Few scientists have shaped the way we understand nutrition and metabolism as much as Dr. Kevin Hall. His research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has challenged long-held assumptions about weight loss, energy balance, and the role of ultra-processed foods in driving overeating.
Earlier this year, Dr. Hall made headlines when he resigned from the NIH, citing censorship of his work. In this conversation, he explains what happened and why it matters—not just for scientists, but for all of us who rely on independent research to guide public health.
What We Covered
In our discussion, Dr. Hall:
Debunks old rules of weight loss. We talked about why the “3,500 calories = 1 pound” idea has never held up in real-world evidence.
Explains the biology of weight loss. His “Biggest Loser” study revealed dramatic metabolic adaptation with weight loss.
Takes us inside the ultra-processed foods trial. His 2019 NIH study showed people ate about 500 extra calories per day on ultra-processed diets, despite matched nutrients. We explored what mechanisms may drive that.
Talks policy and the food environment. If ultra-processed food environments drive overeating, what solutions are realistic to actually improve our food environment?
Why It Matters
Nutrition science is often oversimplified into catchy rules, wellness trends, or villain/hero narratives about single foods. Dr. Hall reminds us that the real story is more complex, and that translating evidence into policy requires both scientific rigor and political courage.
This is a conversation worth watching if you care about where nutrition science is headed, and why protecting scientific independence matters now more than ever.
Get a copy of Dr. Hall’s new book that we discussed, Food Intelligence, here.
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