July 09, 2025

#81 Weight Loss, Ozempic, and the End of Calorie Counting? A Conversation with Dr. Giles Yeo (Geneticist, University of Cambridge Professor, Author)

49 minutes

What really drives the way we eat?

In this episode of The Curious Advantage Podcast, Paul Ashcroft, Simon Brown, and Garrick Jones are joined by Dr. Giles Yeo—geneticist, author, and professor at the University of Cambridge to explore the science behind appetite, genetics, and weight loss.

Dr. Giles Yeo explains how our eating behaviours are more biological than we think, shaped by the brain’s role in decision-making and our unique genetic makeup. He unpacks the truth behind obesity and reveals why weight management is far more complex than just calorie counting.

The conversation dives into the impact of ultra-processed foods, food environments, and weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro, along with what happens when people stop taking them. They also explore the idea of a red, amber and green food labelling system to help guide healthier choices.

Together, they examine how curiosity, empathy and a deeper understanding of human biology can challenge diet myths and shape more supportive approaches to wellness.

Why Calories Don't Count: How We Got the Science of Weight Loss Wrong available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Why-Calories-Dont-Count-Science/dp/B08LZPDT4W/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=Dv6kL&content-id=amzn1.sym.6b6d4bc1-013f-4684-8a3d-174e5cf88d17&pf_rd_p=6b6d4bc1-013f-4684-8a3d-174e5cf88d17&pf_rd_r=262-0311421-9608643&pd_rd_wg=R2KmB&pd_rd_r=4da738c0-df01-4abe-9167-ab9a06df2b89&ref_=aufs_ap_sc_dsk

00:00 Introduction to Genetics and Dr. Giles Yeoh

01:13 Giles Yeoh's Journey in Genetics

04:15 Understanding Eating Behaviors

11:00 The Role of DNA in Eating Responses

14:19 Appetite and the Brain's Influence

18:58 Implications for Weight Management

24:24 The Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods

25:46 Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods

28:42 The Complexity of Calories

30:18 Rethinking Food Quality and Nutrition Labels

33:41 The Role of Dietary Choices

40:38 Weight Loss Medications: Mechanisms and Implications

52:30 The Social Perspective on Obesity

About The Curious Advantage Podcast

Join the authors of The Curious Advantage in an exploration of how individuals and organizations can harness the power of curiosity to drive success in our new digital reality. In each episode, they engage in enlightening conversations with world-leading experts from a diversity of disciplines to bring to life the latest understanding of curiosity in a way that’s useful to anyone looking to embark on a journey of discovery, navigate challenges, and unlock opportunities.

About The Curious Advantage Book

The Curious Advantage is an exploration of the idea of Curiosity and its increasing importance for thriving in the digital age. Taking the widest possible exploration of things Curious – historical, contemporary, neuro-scientific, anthropological, behavioural, semantic and business-focused. At the heart of the book is our model of Curiosity, called ’Sailing the 7C’s of Curiosity’. This model provides individuals with a practical framework for how to be successfully Curious and use Curiosity as a power skill to unlock their own potential. To find out more visit: curiousadvantage.com

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The Curious Advantage Podcast is executive produced by Jessica Wickham and Aliki Paolinelis. Audio editing is done by Danny Cross and video editing by Jessica Wickham.

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