Real Fat-Burning Foods! Science-Backed Foods That Improve Your Metabolism - With Dr. William Li

Feb 16, 2026

Dr. William Li, physician-scientist and author who studies nutrition and disease prevention, explains how certain foods influence metabolism and fat. He discusses anti-angiogenic compounds in foods, how some foods reprogram fat stem cells, and the metabolic roles of curcumin, olive oil compounds, and fermented soy. The conversation highlights specific fat-supporting foods like avocados, lean fish, kimchi, almonds, and sweet potatoes.

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INSIGHT

Fat Is A Purposeful Organ

Fat is a useful organ formed before birth that acts as a fuel tank wrapped around blood vessels.
William W. Li explains fat stores energy and is essential for survival and early health.

INSIGHT

How Overeating Harms Metabolism

Overeating enlarges fat cells and forces the body to create more fat cells from stem cells.
When fat outgrows its blood supply it becomes hypoxic, inflamed, and derails metabolism.

INSIGHT

Food Can Tame Blood-Vessel Growth

Many foods contain anti-angiogenic compounds that can cut blood supply to tumors and fat.
William W. Li connects anti-angiogenic foods like soy genistein and green tea EGCG to shrinking fat tissue.

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What if I told you that eating certain foods that could help your body burn fat? On today’s show, you’re going to learn the exact science behind this process, including the specific ways that certain foods can aid in fat loss, and what to eat if your goal is to lose body fat.

On this episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to hear from world-renowned physician and scientist, Dr. William Li, on how to eat to optimize your metabolism. Dr. Li is an expert on the intersection of nutrition and human health. Today he’s sharing the exact science behind how certain foods affect your metabolism and ability to lose body fat.

I’m also sharing five science-backed foods that can help you lose more body fat, and the best ways to incorporate these fat-burning foods into your existing routine. This episode is full of powerful science and simple, accessible ways to improve your health from the inside out. So click play and enjoy!

In this episode you’ll discover:

What body fat actually is, and its purpose. (2:42)
How overeating affects your fat cells. (8:42)
The process behind how fat can become inflammatory. (10:23)
Which specific foods have anti-angiogenesis properties. (12:54)
The truth about eating soy. (14:13)
How curcumin helps the body burn fat. (22:24)
Why whole foods are often like a Swiss army knife. (26:18)
The science of stem cells inside your body fat. (27:40)
How the compound hydroxytyrosol can reprogram stem cells. (32:46)
The connection between the immune system and the metabolism. (43:03)
How eating avocados can help you lose more belly fat. (52:57)
The metabolic benefits of eating lean fish. (57:39)
How to add more sweet potatoes into your diet. (1:02:42)

Items mentioned in this episode include:

Boncharge.com/model - Use my code MODEL for 15% off blue light blocking glasses!
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How to Use Food to Burn Fat - Watch the entire interview with Dr. William Li!
Eat to Beat Disease by Dr. William Li - Learn how to use food
Eat to Beat Your Diet by Dr. William Li - Learn how to heal your metabolism!
Eat Smarter Family Cookbook - Transform the health, fitness, and connection of your entire family with the Eat Smarter Family Cookbook!

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This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Bon Charge and Pique.

Bon Charge carries the world’s largest selection of science-backed blue light blocking technology to enhance your sleep and overall wellness. Use my code MODEL at boncharge.com/model for 15% off blue light blocking glasses and more.

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