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Introduction
In this solo episode, Danny discusses a chapter of the book Food Intelligence, co-authored by Julia Belluz and Kevin Hall. This chapter, titled “The Conductor”, focuses on how the brain regulates hunger, energy balance, and body weight.
The conversation highlights how this neural regulation of energy balance can often override conscious control, challenging common assumptions about willpower, personal responsibility, and weight regulation. Danny breaks down some of the key mechanisms presented in the chapter, such as homeostatic versus hedonic drives to eat, the role of leptin and other hormonal signals, and the implications of hypothalamic damage or dysfunction.
The episode also examines how modern food environments interact with brain mechanisms in ways that were never part of our evolutionary context. And what that means for understanding obesity and eating behaviour today.
- [00:15]Introduction
- [02:13]The science of appetite and brain’s role
- [14:52]Historical context and early research
- [18:41]The discovery of Leptin and its implications
- [30:23]Hormonal controls and Bariatric surgery
- [40:17]Genetics, environment, and obesity
- [43:41]Practical takeaways and conclusion
The Hosts
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Dr. Alan Flanagan has a PhD in nutrition from the University of Surrey, where his doctoral research focused on circadian rhythms, feeding, and chrononutrition.
This work was based on human intervention trials. He also has a Masters in Nutritional Medicine from the same institution.
Dr. Flanagan is a regular co-host of Sigma Nutrition Radio. He also produces written content for Sigma Nutrition, as part of his role as Research Communication Officer.
Danny Lennon has a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences from University College Cork, and he is the founder of Sigma Nutrition.
Danny is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Sports Nutrition Association, the global regulatory body responsible for the standardisation of best practice in the sports nutrition profession.
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Introduction to this Episode
In this solo episode, Danny discusses a chapter of the book Food Intelligence, co-authored by Julia Belluz and Kevin Hall. This chapter, titled “The Conductor”, focuses on how the brain regulates hunger, energy balance, and body weight.
The conversation highlights how this neural regulation of energy balance can often override conscious control, challenging common assumptions about willpower, personal responsibility, and weight regulation. Danny breaks down some of the key mechanisms presented in the chapter, such as homeostatic versus hedonic drives to eat, the role of leptin and other hormonal signals, and the implications of hypothalamic damage or dysfunction.
The episode also examines how modern food environments interact with brain mechanisms in ways that were never part of our evolutionary context. And what that means for understanding obesity and eating behaviour today.
