A theory that appeals to me although I am not an obesity researcher is the torpor/omega-ratio theory of obesity. It states that obesity results from an activation of hibernation metabolism (torpor) by an elevated ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 PUFAs in the diet. Humans do not hibernate but our mammalian ancestors did, and the theory is that those metabolic pathways are latent in our biochemistry.
The activation of hibernation metabolism and fat mass gain by high omega-6 to omega-3 ratios is documented in the literature for hibernating mammals, and the ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 PUFAs in Western diets have skyrocketed in the past several decades due to vegetable oils. I think I first heard of this theory from this blog. It could certainly be coupled with the Hyperpalatable Food Theory.
PUFA as a proportion of body fat rose from ~10% in 1950 to ~20% in 2010. At least one hunter gatherer population has PUFA levels of 4%. We introduced high PUFA oils into our diets in the early 1900′s.
Human body temperature has dropped 0.6C/1.0F over the last 150-200 years. It is not believed to be measurement error. Measurement of a hunter-gatherer tribe showed decreasing body temperatures over time as they became more connected with civilization. It has been theorized the increased intake/body proportion of PUFAs may be causing this.
Reasonably good video on the topic:
There is a good case for completely avoiding seed/vegetable oils as they are a new and structurally unique food source we are unadapted to.
If anyone knows any way to get body fat PUFA proportions tested could you please let me know? I’ve cut seed oils from my diet for a few months now, but I’m interested in knowing how much effect it’s having.
A theory that appeals to me although I am not an obesity researcher is the torpor/omega-ratio theory of obesity. It states that obesity results from an activation of hibernation metabolism (torpor) by an elevated ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 PUFAs in the diet. Humans do not hibernate but our mammalian ancestors did, and the theory is that those metabolic pathways are latent in our biochemistry.
The activation of hibernation metabolism and fat mass gain by high omega-6 to omega-3 ratios is documented in the literature for hibernating mammals, and the ratios of omega-6 to omega-3 PUFAs in Western diets have skyrocketed in the past several decades due to vegetable oils. I think I first heard of this theory from this blog. It could certainly be coupled with the Hyperpalatable Food Theory.
Some additional information on this:
PUFA as a proportion of body fat rose from ~10% in 1950 to ~20% in 2010. At least one hunter gatherer population has PUFA levels of 4%. We introduced high PUFA oils into our diets in the early 1900′s.
Human body temperature has dropped 0.6C/1.0F over the last 150-200 years. It is not believed to be measurement error. Measurement of a hunter-gatherer tribe showed decreasing body temperatures over time as they became more connected with civilization. It has been theorized the increased intake/body proportion of PUFAs may be causing this.
Reasonably good video on the topic:
There is a good case for completely avoiding seed/vegetable oils as they are a new and structurally unique food source we are unadapted to.
If anyone knows any way to get body fat PUFA proportions tested could you please let me know? I’ve cut seed oils from my diet for a few months now, but I’m interested in knowing how much effect it’s having.