I finished reading The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets to Weight Loss by Dr. Jason Fung a month or so ago. I am pleased to recommend it as an introductory book on topics such as diet, weight loss, or health. As simple as it sounds, Dr. Fung is one of the few it not the only person to push aside all the inapplicable research in mice and really narrow and focus the discussion (of the obesity epidemic) to human studies, and then uses practical, logical arguments for how to address the problem. Doing so provides so much clarity that it makes other books look like they are wallowing in too much information and deliberation and uncertainty. Not so with The Obesity Code. It gets right to the heart (or the fat) of the matter.
If you have a friend with diabetes, particularly type-2, The Obesity Code is really is the book for them. It’s strong, convincing, and often funny in a sarcastic way. You can almost taste Fung’s impatience with how poorly this problem is being handled by his would-be peers, if they were only as smart as him. I personally enjoyed this book very much and for this topic of study I have moved this book to the top of my recommendation list when people ask.
Buy The Obesity Code [amazon link]
P.S. Also I found it fascinating that Chris Masterjohn Phd, listened to an interview between Jason Fung and Peter Attia and Chris then remarked that he agreed with 75% percent of Jason Fung’s theory of obesity—which is really saying something. Chris Masterjohn has a PhD in nutrition, is the author of Testing Nutritonal Status: The Ultimate Cheat Sheet (highly recommended), and holds the rare status of someone I would say “is never wrong.” Chris is just always exactly right. So if he mostly agrees with Fung, that’s a really great sign.
Bonus Review: The Complete Guide to Fasting
I also read Jimmy Moore and Dr. Fung’s Complete Guide to Fasting. I’m quite convinced with the high quality of this book. If you’ve ever wondered about fasting, how to do it, how long to do it, or are ever concerned and you need guidance before taking the leap, then this book is for you. It covers absolutely everything about fasting and I’m sure for a lot of people is going to be the book that removes the fear and helps them feel OK with the extremely healthy process of skipping meals or eating every other day. You will be surprised at what you learn about the differences between Calorie Restriction and Fasting which are absolutely not the same thing. Seems paradoxical but it’s true.
If you only buy one book by Dr. Jason Fung, make it the The Obesity Code. But if you’re considering fasting and you’re the slightest bit worried about taking the leap, do yourself a favor and get a copy of The Complete Guide to Fasting. Before I read this book I had completed a 7 day fast and I really felt amazing; After reading I now truly understand why.
Buy The Complete Guide to Fasting: Heal Your Body Through Intermittent, Alternate-Day, and Extended Fasting. [amazon link]