Fat: Why it Matters and What to Do About It with Ben Bikman | The Metabolic Link Ep. 35

This week's episode of The Metabolic Link features a full presentation from Metabolic Health Summit 2024. Dr. Ben Bikman, professor at Brigham Young University, dives deep into the intricacies of fat and its relationship to metabolic health.
This is the full presentation he delivered at Metabolic Health Summit 2024 in Clearwater Beach, Florida. In it he shares his expertise on the link between body fat, insulin resistance, and chronic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. Throughout this talk, he covers:
💡 The role of insulin in regulating obesity and diabetes, and its direct correlation with maintaining fat mass.
💡 Understanding the concept of the personal fat threshold and how it differs among individuals, leading to insulin resistance when exceeded.
💡 Why studying weight gain provides crucial insights into the mechanisms of obesity, rather than merely focusing on weight loss.
💡 The paradox of hyperplasia and its unexpected role in improving insulin sensitivity.
💡 How exercise influences fat cell behavior through hormonal signals, particularly insulin.
If you enjoy this episode, it is just one of 30 fascinating presentations captured at Metabolic Health Summit 2024. You can still get on-demand access and watch all the action just like you were there in-person. But the doors close on February 29th! Go to metabolichealthsummit.com to get your virtual pass now.
In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we’ll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in
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Thanks for listening! Follow us on social media @metabolichealthsummit for the latest science on metabolic health and therapy. Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

[@MetabolicHealthSummit]

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[@marlenegold280]

I’d like to know about the effects of changes in the hormone levels in menopause with IR. Women commonly states, with no change in low carb or Carnivore Diet, that when they hit menopause, they suddenly gain significant weight.

[@adammorrello]

I swear someone could get a degree from youtube with how much information there is. This feels more in-depth and up to date than txtbooks. Thank you Dr. Bikman!!

[@stephanripianzi4004]

U tube degree , right! Biological science is cool

[@umanazre7881]

You are mindblowing! Im addicted to your lectures. Nobody has explained it this clearly. You have changed my understanding of the subject. Thank you

[@janekershaw458]

Absolutely the best talk I have ever heard. This just explains everything to everyone and anyone who wants/needs to lose weight. Absolute genius x

[@wendycarter5718]

Ben Bikmen is a superb scientist and a wonderful conveyor of complex information in a concise and readily understandable manner .Yet another great presentation !!

[@MetabolicHealthSummit]

We're so glad you enjoyed it!

[@user-uq3ml7nh4y]

thank you for the video on the topic of safe weight management. the tips shared were very useful to me. i started my journey towards a healthier lifestyle with Aspect Health services and it has truly transformed my approach to health and confidence. now, i feel more energetic and vibrant every day, all thanks to the guidance i received. incorporating their strategies has been a game-changer for me, and i cant recommend it enough. taking small steps like these has made a big difference in how i feel both inside and out.

[@mirekkec8386]

Thank you! This was the best presentation on fat cells I've seen 👍

[@yvonnekiwior9633]

Watched twice because Dr Ben Bikman presents so much incredible information with such delight; a wonderful speaker and cool graphics. A wealth of knowledge!!!❤ Thank you all for sharing such relevant information!🙏

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

This is the best teacher of all things metobolic i am so geeeeeeky for you !!!!

[@markts.4217]

Dr. Bikman explains these concepts so well and very dynamically that even I am starting to understand it. I am thankful for his research and talent

[@101personal]

What a great lecture. It is really sad that most doctors and nutritionists are still biased with fat intake and metabolic management. Thanks again

[@MetabolicHealthSummit]

Thanks for watching, we're so glad you enjoyed it!

[@sandramorton5510]

I saw my dietician today, she gave me 20 pages on a Low-calorie diet for weight management. We are going to test insulin resistance in a few days, curious to know what she changes. I am going low carb for it makes more sense. I also bought Dr. Bikman's book, might have to share with them.

[@iss8504]

Buy two books. You keep one and away one. I have given away 6 so far.

[@Eliese.]

Would you share your general location?

[@StangspringDK]

Send your dietician a link to this video. The information herein, is extremely vital in understanding the role of insulin. Bikman is the #1 source of this information. No one else can present it better.

[@danielpincus221]

It sounds like you have a very well-informed physician. Good for you. There are many databases, looking for healthcare providers, who follow the low-carb approach. I do outreach for one of them. I would like to contact get the contact info for your physician and contact her to find out if she'd like to be listed. Sound good?

[@jaycarver4886]

Sandra, I hope you meant low-carb instead of low-cslorie.

