and convenience is all they can do) that does help the environment and challenges the big multinational food corporations. Also, side benefits like a reduction in alcohol consumption really make this affordable for me, and I’m on a minimum wage.

[@lindyvandenbosch9539]

Thanks. I can't afford it at the moment

[@tracik1277]

Yes it’s way out of my price range and I don’t drink or smoke or anything, or have a car.

[@bonniespeck]

My food expenses were cut by a third when I went whole food plant based. Now I can afford those spendy fruits even in winter.

[@tracik1277]

@@bonniespeck I meant the cost of joining, it’s something like £300 a month. That is literally half my income. I wouldn’t have any money left for food.

[@HelenThomasCreativeHealer]

@@tracik1277 it doesn't cost £300 a month. The initial kit is £300, which in comparison to other tests out there is very competitive. I say this because the gut test alone has the most advanced technology and is far superior to many tests on the market. It also measures your blood sugar and blood fats. It's the results of all three tests that are then analysed and your personal scores + recommended foods are given. At £300 this really is very good value. The cost of the programme varies according to how long you sign up for. I think the 4 month programme is around £150. At less than £40 per month this is again very good value because of what's on offer. I'd encourage anyone to do it, the benefits are invaluable in my experience.

[@lindacosmicsunshinecosmics6142]

I have been very dedicated to eating the Zoe way since getting my results in April. I will be 80 in March! I have slowly lost 7 kg and now have a normal BMI. My latest GP lipid blood test shows all in normal range for the first time in years; although the GP wanted me to I have never taken Statins. I have been going to the gym 2-3 times a week for the past 3 months to increase my muscle strength. My sleep is now averaging 7 hours a night. I will take microbiome retest on the 2nd of December and look forward to whatever new information comes to me. I will be in the program for a year and it has changed my life. I am grateful to be a Zoe Owner as well! More people on this program would improve the overall health of the nation!!! I recommend it to friends all the time. 😉🙃😁

[@patriot20000]

My m-i-l had sky high cholesterol and lived to 104! While only anecdotal I had to wonder if that was why she was healthy and mentally 100% there. (Covid got her.) I study health and have read many times that just as many people have attacks who have low to average cholesterol and those who have normal to high.

[@iefarrington5473]

Hello Zoe Team , love your scheme . I cannot involve myself because I live in Madeira, and at my age find difficulties with electronic systems.. but my blood sugar is fine , ... A vegetarian from sixteen years of age, I 'manage my own health .... Do my very best., and try to pass my 'findings' to others. However, this is to say thank you for your continued advices.. I am now 82 years. Good luck to Zoe, long may you continue. Valerie

[@RhondaMcL1]

I’m on Zoe plan now…I ended up having to eat both the muffins and several weeks later, the cookies. Sarah, your muffins were so much nicer and easier to eat. 😊

[@JK2050J]

Please bring Zoe to Australia. Thanks. I've learned so much from your podcasts about my body and my health in the last 6 months.

[@hamakua484]

Congratulations on your determination and follow through. Reproducible science-based advice in nutrition is rare. Reductive misinformation on diet and health abounds in echo chambers daily. Zoe work reminds me of the great work of Royal Society of London established 1660 during the early enlightenment - from gravity to orange marmalade. It worked to use rational thought and reproducible research to wash away middle age prejudices. Keep up the good work! We are in the greatest age of misinformation on many fronts.

[@BeliSetip]

What a great conversation! Thank you for sharing your valuable experience, data and knowledge. I pick up jewels in every episode, have changed my diet and am enjoying somewhat better energy and body composition after only 3 months since I first heard Dr Will speak. You guys are amazing. Cheers, Steve, 65, Perth, Western Australia

[@FlossontheMill]

1:06:19 this was fascinating. So pleased I listened. I really enjoyed hearing about the data and the results. I work for the NHS and really think the organisation should take note of your RTC results. Thank you for the insight.

[@mangiari]

I'm surprised to hear that Tim puts his soup in the blender. I stopped using my blender completely, after having learned (I guess somewhere related to ZOE) that mashed food does not have the same effects than the original (oats better if not fine ground, nuts better than nut paste...) especially on the gut biome, as those microbes will get more down there, if the small intestine does not get all the cell walls already mashed perfectly...

