<p>Have you ever counted calories before?</p> <p>What’s one small change you’d like to make in how you eat?</p> <p>Today, Jay invites geneticist and author Giles Yeo to challenge one of the most persistent beliefs in modern health culture: the idea that all calories are created equal. Giles is a professor at the University of Cambridge, specializing in the study of how genes influence appetite and body weight. He is the author of Gene Eating and Why Calories Don’t Count, both of which challenge conventional diet myths through the lens of cutting-edge science. Giles is also a science communicator and host of the podcast Dr. Giles Yeo Chews the Fat, where he breaks down complex nutritional concepts with clarity and humor.</p> <p>Jay begins by asking the question on everyone’s mind—do calories really count? Giles, with a calm and science-grounded approach, unpacks why the answer isn’t so simple. While calorie counting has become a cornerstone of dieting, he explains that the way our bodies extract and process calories depends heavily on the quality of the food, not just the number printed on a label. </p> <p>Giles shares how our genetic makeup influences hunger, satiety, and fat storage in ways that most diet plans fail to consider. Jay and Giles explore the emotional and social layers of eating, diving into how cultural conditioning, access to healthy food, and even marketing affect our food choices. They also examine why it's harder for some people to lose weight than others—not because of laziness or lack of willpower, but because their biology is wired differently. Giles challenges the shame-based narratives around body weight and reframes the discussion around health, sustainability, and self-awareness. </p> <p>In this interview, you'll learn:</p> <p>How to Eat for Quality, Not Just Calories</p> <p>How to Read Food Labels the Right Way</p> <p>How to Choose Protein, Fiber, and Sugar Wisely</p> <p>How to Spot Diet Myths That Don’t Serve You</p> <p>How to Lose Weight Without Obsessing Over Numbers</p> <p>How to Understand Your Body’s Unique Metabolism</p> <p>How to Manage Cravings with a Plan, Not Willpower</p> <p>You don’t need to follow a strict diet or obsess over every calorie to feel better in your body. Instead, focus on nourishing yourself with real, quality foods, making small sustainable changes, and understanding how your unique biology works.</p> <p>With Love and Gratitude,</p> <p>Jay Shetty</p> <p><strong><em>Join over 750,000 people to receive my most transformative wisdom directly in your inbox every single week with my free newsletter. Subscribe </em></strong><a href="https://news.jayshetty.me/subscribe"><strong><em>here</em></strong></a><strong><em>. </em></strong></p> <p><strong>What We Discuss:</strong></p> <p>00:00 Intro</p> <p>01:18 Do Calories Actually Matter?</p> <p>02:02 Why Protein Makes Your Body Work Harder</p> <p>03:41 Are You Eating More Than You Think?</p> <p>05:32 Why Food Quality Matters More Than Quantity</p> <p>06:24 How Processing Increases Calorie Absorption</p> <p>09:31 What Really Makes Food Healthy?</p> <p>10:27 When Did Obesity Become a Global Crisis?</p> <p>11:18 How Fast Food Became the Default</p> <p>13:33 The Real Impact of Unhealthy Weight Gain</p> <p>14:40 The Macronutrients You’re Missing Out On</p> <p>17:01 Are You Absorbing the Nutrients You Eat?</p> <p>19:50 How Cutting Ultra-Processed Foods Affects Weight</p> <p>21:51 Does Better Flavor Mean More Nutrition?</p> <p>23:23 Why We Process Calories Differently</p> <p>26:37 Can You Actually Target Belly Fat?</p> <p>27:47 How Genetics Influence Your Body Shape</p> <p>29:00 Are You Limited by Your Genes?</p> <p>31:48 How to Adjust Your Diet for Real Change</p> <p>35:05 The Smart Way to Read a Nutrition Label</p> <p>37:47 Fried vs. Baked: What's the Healthier Option?</p> <p>38:44 What Is 'Incidental Virtuous Food'?</p> <p>41:47 Is Orange Juice as Healthy as You Think?</p> <p>44:26 How Food Labels Can Be Misleading</p> <p>46:19 The Truth About Protein Bars</p> <p>48:03 3 Things to Focus on When Reading Labels</p> <p>49:41 The Hidden Ingredients to Watch For</p> <p>51:30 Why Weight Is About Biology, Not Willpower</p> <p>54:12 Do You Really Lack Willpower—or Is It Biology?</p> <p>56:51 Why “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” Works</p> <p>57:58 How to Outsmart Your Cravings</p> <p>01:02:45 What You Need to Know About Appetite-Suppressing Drugs</p> <p>01:06:35 The Hidden Risks of Weight Loss Medications</p> <p>01:08:07 2 Truths Everyone Should Know About Healthy Eating</p> <p>01:09:30 Start With This: Protein, Fiber, and Sugar</p> <p>01:11:26 Giles on Final Five  </p> <p><strong>Episode Resources:</strong></p> <p>Dr. Giles Yeo | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gilesyeo">Instagram</a></p> <p>Dr. Giles Yeo | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/giles.yeo/">Facebook</a></p> <p>Dr. Giles Yeo | <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/giles-yeo-2062969/">LinkedIn</a></p> <p>Dr. Giles Yeo | <a href="https://x.com/gilesyeo">X</a></p> <p><a h