Fork U with Dr. Terry Simpson

Terry Simpson
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  • MEDICINE
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Fork U with Dr. Terry Simpson

Fork U(niversity) Not everything you put in your mouth is good for you. There’s a lot of medical information thrown around out there. How are you to know what information you can trust, and what’s just plain old quackery? You can’t rely on your own “google fu”. You can’t count on quality medical advice from Facebook. You need a doctor in your corner. On each episode of Your Doctor’s Orders, Dr. Terry Simpson will cut through the clutter and noise that always seems to follow the latest medical news. He has the unique perspective of a surgeon who has spent years doing molecular virology research and as a skeptic with academic credentials. He’ll help you develop the critical thinking skills so you can recognize evidence-based medicine, busting myths along the way. The most common medical myths are often disguised as seemingly harmless “food as medicine”. By offering their own brand of medicine via foods, These hucksters are trying to practice medicine without a license. And though they’ll claim “nutrition is not taught in medical schools”, it turns out that’s a myth too. In fact, there’s an entire medical subspecialty called Culinary Medicine, and Dr. Simpson is certified as a Culinary Medicine Specialist. Where today's nutritional advice is the realm of hucksters, Dr. Simpson is taking it back to the realm of science.

  1. 3 HR. AGO

    Fuel, Don't Fad. Eat for Health, not Hype.

    Fuel, Don’t Fad: How to Eat for Health, Not HypeIf you’ve ever fallen for a fad diet, you’re not alone. They promise quick results, make bold claims, and usually leave you hungry, cranky, and disappointed. But here’s the truth: fad diets don’t work in the long run. What does work? Fueling your body with the right foods. In this blog, we’ll break down why fad diets fail, how to rebuild your relationship with food, and the best way to fuel your body for health, happiness, and energy. Why Fad Diets Fail (Every Single Time)Fad diets sound tempting. They promise you’ll drop 10 pounds in a week, detox your body, or gain endless energy. But they always have a catch—and that catch is why they fail so miserably. 1. Fad Diets Demonize FoodCarbs are evil. Fats are the enemy. Fruits have too much sugar. If you’ve heard any of these, you’ve encountered a fad diet. These diets love to turn food into the villain, leaving you afraid to eat the things your body actually needs. 2. They Set You Up for Yo-Yo DietingYou lose weight quickly at first, but as soon as you eat normally, the weight comes rushing back. This cycle is not just frustrating—it’s harmful to your health and metabolism. 3. They Ignore ScienceMany fad diets rely on gimmicks instead of facts. For example, “Don’t eat after 7 PM because your metabolism goes to sleep.” Spoiler alert: your metabolism doesn’t have a bedtime. Unhealthy Relationships with FoodFad diets don’t just fail—they mess with your mind. They teach you to fear food, label meals as “good” or “bad,” and disconnect you from your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. Stop Labeling Food as the EnemyFood isn’t good or bad. It’s just food. Sure, a salad has more nutrients than a slice of cake, but both can fit into a balanced diet. When you stop assigning moral value to food, you’ll stop feeling guilty about what you eat. Trust Your Body’s Hunger SignalsYour body knows when it’s hungry and when it’s full. Fad diets train you to ignore these signals, but you can retrain yourself. Start listening to your body—it’s smarter than any diet app. How to Fuel Your Body the Right WayNow that we’ve covered what doesn’t work, let’s talk about what does. Fueling your body means giving it the energy and nutrients it needs to thrive. Forget restriction—focus on addition. Fruits: Nature’s CandyAim for 9 ounces of fruit per day or about two servings. Fruits provide vitamins, antioxidants, and natural sweetness. Plus, they’re portable and easy to snack on. Snack idea: Slice an apple and pair it with peanut butter.Breakfast tip: Add berries to your oatmeal or yogurt. Vegetables: The Foundation of Your PlateLike fruits, aim for 9 ounces of vegetables per day. Vegetables are low in calories but high in nutrients, fiber, and flavor. Quick tip: Roast a tray of veggies with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.Sneaky trick: Add spinach to your smoothies—you won’t taste it, but your body will love it. Whole Grains: Your Sturdy SidekickWhole grains give you the energy that lasts. They’re rich in fiber, which keeps you full and your digestion happy. Aim for 9 ounces of whole grains per day. Breakfast idea: Enjoy a bowl of oatmeal with fruit and nuts.Dinner option: Serve quinoa, brown rice, or whole-grain pasta as a base for your meals. Fish: Brain...