[@clarissamainzer3031]

@mangiari the glucose goddess talks about not mashing your food. I am surprised too Tim does not seem to know this.

[@phunkymind23]

I'm so honoured to be part of Zoe. It's my new favourite name.

[@jasonbirch]

Even without having access to Zoe (geography) the information provided in your podcasts, whitepapers, etc, have been hugely valuable in understanding and improving my health - thank you! Is the mentioned paper (based on PREDICT-3?) available to the public in prepress?

[@chrischurch8416]

Thank you for all the time you spent doing this very informative video. I am saving up to do the test later in the year. I do understand the problem for those who cannot afford it but I must reiterate what others say: all the podcasts, videos and instagram episodes are completely free. I have already transformed my diet and improved my health without spending a penny. There are so many things I can easily go without or spend less money on to get the money to do the testing and that is my choice. I am happy to spend on this knowing that the funds help others do it for free.

[@Anita-wh4vr]

I asked many times and I will continue to ask: WILL YOUR PROGRAMM BE AVAILABLE IN THE REST OF EUROPE ANY TIME? You guys rock it ❣️

[@julieallen5655]

Yes please!

[@szpakna]

No. That's the reason why we Brexit'ed. We're keeping this to ourselves. (joking)

[@Carol-dk4vt]

I hope so

[@KathysFlog]

Please, please bring it to France. I already practice some good protocols but really want to join to understand further what works for me.

[@bb2021]

Cookies sounds too American 😯 I suspect Zoe is looking West not to Europe 😪

[@stefanweilhartner4415]

just ordered two sibionics devices. noticed yesterday that the blood sugar went down very much in the evening after eating a delicious wite bean soup 24 hours before. the fiber must have kicked in and probably caused a nice increase in GLP-1. half a big can of white beans, one onion diced. cooked in a bit of water. added sour cream, blended it to a creamy consistency, added grained broth and some smoked pork and let it cook for a while. put fresh cut spring onion in a big bowl and put the soup in it. delicious.

[@valerielambert7922]

I've not yet taken up the offer of personalised monitoring, but I check into ZOE regularly, so I am a potential member in the future.

[@clare1987]

I really hope you look at the impact of Zoe on menstrual health. I have experienced some incredible improvement with Zoe myself and I really think there is an incredible potential there.

[@darlenes520]

Although I can't retest, I have been able to renew my membership and have access to updated food lists and suggestions. It is motivating me to be more careful. Also, the alerts when approaching my fat limit for the day are helpful.

[@shoes123uk8]

Fascinating! Thanks for education us 👍

[@gillianbc]

Since doing Zoe, I have made quite a few changes to my diet and it has been really easy and very sustainable. I've discovered new foods that I really like and given up some bad habits (like the hobnobs instead of breakfast). I eat very little ultra processed food now and getting 30+ plants a week is no problem. I do feel better and it's not a "diet" as such, it's just the way I eat now.

[@angeliaparish]

i did Zoe. I still have sugar and fat response issues - but now I know what's going on and what to do.

[@charliec6247]

Its a shame the subscription is so expensive 😪

[@leonardogrillo88]

I have been following Zoe podcast over the last few months and I just can't wait until it gets available to countries outside UK & US. Is there any update on that?

[@user-yv3dp3tc6y]

I have been following Tim & Zoe for several years now, since before the pandemic. I listen to the podcasts and try to implement the advice given, but sadly (and frustratingly) since I live in the EU (although I´m a UK citizen) I cannot access Zoe's app or tests. What is the delay about and when will it be rolled out for people beyond the UK & the US? Please can Zoe be a bit more transparent about this and discuss it, maybe on a podcast on have some information about the plans on your website? Thanks guys for running such a great project, with such a wonderful and eccentric bunch of scientists and a tecky to front Zoe! Love it! :)

[@KzLollapalooza]

Thank you Zoe for making this possible. God bless our financier and his family!

[@filippoprojetto1847]

It's not just the features you add but also the ones you remove. It's the feature set you select, if that's just down to the minimum most effective (ever changing) than you're running a great product with a winning mindset.

