[simiones]

> E.g. in part 2 he dismisses carbs as a cause of obesity, and he begins by citing a trial involving 16 people.

The author starts with that, but they continue with other arguments as well. Particularly, they bring evidence of entire cultures consuming a diet made almost exclusively of carbs who have near 0% obesity - quite powerful proof that carbs themselves are not a direct cause of obesity.

[galangalalgol]

we also should be careful extrapolating a universally optimal diet from what seems to work best for one genetically homogeneous group. There of been studies that indicate that Indian and farther eastern Asian populations have a sequence that allows better utilization of bean and pea protein.

[simiones]

Sure, but still people from these places tend to get fat at similar rates to locals when moving to other countries, after some time.

[galangalalgol]

That does seem interesting. To be aure we should introduce antibiotics into their food supply... I know for myself, eating potatoes doesn't lead to weight gain like grain flours. My hypothesis is either fiber level or the presence of water in the potatoes as opposed to dry starches. I think a chemical source is also likely. It could also be a chemical we aren't getting anymore instead of one we are only now exposed to.

[simiones]

Note that the conclusion of this article is that antibiotics are not a satisfactory answer in the end.

[galangalalgol]

right, the final implication is that it could be any chemical that walked it way up the foodchain from roundup to PCBs.it could also be plasticizers or the diet of things we eat or get milk and eggs from. My point is it also could be something we don't get exposed to anymore that kept us from gaining weight in the past. Nicotine is what gave me that idea, but it doesn't really fit. Was never that ubiquitous, and it wouldn't explain obesity rates in children well.