Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Menopause, and Science for Women 35+

Ep. 561 Why Eating Less Isn’t Working – The Real Root Causes of Obesity & Metabolic Disease with Dr. Jason Fung | Menopause & Metabolic Health

Feb 28, 2026

Dr. Jason Fung, nephrologist and leading expert on intermittent fasting and metabolic health, joins to challenge calorie-focused thinking. He explores types of hunger, how hormones like GLP-1 and insulin drive weight, the role of protein, fiber and bitter foods in satiety, effects of ultra-processed carbs, and why meal timing, sleep and stress reshape body weight regulation.

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INSIGHT

Calories Model Explains Too Little

Calories in versus calories out is technically true but practically useless for treating obesity because it answers the how, not the why.
Jason Fung uses the Titanic three-whys to show you must ask why calories are high, then why you're hungry, then why you're hungry biologically or behaviorally.

INSIGHT

Three Types Of Hunger Matter

Hunger splits into three distinct drivers: homeostatic (physical), hedonic (emotional/pleasure) and conditioned (social/environmental).
Identifying which hunger dominates tells you whether to target hormones, addiction/ultra-processed foods, or behavioral cues.

ADVICE

Eat Protein And Fiber First

Favor real protein-and-fiber meals to stimulate satiety hormones like GLP-1, peptide YY and CCK instead of calorie-matched liquid/processed options.
Example: a protein omelet keeps you full hours while an equal-calorie Frappuccino spikes insulin and leaves you hungry.

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I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Jason Fung today. He is a trained nephrologist and world-leading expert on intermittent fasting and metabolic health. He has authored multiple books, including the New York Times best-seller, The Obesity Code, The Diabetes Code, and, more recently, The Hunger Code.

In our conversation today, we unpack the obsessive focus on the calories-in, calories-out model, which is neither practical nor effective. We explore the root causes behind the narrow-minded thinking that calories alone drive obesity, differences between types of hunger and conditioned responses, how hormones affect other hormones, and lessons about GLP-1s. We examine the critical importance of fiber and protein, and offer clarity around carbohydrates. We also cover the impact of meal timing, sleep, and circadian biology, the fat thermostat and sympathetic tone, nutrition, stress, and mindful eating, and dive into the issue of ultra-processed foods.

Join us for an insightful conversation that challenges conventional wisdom and offers a nuanced and sustainable approach to understanding hunger, metabolism, and long-term health.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

“Calories in, calories out” framework is technically correct, but practically useless
How the homeostatic, hedonic, and conditioned hunger types differ
Dr. Fung shares his take on GLP-1 medications
How fiber stimulates natural GLP-1 production
Processed and natural carbohydrates produce vastly different glucose and insulin responses.
Avoid eating late-night meals!
Complex relationship between hunger, hormonal regulation, and sleep quality
Hormones that drive body fat regulation
How bitter foods suppress appetite and enhance satiety

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

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Check out Cynthia’s website
Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com
Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community: The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow
Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now!
Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book
The Midlife Pause Supplement Line

Connect with Dr. Jason Fung

On his website
Instagram and YouTube
Dr. Fung’s latest book, The Hunger Code, will come out in March. Pre-order on Amazon!