[@susanchristian1665]

I was with ZOE for about 6 months and found it extremely difficult. The app is not user friendly. The scoring seems random. I would eat a medly of vegetables to get variety only to find that none of them got scored properly because the amount of each was considered too low. And to be honest the recommended eating was very similar to my original diet anyway, which made some of the test results puzzling. I found that the reqyirements during the test period strange. We know that exercise affects blood sugar responses, so why wasn't I allowed to continue with my regular excercise during testing? I just found the whole process difficult, stressful and unhelpful, particularly having to do everything on my phone unable to save or print out anything. It took all the pleasure out of eating, even when my meals were exactly what was recommended. So after 6 months I gave up. I still eat a really healthy diet, which I was doing before ZOE anyway.

[@lisayaniv5936]

Thanks for this great information, it’s helping me get through the war here in Israel

[@ebooyens]

We need this in other countries please! I'm in South Africa, would appreciate clarity on your plans for other countries

[@floatingisland544]

I'm in the Netherlands, so sadly I can't praticipate. But I have been following the general Zoe advice and my LDL went down and my HDL went up quite a bit to the point that it was litterally of the chart...The doctor said she had never someone my age, with such a high HDL. This was compared to the same time last year and I started eating healthier since the beginning of this year. My HDL still needs to go down a little further, but because my HDL is so high that compensated for it, she said. But I'm confident I can get my LDL down further.

[@floatingisland544]

@@ianskelly6911 I've cut out ultra processed foods as much as I could and I've been trying to eat 30 plants a week. I now eat sauerkraut bread for breakfast and some fruit. For luch I eat a bowl of yoghurt and kefir with more (different) fruit and mixed nuts and seeds. And for dinner mixed vegies with pasta, or just cooked patatoes and I only eat meat 3 times a week. Also I eat everything between 011:00 a.m. and 7 p.m. I still have a cheat day once a week though.....

[@floatingisland544]

@@ianskelly6911 👍

[@catiaproenca9253]

I just wish it was available in more countries in Europe, I would love to try it.

[@IanShetland]

For me the ZOE program has been incredibly beneficial. Exactly as discussed here -more energy, not hungry, uniform lower weight (after 9 months on the program), basically better than I have felt for the last 50 years (I’m 72). Enjoy going back to ‘standard eating’ occasionally, but always want to immediately go back to Zoe style eating and my new found health. My question is what ZOE score is considered a high level of compliance? I’m averaging a score of 80 ..

[@user-hk6xy4bc3q]

NEED THIS IN CANADA!!!!

[@wendysinclair-smith984]

WOW! Quite an infomercial. Tells me to keep on doing my own thing

[@bryonystimpson7562]

You said not to obsess about "flattening the curve". I'm sure when I had my CGM this was encouraged towards the end of the fortnight

[@stephsf6695]

Congratulations!

[@broonzy2006]

"Exposing what you're doing to the world" For me this is such an important part of the conversation. What we are told (and have been told) for decades is driven by poor science and marketing (profits). What does it take to get this embedded in health system around the world, educating children from very early on. This would surely save each respective country Trillions of $$$ in unnecessary long term health plaster-fixing. At what point do the healthy get rewarded?

[@T-gp5tf]

Loved this and the reminder from Tim that Zoe is a lifestyle change Thanks

[@joinZOE]

Thank you so much, it's a true way of life. 💛

[@Tabitha_K]

I thought about doing Zoe, but I am underweight and was concerned that I would lose weight on the Zoe nutrition plan. I am trying to gain weight healthfully, but would not want to be given feedback that advised me to avoid blood glucose and triglyceride spikes because these are inevitable if you’re eating to gain weight. There seems to be an underlying assumption in the Zoe programme that people need to lose weight.

[@tonydaddario4706]

While you can monitor your weight, weight loss is barely mentioned and calorie counting positively discouraged because it is unreliable. Food scores are based on your personal blood fat and glucose responses as well as the effect on your microbiome but you are also given the tools to negate their effects like food combining, timing and activity.

[@annteather2826]

Not so, you will learn to eat better. One of the latest changes is weekly summary. It gives an average score for the week. Plus scores on UPF, protein, fibre, bad fats, plant diversity. If you want to put on weight, it is better to do do by consuming healthy food than by piling on calories from bad food. Since Zoe I have never eaten so many nuts (high in calories & good for your guts!)

[@elsk8man]

all these is amazing, hope to get it in Canada soon! Have you guys found any correlations that could give some general direction/guidelines... ex blood type, race, ancestry, age, gender, etc, etc...??