    14 min
  2. Number One Diet 2025: Mediterranean

    JAN 15

    Number One Diet 2025: Mediterranean

    The Mediterranean Diet: Why It’s Still #1 in 2025When it comes to choosing the best diet for overall health, the Mediterranean diet has topped the a href="The Mediterranean Diet: Why It’s Still #1 in 2025 When it comes to choosing the best diet for overall health, the Mediterranean diet has topped the list again in 2025. It’s easy to see why: it’s simple, it’s sustainable, and it delivers proven health benefits. Whether you’re looking to manage your weight, reduce your risk of heart disease, or improve your gut health, the Mediterranean diet offers a balanced, flexible approach to eating. In this blog, we’ll dive into the reasons why the Mediterranean diet continues to be the #1 choice for 2025 and why other diets, like the Carnivore diet, aren’t the best options for your health. What Makes the Mediterranean Diet So Special? The Mediterranean diet is based on the eating habits of countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain. But here’s the key: it’s not just about eating food from these regions. The Mediterranean diet is more of an eating pattern—one that focuses on fresh, whole foods, a variety of plant-based ingredients, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This diet encourages you to eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds while making olive oil your primary fat source. Fish is a star in this diet, while dairy and red meat are enjoyed in moderation. The Mediterranean Diet Algorithm The Mediterranean diet isn’t about following a strict menu or buying expensive specialty ingredients. It’s about focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods and following an algorithm: more plants, more healthy fats, and fewer processed foods. It’s not a fad—it’s a way of life that’s been proven to improve long-term health. Why Is the Mediterranean Diet Still Ranked #1? So, why is the Mediterranean diet still ranked #1 for 2025 by experts like U.S. News & World Report? Here’s why: Supports Heart Health The Mediterranean diet is packed with healthy fats, like olive oil and fatty fish (think salmon and sardines), which are known to reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that this diet can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke by improving blood pressure and supporting healthy arteries. Controls Blood Sugar If you have diabetes or prediabetes, the Mediterranean diet is a fantastic choice. It helps regulate blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and preventing blood sugar spikes that can cause problems over time. Improves Gut Health The Mediterranean diet is rich in fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are essential for a healthy gut. A healthy gut microbiome can help with digestion, boost immunity, and even improve your mood. Fights Inflammation Chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases, including arthritis and certain cancers. The Mediterranean diet’s focus on antioxidant-rich foods (like leafy greens, tomatoes, nuts, and fatty fish) helps reduce inflammation in the body. The Science Behind the Mediterranean Diet The Mediterranean diet isn’t just popular because it sounds good—it’s backed by science. Multiple studies have shown its effectiveness in: Lowering Cholesterol The diet’s high intake of heart-healthy fats like olive oil and fatty fish helps reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. This supports better heart health and lowers the risk of heart disease. Preventing Cognitive Decline Research has shown that the Mediterranean diet may help protect against Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline by promoting brain health with its antioxidants and healthy fats. Maintaining a Healthy Weight While the Mediterranean diet isn’t necessarily a “weight loss diet,” it encourages eating nutrient-dense foods that keep you feeling fuller for longer. This can help prevent overeating and support long-term weight maintenance. How to Follow the Mediterranean Diet It’s easy to get started with...

    13 min
  3. Bird Flu: Risks, Realities, Readiness

    JAN 8

    Bird Flu: Risks, Realities, Readiness

    Bird Flu: What You Need to Know About Risks, Realities, and ReadinessBird flu, or highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has far-reaching effects on public health, the food supply, and even the global economy. While human-to-human transmission hasn’t occurred, its potential to mutate poses significant concerns. Understanding how bird flu impacts us today — and how science is working to mitigate its risks — is essential. In this blog post, we’ll explore the realities of bird flu, its effects on food prices, the role of vaccines, and practical tips to stay safe. Let’s break it down into manageable pieces so you’re fully informed. What Is Bird Flu, and Why Should You Care?Bird flu primarily affects birds, especially poultry, like chickens and turkeys. However, certain strains, such as H5N1, have occasionally infected humans. While these cases are rare, they carry a high mortality rate of over 50%, making the virus particularly dangerous if contracted. Why Human-to-Human Transmission MattersHere’s the good news: Bird flu isn’t currently spreading from person to person. The bad news? Experts worry about a process called reassortment, where bird flu and human flu viruses could mix in someone infected with both. This could result in a highly contagious and deadly strain capable of causing a pandemic. Despite some conspiracy theories, no laboratory is working on gain-of-function research to make bird flu more transmissible. These myths are counterproductive, distracting from real medical efforts to monitor and control the virus. Rising Prices: How Bird Flu Impacts Your WalletIf you’ve noticed higher prices at the grocery store, bird flu is partly to blame. The virus has disrupted the poultry industry and the broader food supply chain. Egg Prices SoarWhen bird flu outbreaks occur, millions of chickens are culled to prevent the virus from spreading. This reduction in supply causes egg prices to skyrocket, leaving many of us paying more for our morning omelets. Dairy Costs ClimbBird flu also affects dairy products. The demand for poultry feed drives up costs for dairy farmers, who often rely on the same feed. Additionally, in rare cases, parts of the bird flu virus have been detected in raw milk. This is yet another reason to avoid raw, unpasteurized milk and stick to pasteurized dairy products for safety. The Role of Vaccines: Science in ActionVaccines are at the heart of our response to bird flu, but they serve different purposes for birds and humans. Vaccines for PoultryScientists are developing vaccines for poultry to control the virus in bird populations. These vaccines could: Reduce the need for mass culling.Lower the economic impact on the poultry industry.Decrease the risk of the virus spilling over into humans or other animals. While these efforts are promising, it will take time before poultry vaccines are widely implemented. Vaccines for HumansFor humans, H5N1 vaccines are available for at-risk workers like poultry farmers and wildlife handlers. However: These vaccines are strain-specific and may not protect against a mutated strain.They are not available to the general public.In the event of a pandemic, new vaccines would need to be developed, which takes time. Seasonal Flu Vaccines:...

