Let’s assume the following extremely simplified equation is true:
CALORIES_IN = WORK + FAT
Usually the conclusion is “less calories = less fat”. But it also could be “less calories = less work”. Not just in the sense that you consciously decide to work less, but also that your body can make you unable to work. Which means: you are extremely tired, unable to focus, in worst case you fall into coma.
The problem with calorie restriction is that it doesn’t come with a switch for “please don’t make me tired or falling in coma, just reduce my fat”. -- Finding the switch is the whole problem.
If your metabolical switch is broken, calorie restriction can simply send you in a zombie mode, and your weight remains the same.
The problem with calorie restriction is that it doesn’t come with a switch for “please don’t make me tired or falling in coma, just reduce my fat”. -- Finding the switch is the whole problem.
Great explanation. I didn’t consider this before, will update accordingly.
do you mean that this is a plausible hypothesis, supported by evidence, or just a speculation which would, if true, explain why calorie restriction might not work for Eliezer? If the former, could you point me to the relevant evidence?
I think I remember Eliezer complaining somewhere that calorie restriction (or something like that) makes him tired or just unable to do his work, but I don’t remember the source. I’m pretty sure that he tried it.
Let’s assume the following extremely simplified equation is true:
CALORIES_IN = WORK + FAT
Usually the conclusion is “less calories = less fat”. But it also could be “less calories = less work”. Not just in the sense that you consciously decide to work less, but also that your body can make you unable to work. Which means: you are extremely tired, unable to focus, in worst case you fall into coma.
The problem with calorie restriction is that it doesn’t come with a switch for “please don’t make me tired or falling in coma, just reduce my fat”. -- Finding the switch is the whole problem.
If your metabolical switch is broken, calorie restriction can simply send you in a zombie mode, and your weight remains the same.
Great explanation. I didn’t consider this before, will update accordingly.
Thanks. When you say that
do you mean that this is a plausible hypothesis, supported by evidence, or just a speculation which would, if true, explain why calorie restriction might not work for Eliezer? If the former, could you point me to the relevant evidence?
I think I remember Eliezer complaining somewhere that calorie restriction (or something like that) makes him tired or just unable to do his work, but I don’t remember the source. I’m pretty sure that he tried it.
Yes, he did. He found that as little as missing a meal knocked him out.
Currently, he’s found a ketogenic diet which is working for him at least in the short run.
Do a three day fast and see if you can still be as active physically at the end as you are at the moment. That’s a very easy experiment.
If you don’t believe that changes in eating have any effect on how your body works there not even a price involved.