Constant comments on How I Lost 100 Pounds Using TDT - Less Wrong

70 Post author: Zvi 14 March 2011 03:50PM

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Comment author: Swimmer963 16 March 2011 10:52:07PM 0 points [-]

Based on what I know about biochemistry and metabolism, that sounds reasonable. Have they done any studies on humans (not mice)?

Comment author: [deleted] 16 March 2011 11:00:25PM 0 points [-]

Taubes wrote a 600-page book on the science, most of it involving humans. I'm out of my depth at this point - you would need to consult the book, either Good Calories Bad Calories, or one he wrote more recently for a wider audience that seriously trims back on the science. But if you want the science you want the earlier, bigger book.

Comment author: retiredurologist 16 March 2011 11:40:38PM 7 points [-]

The amazing thing (to me) is that Taubes' two books are not original or personal studies, nor does he claim otherwise. Instead, they are exhaustive reviews of the published dietary research, in which he looks at what was found, and the conclusions that should be drawn. It is (in my opinion) one of the most egregious examples of confirmation bias that the establishment researchers and the government (USA) chose to conclude from these same studies those things that supported their established views, in spite of their own evidence to the contrary. I conclude that adoption of Taubes' findings into our lifestyles would have more positive impact on healthcare (at least, in the USA) than anything else I know. I acknowledge that SIAI President Michael Vassar has said to me: "I met Taubes and he seemed (almost certainly) sincere but not all that bright. Definitely not very erudite and not all that good at philosophy of science." I suggest that readers review Taubes' credientials and determine, as I have, whether he is likely qualified both to understand and to write about the topic. I have been an Atkins devotee for years, and my chemistries reflect Taubes' conclusions (anecdotal). I acknowledge that some very intelligent people (e.g. Yudkowsky) believe that some particular individuals are mysteriously "metabolically challenged", and may respond differently, although I am not aware of the studies to confirm this.