The Calculus of Calories: Quantitative Physiology of Human Body Weight Regulation

Why is it so difficult to lose weight and keep it off? Our recent study of the “Biggest Loser” contestants demonstrated powerful biological responses that resist weight loss by increasing appetite and slowing metabolism. This presentation will discuss experimental and mathematical modeling studies that quantify the relative magnitude of the biological responses to weight loss and their role in the feedback control of human body weight. Furthermore, I will describe the generally unimpressive long-term results of weight loss diet trials, their implications for treatment of obesity, and why there may not be any “best diet” for weight loss.