[@kaz2666]

Looking forward to Zoe Australia... Hint hint. 💕💐😁

[@lorraineh3889]

I am pleased with the Zoe research findings, however, recently seeing Davina saying you will have seen people wearing these stickers on their arms (glucose monitors) etc etc made me want to shout no! the glucose monitor is a life saving device for type 1 diabetics like my son and we need the public to understand that it’s not a diet frippery. Please remember that. The public should understand that someone using a glucose monitor with T1D could need urgent medical assistance if they become ill.

[@MyTEEWHY]

We need you in Canada pleaaase!!!

[@jimnewtonsmith]

I would love to have had access to a Zoe Lite with limited access to food scanning on an ongoing basis. It’s been an expensive 6 months or so and stopped due to the cost when there didn’t seem much benefit to carry on. Additional testing across the whole range of the original tests would have shown any benefit, except for the terrible taste of the so called “muffins” but not available, it seems, unless you were prepared to carry on with the full experience.

[@catiaproenca9253]

A topic that I would love them to cover more thoroughly is about the evidence around the impact of post-prandial blood glucose spikes. Isn’t it normal to have spikes after eating carbs (e.g., potatoes, rice, dark bread). Should a healthy individual with a healthy diet (including vegetables at every meal) change its diet even if the carbs consumed are healthy (e.g., all grain bread and pasta, potatoes…) Thanks

[@ken4975]

Is there a link to see the study?

[@jayshah8502]

Please offer this in The Netherlands 🙏. I have been interested in personalised health analysis and permanent dietary benefits since 2005. Have been an avid follower of Dr. Tim Spector and Zoe. I am 62 years old and feel that there are many benefits which have yet to be implemented.

[@derekgoffin5807]

I did the zoe program about 10 weeks ago. I have just been offered a retest of my microbiome at a discount price. That is a good idea for many people. I am dithering about taking it up because my microbiome score was 99 so my chances of improvement are low. Is there an advantage for me? I might do better getting another continuous Glucose monitor myself, (costing about the same price) for another fortnight as my blood sugar score was my worst parameter. I must say if you want to improve the Zoe program in the future, you should find a way to include a defined way to include exercise duration and intensity, at least as an option. For example get people to buy a sports watch, my coros apex only cost me 200 pounds, less than my cost for Zoe.

[@joannegillespie]

I have asked many times, when will ZOE be available in Canada. What needs to change to make this happen? What can I do to help?

[@juliastyles]

Such a shame the Zoe programme is not available outside the UK

[@rebeccafarrant9620]

Are you going to be able to make it available for people with Coeliac disease?

[@ashwinpatel5539]

What is the difference between the principles of ZOE and the scientific principles of Ayurvedic medicine?

[@priyakenward4703]

Please could you share a link to the ZOE RCT study? I couldn't see it in the show notes

[@Patagoona]

Can you please provide a link to the FENS presentation as said in the video?

[@silentwilly2983]

Is there a pre-print of the full paper available?

[@laviniawinch9557]

As Type 2 Diabetes is a huge problem in the UK and costing the NHS millions, please consider doing a RCT on the ability of the Zoe programme to reverse Pre-Diabetes before reaching the stage of Type 2. I am doing the programme as I am pre-diabetic and will have more blood tests at the end to see if my levels have dropped below 43 Hb1Ac.

[@evanhadkins5532]

I think the makeup of the muffins might be a problem (I'm diagnosed type-2 diabetic, currently in remission)

[@laviniawinch9557]

@evanhadkins5532 Perhaps the Cookies are better? Are you in remission as a result of doing Zoe?

[@evanhadkins5532]

@@laviniawinch9557 hopefully the cookies are better. Not as a result of zoe, due to Roy Taylor; I'm one of the lucky ones (the weight loss worked for me).

[@interminas08]

2:23 The enthusiasm for podcasts just oozing out of Prof Spector there 😅😅

Very interesting talk, with many science information and than 54:25 "most people on keto get rebound" and that relativizes for me all other information .

[@sprogella]

I'm really, really pleased that your system works and I'd love to try it But being unwaged, the cost is prohibitive for now. If food is metabolised so individually, is it possible for the general advice from books and podcasts to significantly impact our health without the blood and faecal tests? Also, surely public healthcare would be far better off using this for patients at risk rather than sending them to Slimming World as the currently do? 🤔🙏🏽

[@beckymurray80]

Good point - hope Zoe team are working on that.