[@XnoobDotCom]

This was excellent. Never have I seen the relationship between energy and insulin articulated so well. Thanks

[@murdermittensnyc]

Excellent presentation for those on the fence about low carb and open to info. It combines many of Bikmans other presentations into one great nugget. In some of his other presentations he gets into the plagues of prosperity in more detail so this is not the prez i share with newly diagnosed cancer patients, but it’s definitely one i’ll be sharing with general audience. Well done!

[@teresabarrio3562]

@murdermittensnyc what would be a good Bikman presentation to share with a newly diagnosed cancer patient, if you would kindly let me know? :) thank you in advance!

[@AnneMB955]

Excellent topic. Thx for making it clear to the layperson.

[@theskyehiker]

What an interesting lecture. I believe I will listen to it at least one more time for the info to settle in but I’m happy for the opportunity to be able to listen to such a world class individual.

[@tericlem53]

Thank you Dr. Bikman! I need to reread your book “why we get sick” I love how you explain things so that my simple brain can understand it. ❤

[@VSS1]

Great Host and great speaker!

[@TheFarmersWife1]

MHS is stellar! I learn so much every time it happens. I wouldn’t miss it for the world even if I have to attend virtually! You all are awesome!

[@karenb.2012]

Just subscribed! Dr Ben Bikman thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!

[@Amanda.c91]

took many screen shots and sent to my friend and mom! btw, my mom has dropped 15lbs since coming over to keto, mostly carnivore over the past few months. along with massive reduction in joint pain, total appetite control and much less puffiness/inflammation in her face. thank you Dr!!

[@theapretorius2743]

Brilliant lecture. Thanks dr. Bikman. Slowly but surely the picture is getting clear. 🎉

[@iss8504]

Wow that last equation is super useful!

[@beardumaw24]

I have follow Ben's work for many years and his information has maybe me much healthier person! Thank you Dr Bikman !

[@evasteinhausser9422]

Hear, hear!

[@ActivateMission2ThisTimeline]

Proof reading is worth it...

[@milantoth2045]

Always amazing 👌

[@Bashkir097]

Going to bookmark this so I can review it again. Good stuff.

[@lisavls]

Fantastic briefing, I really appreciate hearing this

[@ketojenbreeland8783]

Thanks very much Dr. Bikman for your perseverance to studying the cells and presenting this topic in such an easy to understand manner, much appreciated.

[@Metqa]

Amazing Presentation. I love when you can take something that we know in the back of our minds and bring it forward and show it with actual data. It felt great to be included in the presenting by asking us questions and allowing time for us to think about our answer before giving us the answer. Never feel silly about your displays. They are very easy on the eyes and the mind and get the point across very effectively.

[@oregomm]

This was incredibly helpful!

[@Crystalorchids]

Amazing information. Thank you!

[@websterdoris3014]

Brilliant ❤ Ty

[@sanautin]

Fantastic, thank you!

[@paulpladin9590]

Outstanding!

[@goldstar846]

Best presentation yet Ben! Thank you so much! blessing to the universe you are xx

[@Mimi_745]

Unfortunately I have to inject insulin. I am lada. I wish I could just quit, but I have been DKA four times and I don’t want to do that again. But I am listening to Dr Bikman and trying to make myself more insulin sensitive.

[@paulchristian8271]

The content kept me until the end. Great presentation as well.

[@lisatowe778]

Fantastic seminar!! You broke it down beautifully and explained things better than I have ever heard. I’m getting the insulin test with my next lab draw to see where I am and appreciate your videos tremendously

[@Mrs.TJTaylor]

Wow! Excellent lecture!

[@serraios1989]

Thank you Prof

[@rishiramkissoon6976]

very informative!

[@tuleralph6031]

Incredible information, Ben 🎉

[@emilee_7265]

Wow that was awesome😮

[@connierichard9123]

I'm so delighted to be able to comprehend what you are talking about. You explain everything so well. ❤ thanks

[@veryaware]

Thanks

[@jonathanmagic5633]

Great combination of information and yet easy to understand.

[@robertbarnier45]

Excellent. Thank you Doctor. Aussie Bob

[@jgm3946]

Really great talk. I need the cartoons! Thank you.

