Episode 2405 – On this Friday’s show Vinnie Tortorich speaks with Dr. Ben Bikman and they discuss weight loss drugs, creating a metabolic storm, if calories count, and more.
Creating A Metabolic Storm
- Vinnie asks Dr. Ben Bikman about GLP-1, which are drugs used for weight loss, like Ozempic, Wegovy, etc. (4:00)
- Dr. Bikman confirms that there are negative consequences that should be considered and that jumping on these drugs should be delayed. (6:30)
- He’s not opposed, but he says the metabolism cannot be tricked.
- The result of very high doses is the slow down of the intestines—food does not leave the stomach. (8:55)
- These drugs can create a metabolic storm, especially in high doses.
- He goes into clear detail and shares examples of fat and insulin resistance. (12:00)
- But then getting back off the medication creates a “metabolic storm”.
- Vinnie brings up weight loss and muscle loss when on those drugs. (15:30)
- Dr. Bikman elaborates on muscle loss.
- Trying to regain muscle is difficult, especially if you’re older.
- It’s not just a matter of muscle—you must also keep bones strong. (21:45)
- They discuss resistance training and repetition—it’s most effective to go to failure. (26:15)
- Don’t worry about the calories, worry about insulin.
- Focus on nourishing your body with proteins and fat—you do not need insulin spikes to grow muscle. (28:00)
- Dr. Bikman makes a general recommendation for success in health and weight loss.
Are Calories a Thing?
- They discuss the quality of calories, not just the quantity. (31:00)
- Dr. Bikman elaborates on the two theories of obesity: the endocrine theory and the caloric theory.
- Calories are a measure used in physics and don’t translate directly to biochemical science. (33:00)
- The moment you spike insulin, you slow your metabolism and return to hunger earlier. (40:00)
- Why is it that when protein raises insulin, it’s not a problem? (44:15)
- Ben discusses the hormone glucagon and some recent research that is being done.
- The results of this research are still pending, but Dr. Bikman has some suggestions.
- Vinnie asks about the “dawn effect.” (48:00)
- Ben describes the phenomenon and how it affects various issues like T1 and T2 diabetics.
- He recommends that breakfast be a low-carb version. (52:00)
- Vinnie has questions about sugar and fat cells, long-chain triglycerides, and if the amount of insulin matters. (53:00)
- Ben describes how fat cells grow and the role of insulin in that process.
- Dr. Bikman says most people could not get to 600 lbs; he explains why, and what differences can occur in genetics.
- He describes the various ways that fat cells react, and how a person can develop things like fatty liver disease, fatty pancreatic disease, and more.
- They agree that all of it can be changed through lifestyle and nutrition. (1:02:00)
- Ben says low-calorie, low-fat is not the answer—your first step should be a low-insulin step.
- Once you reach a certain goal, you can try intermittent fasting, but then plan properly.
- Vinnie adds that it is important to stay out of a “diet mentality.”
Vinnie shares an update to his website that you’ll want to check out: a VIP section! Go to vinnietororich.com/VIP for more information.
You can find Dr. Ben Bikman on social media @BenBikmanPhD. You can find his excellent book “Why We Get Sick” here, and also at insuliniq.com.
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