[@maevebarry6911]

Really frustrating that despite asking since day 1 of the release of the appI I still don't know when the app will be available in Ireland. What is stopping it being released?

[@oldplucker1]

I agree it does need much improvement but the initial testing is valuable. However: on week 4 it has big problems for me. It seems to be based on the lifestyle of office bound people with no food intolerances. I have food intolerances so have to customise my meals but all my previous meal menus disappear each week. However in my profile I can access my own menus. But it is not very organised. I have flagged up the problem with each food item added being off the screen then having to scroll up each time to add another food. So time consuming, it can’t happen. Also Exercise completely changes the effect of diet. I was doing prolonged exercise for the past 3 consecutive days and needed a very high food intake. Also high carb levels are essential during sporting exercise. So the App falls down somewhat for anyone who has food intolerances or completely for someone who does active sports or heavy work like digging the garden or manual labour. Another serious problem is that the App is selectively blocking me from adding my lactose free alternatives which means I can’t complete my meal entries

[@bluesboyT7]

I also wrote that I had a gut condition and wanted to know how I could do some tests without changing my diet dramatically. I have had no response.

[@daspradeep]

can we take the tests in US and when will they be available?

[@winamagna532]

this a wonderful study, Congratulation! thanks for your commitment. Inflammation is a big problem, i want to know more about that. I suffer from emphometriosis and polyquistia, that it gives me a lot of migraines so...I am really interested in anything that can help me.

[@nazimapathan8451]

please can you add a link to the peer reviewed manuscript - would love to read in full

[@laryme2229]

When will the program be available in Germany?

[@Gman-nb9ge]

Really interesting, imagine how nutrition will be in 100 years

[@Joseph1NJ]

Did I miss it, where's the ZOE study link?

[@maggievanmourik310]

My Zoe programme was a year ago. And I have been following eating for my type with out continuing in the program. Would it be possible to retest the faecal test?

[@user-fd5sx3uy6w]

please please please bring your Zoe nutrition to Australia.

[@marioncox3982]

When will ZOE be available in France?

[@barbaradonalson9196]

I have been through zoe and bought my own little piece BUT I struggle to implement now having been diagnostic with hemochromatosis which is quite restrictive and wonder how it can be adapted for conditions like this??

[@iulia1985]

When will you extend to other countries? :)

[@kiraraashura]

when will Zoe be available in Germany? :( Any plans for it in the near future?

[@kris715]

I have been doing Zoe for about 2 months (no pun intended) and the belly fat is literally melting off me, down 4kg, and I think I'm eating more

[@catiaproenca7413]

Hello, are the results of this trial published? Where can we find the manuscript? thanks

[@feebrookman4060]

Why does the programme need to be so expensive? Those who take part are providing important research data that enables Tim and his colleagues to learn and publish, furthering their careers. In social science research we would be inclined to reward/ pay participants for such wonderful data. Given the association between poor diet and low income (among other factors) it feels unethical to charge such a high price for an App, advice and a few tests. I also wonder why a UK company didn't conduct the RCT in the UK.

[@michelles2299]

Agree once again the rich benefit don't know why when the data Zoe get is essential part of their business model and people are paying a lot to take part

[@ronriley1533]

Perhaps they are getting rich

[@mamabear3248]

A very in depth health assessment at the beginning of the trial. I have since had a diagnoses that should change the advice given but despite trying to inform people involved, there is no interest or support I have been very disappointed with the support offered once you have parted with the money for the app

[@KarinPleym]

I wish it was possible to access the program from my country Norway!!

[@rockstarkate78]

I am so intrigued by this and wanted to participate but wasn't able to due to having celiac disease. It would be amazing for there to be a gluten free version. I'd sign up in a heartbeat.

[@kathrynlongstaff8298]

I agree. Please help Zoe

[@tonydaddario4706]

Did you ask, I don't see why you wouldn't be?

[@kathrynlongstaff8298]

The muffins contain gluten

[@tonydaddario4706]

No they don't and the new cookies probably don't either@@kathrynlongstaff8298

[@rockstarkate78]

@@tonydaddario4706yes I did ask. There’s no gluten free version.

[@katarzynagrzybek9796]

I really wish it was available in more countries, I'd love to join zoe program, but it's available only in US and UK :(