[@denimb2024]

Great !!!!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@joseyantorno757]

Great lecture. Thank you Dr Bikman from Argentina, South América

[@Joyous2010ify]

This is exactly what I have been asking. I couldn't understand why a person's blood sugar wouldn't change after a cookie and mine blood sugar shoot to the moon. BUT he has the signs of insulin resistance. High blood pressure, extra weight etc. Thank you thank you

[@LesContesdeFahemABES]

Very good😀

[@agneslimsoochern3964]

❤ - Singapore

[@douglaslegvold9215]

It’s really just Clearwater, Fl. Clearwater Beach is a part of Clearwater. When I skipped class in high school, that was our hangout spot!

[@abhakalsi1409]

Brilliant presentation!! Dr Bikman is giving us very valuable information. I am able to clear my concepts and hope to help my daughter with IR. Would appreciate if we could have some detailed information on the tests for IR and what insulin fasting levels are ok and if high and the doctor does that glucose drinking test then what are the levels which are normal which are high and this is done 1 hour, 2 hours etc. Pls explain as our doctors don't explain and just prescribe medication.

[@joseyantorno757]

Brillant leson

[@marydo3175]

How can I get the free fatty acid test? The standard tests only have triglycerides, not free FA.

[@laurahosler1771]

Loved this! ❤ Thank you, Dr. B for another great presentation. I think this one maybe one of my favorites because it really drives home that fat cells cannot grow without insulin! We know through chem that everything, including protein will trigger insulin, but it is the lowest trigger along with some dairy- so the key for someone who is insulin resistant would be go carnivore! ❤

[@yoso585]

Yes, but that doesn’t by any means mean that fat is a freebie. If fat is over consumed, it will happily hang around until that insulin is raised. And it doesn’t take much.

[@D4rkBl4de]

Zero carb made me lose so much fat and gain muscle with no training. It's fantastic.

[@elaineremains]

i don't know why i waste my time listening to this guy, soooooo simplistic... i haven't lost weight on a low carb diet for 25 years, and back then it was only because i was jogging 7 miles a day......

[@ana-oe1lg]

To obtain the IR adipo index: Can it be done with a conventional hospital lipid profile laboratory?

[@rollingstone3017]

I would LOVE to see that hypercaloric study!! I read and follow many, many doctors that are influencers in both camps -- LCHF and HCLF. The HCLF people claim you can't get fat on high carbs in the absence of dietary fat. One of them uses the mantra "the fat you eat is the fat you wear". I find that absurd and does not comport with my experience at all. On the other hand, the LCHF docs (like Dr. Bickman here) seems to be claiming I will not get fatter if I cut out the carbs. Again, not my experience.

[@jaycarver4886]

Great info in this article. Why Humans Don’t Need Dietary Carbohydrates to Thrive

[@dr.ashabenakappa354]

Where do live Dr Bikman, I would love to meet you 😅

[@dilettanter]

But overall great info!!! Wasn’t sure if the idea of fat cell popping was just a simplification

[@hektor6766]

Sure, it's simplified, but a membrane under stress is vulnerable to rupture, insertion of additional phospholipid molecules to expand the cell wall is problematic as is hyperplaisia, and it is much easier and more efficient for the cell to signal stress by releasing leptin and adiponectin in an effort to somatically lower insulin and promote glucagon..

[@ruthbertorelli1290]

I'm dealing with inflammatory bowel and awful eczema, inflammed eyes... and have just been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder... I think all of these issues are chronically increasing my BGLs!! I'm dealing with constantly... I'm concerned for my liver & kidneys and also my diabetes which seems to spike even when I don't eat... but my blood sugar seems to spike when Im injured or sick due to the "fight or flight" reaction... causing the liver to increase blood sugar levels to deal with the "threat"... I haven't found a resolution to this, and my Blood Sugar can actually get quite high sometimes without eating anything when I'm sick...❤ I'm worried because my vague understanding is that they will probably want to treat this situation with something that might adversely affect my diabetes... any suggestions or advice from someone who is familiar with this predicament will be appreciated and welcomed! ❤❤

[@survivorship4290]

(7:34) How can you tell if you have small fat cells?

[@vlossen]

How do you measure your Free Fatty Acids? Is this part of standard lipid panel?

[@OIOnaut]

I have been trying to point you Ben to the leptin melano cortin pathway. It takes you sub atomic. It is chystal clear. The chemistry ow water and protium. Pleeeez look into it.

[@GB-nu6ow]

please could you look into some grammar tips

[@carstenjensen5049]

Hi Ben I will agree with you, when I as a type 1 Diabetic, take more Insulin, i put weight on, when i reduce my insulin i loose weight. So the insulin have big effect on your weight, as you also told us in your youtube video. Carsten

[@JMK-vo8pv]

How difficult is it to obtain an "Adipo-IR" test and how much does it cost?🔬

[@LiaMarieM900]

I would also like to know how to do this

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

Me too me too will or can just a regular endocrinologist order this test or do we need to go to a quest lab or some online type services???

