The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss (Why Intermittent Fasting Is the Key to Controlling Your Weight)

by Jason Fung

Neither food reward nor physical exertion can explain the association between obesity and poverty. So what drives obesity in the poor? It is the same thing that drives obesity everywhere else: refined carbohydrates. For those dealing with poverty, food needs to be affordable. Some dietary fats are fairly inexpensive. However, we do not, as a general rule, drink a cup of vegetable oil for dinner. Furthermore, official government recommendations are to follow a low-fat diet. Dietary proteins, such as meat and dairy, tend to be relatively expensive. Less expensive vegetable proteins, such as tofu or legumes, are available but not typical in a North American diet. This leaves carbohydrates. If refined carbohydrates are significantly cheaper than other sources of food, then those living in poverty will eat refined carbohydrates. Indeed, processed carbohydrates are entire orders of magnitude less expensive. An entire loaf of bread might cost $1.99. An entire package of pasta might cost $0.99. Compare that to cheese or steak, which might cost $10 or $20. Unrefined carbohydrates, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, cannot compare to the low, low prices of processed foods. A single pound of cherries, for instance, may cost $6.99. Why are highly refined carbohydrates so cheap? Why are unprocessed carbohydrates so much more expensive? The government lowers the cost of production with hefty agricultural subsidies. But not all foods get equal treatment.