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Summary of Transcript:
The speaker, Giles Yeo, is a geneticist at the University of Cambridge who studies the brain’s control of food intake and the variation in response to the food environment. He has written a bestselling book called “Gene Eating: The Story of Human Appetite.” In this talk, he discusses the truth about diets and how they work. Diets are difficult, and many different types of diets are available, but they all work for at least some people for a short time. There is no universal diet plan that suits everyone because all of us respond differently. The vast majority of non-communicable diseases in the world today are diet-related, and fixing the environment we are living in is crucial to solving this issue sustainably.
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Summary of Description:
Dr. Giles Yeo discusses his research on the brain’s control of food intake and body weight and how it can inform our eating habits in everyday life. Giles has 20 years of experience studying the genetics of obesity and brain control of food intake and currently focuses on the influence of genes on feeding behavior and body weight. He is a bestselling author and was recently appointed an MBE for his research and community engagement work. He is also a broadcaster and author, presenting science documentaries for the BBC, and his book, Gene Eating, which explores the human appetite.
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Understanding the Brain’s Control of Food Intake
Food is vital for survival, but with the rise of fast food and convenience meals, it’s easy to lose track of what we put into our bodies. In this talk, Dr. Giles Yeo explores the brain’s control of food intake and how that knowledge can inform our everyday eating choices.
Dr. Giles Yeo is a researcher based at the University of Cambridge Institute of Metabolic Science, with over 20 years of experience studying the genetics of obesity and the brain’s control of food intake. He was recently appointed an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List for Research and Community Engagement, recognizing his contribution to the scientific community.
Genetics and Feeding Behaviour
Understanding the genetic factors influencing eating can give us valuable insights into why some people struggle to lose weight while others don’t. In his talk, Dr. Yeo delves into the role of genetics in feeding behavior and body weight. He highlights the complexity of these genetic factors and how they interact with our environment and lifestyle choices.
Dr. Yeo’s research shows the power of genetic testing in understanding how we should eat. By analyzing genes related to weight loss, it’s possible to tailor diet and exercise plans to individual needs to achieve better results.
The Power of the Brain
The brain plays a crucial role in regulating our food intake. Dr. Yeo explains that our brain receives signals from the gut determining how much food we need. He describes how our brain’s reward system can trick us into overeating, leading to unwanted weight gain.
Dr. Yeo notes the importance of mindfulness and self-awareness in combating these tendencies. He encourages us to take a step back and carefully think about our food choices. By being more conscious of what we eat, we can avoid the pitfalls of unhealthy eating habits.
Balancing Genetics and Environment
While genetics play a vital role in our food choices, Dr. Yeo emphasizes that it’s not the only factor. Environmental factors such as our relationships with food and our cultural backgrounds can also profoundly impact our eating habits.
Dr. Yeo reminds us that everyone is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating healthily. He advises that we should listen to our bodies and make informed decisions about what we put into them.
Conclusion
Dr. Giles Yeo’s talk is a fascinating insight into the mind-boggling complexities that underpin our relationship with food. His research shows that the brain’s control of food intake is an intricate process that involves multiple genetic and environmental factors. Understanding these factors is crucial to healthy eating choices tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Yeo’s work highlights the importance of genetic testing and self-awareness in combating unwanted weight gain. By understanding the complex processes involved in our food choices, we can take control of our health and make informed decisions about what we eat.
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Source Description
In this talk, hosted by ThinkLab and the Intellectual Forum, Dr. Giles Yeo (the University of Cambridge Institute of Metabolic Science, Wolfson College) discusses his work studying the brain’s control of food intake and body weight and how those insights can inform our own everyday eating choices.
Giles is the author of the best-selling book Gene Eating: The Story of Human Appetite and was recently appointed an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen’s Birthday 2020 Honours List for Research and Community Engagement.
More about the speaker:
Giles Yeo is based at the University of Cambridge Institute of Metabolic Science. He has 20 years of experience studying the genetics of obesity & brain control of food intake. He obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge in 1998, and his research currently focuses on the influence of genes on feeding behavior & body weight. Giles is also a graduate tutor and fellow of Wolfson College and Honorary President of the British Dietetic Association.
In addition to academia, Giles is a broadcaster and author, presenting science documentaries for the BBC’s ‘Horizon’ & ‘Trust Me I’m A Doctor.’ His first book ‘Gene Eating: The Story of human appetite’ was published in December 2018. Giles was appointed an MBE in the Queen’s 2020 birthday honors for services to ‘Research, Communication, and Engagement.’
Giles’s book, Gene Eating, is available here: http://smarturl.it/GeneEatin.
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