[@user-xu1df3cy8r]

😊❤

[@bobbynir2893]

what determines whether hypertophy or hyperplasia occur

[@curiouskitten]

Hypo - inability to make more fat cells, hence the present cells get bigger and start leaking Hyperplasia - can generate more fat cells for additional storage.

[@curiouskitten]

Hypo = hypertrophic 😊

[@prunelle19]

Genetics

[@survivorship4290]

(10:15) What about people who are skinny, very little fat, but insulin resistant?

[@sophiepoint6270]

41:43 The decrease in waist circumference may be strictly due to the decrease in gaseous volume in the bowel (starch in diet immediately bloats the stomach very visibly, cut the starch and waist circumference drops within 24 hrs), waist circumference cannot be used as a proxy of body fat, is it too variable.

[@GB-nu6ow]

Is that a question at the end? it is a good measure for long term health but not as stand alone one off measures; similar to BMI it is a guide

[@sophiepoint6270]

@@GB-nu6ow well, it just seems very intuitive, from personnal experience, the very day I go OFF-keto/carnivore, my abdomen becomes very bloated.

[@theskyehiker]

It is one variable to pay attention to.

[@carstenjensen5049]

I have now the problem even when i take 50 units of insulin, i cannot nearly not eat any carbs anymore. I have diabetes type 1 since 1986 and my doctors do not know any better treatment.

[@belumptuous]

Q: Regarding the "Adipo-IR" index: what available blood tests provide the insulin and FFA results needed to calculate this? Is it fasting insulin?

[@anyajohnson4471]

My question as well….

[@mirekkec8386]

Great presentation! With regards to the Adipo-IR, I wonder what are the most widespread and affordable ways of measuring FFAs. Is TG level the same as FFAs? Or at least close enough? Or do we need special measurement for FFAs?

[@faizahwd]

When Hypertrophic fat cells "suffocate" and release inflammation, is this "mechanism" directly correlated to Lipedema disease?

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

So what dr will check free fatty acid levels?? Heck i cant even get one to check my hormone levels of estrigen and progesterone and i have ebdometrial cancer grade one and they want me to do an IUD treatment to cure that with the progesterone doing the work but id like to have a hormone levels done first!!!

[@yoso585]

You might have to go get the labs yourself. It seems doctors don’t want to go against the payer’s guidelines, and that is the insurance co.

[@petercyr3508]

My wife 71, has a good deal of healthy fat in the thighs and hips which Dr Ali says is protective in her case. She has been fat adapted mostly since 1998. She meets criteria for a lean mass hyper responder. At her current weight which is considerable, latest labs from Dr Nadir Ali: Fasting glucose 90 A1C 5.3 Insulin 5.3 Triglyceride 73 HDL 73 Vit D 65 Very insulin sensitive. She has had adiponectine tested in the past and it was very good, up around 20 I think. Now, if she put on 50 lbs, this would be completely different.

[@brucemckay6615]

well now that Birman says it, its sort of obvious…. But until he said it, it would be hard to get your head around…. Great talk…

[@connierichard9123]

Please talk about ozempic. How does it affect our bodies

[@anyajohnson4471]

I heard him talk about it in another interview and said that 50% of the weight-loss it catalyzes is from lean mass 😱

[@binathere2574]

Evil.

[@rothelsbeth]

What about. Lipoedema fat?

[@dilettanter]

I thought it was surface area to volume ratio that limited the size of cells, for any cell- not just fat cells, and not the size of the membrane (since can’t that be increased ?

[@przemkowaliszewski3290]

How does he define membrane size? Of course, the ratio of area to the volume determines size of cells

[@dilettanter]

Actually no. Only if it’s perfectly round then that’s true. @@przemkowaliszewski3290

[@dilettanter]

Or if they are all exactly the same shape. Neurons can get 1 meter long or more by having a different shape, for example

[@dilettanter]

But ultimately what I meant is that cells can grow more membrane. It’s not the limit to cell size. It’s the rate of diffusion and teh distance tot he center of the cell, and or in other words the surface are to volume ratio which does decrease , but a cell can grow infinitely large and this ratio will decrease, without the cell exploding! I just thought that was a little silly way to explain it. I think he really knows cells don’t explode

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

What i wonder is can those fat membranes be damaged by decreased collagen and deficiencies of vitamin c as also your hearts endotheliel lining vessels are affected this way and also high glucoses high insulin damages your glycosalix lining causing the tiny LDL to cause issues in heart blockages or ruptures

[@christinapant6979]

The only scientsist I trust!!

[@helenlydon678]

It's a minefield - in the absence of LPL activity how do triglycerides shed their load? I'm only 20 mins in, so I'll see...

[@ActivateMission2ThisTimeline]

LCHF4theW1N!!!

[@AnavonRebeur]

Calories dont exist, doc. It is glucose

[@andrewrivera4029]

Wow the best was the last: insulin x free fatty acids, male less than 5 fat cells are insulin sensitive, women less than 8 fat cells are insulin sensitive!

[@e.miller8943]

After a heart attack I am on a low fat diet to reduce lipids, inflammation and insulin resistance. My energy level is low and I am cold all the time even though I eat plenty of carbohydrates. Thanks to Dr. Bikman I kinda understand what is going on. Unfortunately, because I have had several strokes, I probably won't remember this tomorrow.

[@ActivateMission2ThisTimeline]

???? 😢😢😢

[@mlpires1815]

Try to lower your carbs too🙏

[@gwenj5419]

Low carb reduces insulin production. Not low fat. Your Drs may not know what they're talking about.

[@yoso585]

I enjoy the video, but with all the references to insulin spike, I think it should have been demonstrated just what it takes to spike insulin enough for the fat cells to gobble up those fats floating around in the blood. Seems people might get the idea that fat gets a free ride on a lc diet because insulin is not spiked. But I believe it’s fair to say that this is generally not true because of the protein consumption. So easy on those boxes of fat bombs there Charlie.

[@liamtaylor4955]

If FFA and insulin are both up? You've been eating ice cream.

[@ekondigg6751]

That would be triglycerides up.

[@liamtaylor4955]

@@ekondigg6751Which cells turn into FFAs using lipase.

[@coachromigill]

He claims Calories in/out theory doesn't work yet he talks about weight loss happening with increased metabolism, and cutting calories even though he believes Low carb low fat produces better results.

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

I thought he said low carb but higher calorie netted the scientist a smaller waist measurement??? But low fat higher carb git a bugger net gain of weight.....ahhhhhh listen to it one mo time

[@GB-nu6ow]

It's been known for >100yrs that calories in/out does not work for long term sustainable weight loss.

[@yoso585]

@@GB-nu6ow. But only in the context of having the supply and having the desire and motivation to get that supply. At the far end you have starvation, no supply.

[@OIOnaut]

Have you ever tried to grow fat cells in pure natural sunlight and entirely shielded from the ever present non-native EMFs?

[@binathere2574]

Nope I am confused. Fat makes me feel ill. I feel better on higher carbs.

[@EskaronVokonen]

3:46 now I'm confused, after watching hundreds of hours of conference from "low-carb doctors", I thought insulin resistance caused bodyfat gain, not the other way around. Did I understanded it backward, or is this guy talking contrary to all other scientists in the field?

[@anyajohnson4471]

It’s not contrary. Insulin is a fat storage hormone. But, insulin resistance is caused when a certain kind of fat cell closes the door to insulin - effectively saying i’m full, i will pop if i have more.

[@anyajohnson4471]

High insulin in the presence of energy causes fat gain.

[@Mudpie321]

Great audio book is Why We Get Fat and What to do about it by Gary Taubes.

[@gwenj5419]

Insulin resistance causes the body to release even more insulin to overcome the resistance.

[@monkeysezbegood]

Short answer: get insulin under control.

[@elizabethdale8566]

Many of my DM Type 2 friends insist they diabetic because of genetics/hereditary reasons. Looking up if this is the cause the ADA, etc all state that Type 2 can be result of genetics. Can Dr Bikman expand on this in one of his talks?

[@mlpires1815]

Genetics can certainly predispose you to diabetes so why not change your diet to be the healthier? Whole food, exercise, good sleep.

[@brendaandrandyking4126]

Well ive heard genetics can be the gun but your life choices and habits are the trigger

[@gwenj5419]

If it is hereditary, the number of T2s should remain basically the same. But T2 is skyrocketing in USA and other countries. Therefore there are factors that have changed since the 1960s or so.

[@dountoothers]

Have you suffered a stroke, heart attack, or were recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer, type two diabetes after following the advice of carnivore influencers on social media? If so, you may be entitled to compensation. Call a qualified malpractice or class-action attorney in your state today.

[@victoriar9728]

in conclusion, thou shalt not eat CARBS