    12 min
  4. GLP-1 Guide to Healthy Habits and Success

    JAN 1

    GLP-1 Guide to Healthy Habits and Success

    Navigating GLP-1 Medications and Building a Healthier You: A Fork U Guide Introduction: The Revolution Starts HereWelcome to Fork University, where science meets sarcasm, and healthy eating gets a reality check. Today, we’re diving into the world of GLP-1 medications, like Ozempic and Zepbound—those little injections making waves in the weight loss and metabolic health scene. Spoiler alert: Even if needles aren’t your thing, this advice is gold for anyone looking to improve their relationship with food (yes, even you, cereal-at-midnight enthusiasts). So, grab a cup of tea (ginger if you’re nauseous), and let’s get started. Breaking Free from Diet Culture: Goodbye, GuiltAh, diet culture. That pesky little voice whispering, “Carbs are evil,” or “You’re only worthy if you can squeeze into those jeans from 2012.” Here’s the deal: Diet culture sucks, and it’s time to boot it out of your life. Here’s how: Focus on Health Over Appearance“Strong, not skinny” isn’t just a gym bro mantra. Celebrate wins like better blood sugar control or climbing stairs without feeling like you ran a marathon.Neutralize Food LabelsNo food is inherently “good” or “bad.” (Except maybe that mysterious gas station sushi. Proceed with caution.) All foods can fit into a balanced diet—just maybe not all at once.Ditch Unrealistic MediaSwap those Instagram influencers with body-positive accounts. Life is too short for filter-fueled comparisons. Taming Side Effects: Fiber, Hydration, and the Art of Not OvereatingGLP-1 medications are game-changers, but they come with their quirks. Here’s how to navigate the rocky road of side effects: Constipation: The Fiber FixFun fact: Only 10% of Americans eat enough fiber. No wonder our colons are grumpy. Fix that with: Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oats—because white bread is so 1990.Legumes: Beans, chickpeas, lentils—fiber heroes and fart-inducing legends.Supplements: Citrucel or Metamucil work in a pinch, but food first! Hydration: Sugar-Free Isn’t Always Your FriendNot all hydration packets are created equal. Skip the sugar-free gimmicks and opt for options like Pedialyte. Bonus points if you grab the popsicles—because who doesn’t love reliving childhood? Nausea: Avoid the Grease TrapHigh-fat foods + GLP-1 = a stomach rebellion. Swap fried chicken for grilled and save yourself the bloat. Greek yogurt and peppermint tea are your new besties. Building Healthy Habits: Small Steps, Big WinsForget the “eat less, move more” mantra. Here’s what actually works: Mindful PortionsAt restaurants, box up half your meal right away. Or embrace the kids’ menu—yes, you might even score a toy.Protein with PurposeGreek yogurt, beans, and protein shakes are your go-tos. But don’t let diet culture trick you into thinking protein is the only macronutrient that matters.Celebrate Non-Scale VictoriesFitting into old jeans? Amazing. Cooking a new recipe? Even better. Toss the scale if it’s ruining your day—you’re more than a number. Long-Term Success: Sustainable, Not PerfectGLP-1 medications are tools, not magic wands. They’re here to help you build a healthier relationship with food, not to police your...

    20 min
  5. GLP-1: Eating for Long-term Health

    12/20/2024

    GLP-1: Eating for Long-term Health

    Beyond the Scale: Eating for Long-Term Health, Not Just Weight LossWeight loss is often the first thing people think about when starting GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or liraglutide. These medications are powerful tools for helping manage appetite and regulate the body’s hunger hormones. But here's the real truth: losing weight is just one part of the story. To truly thrive, you need to focus on eating in a way that nourishes your body, supports your health, and promotes long-term well-being. Think of it this way: GLP-1 medications do the heavy lifting when it comes to managing hunger and cravings. Your job is to provide the right fuel for the machine. You’re not eating to lose even more weight—you’re eating to support your body so it runs like a high-performance car. GLP-1 Medications Take the Lead; Your Diet Supports the ProcessWhen you’re on GLP-1 medications, weight loss isn’t a result of extreme dieting or restrictive food rules. These medications work by regulating your appetite, making it easier to avoid overeating and stick to reasonable portions. They help your biology work with you instead of against you. So, if the medication is doing most of the work, why does your diet matter? It’s simple: food is what keeps your body functioning at its best. While GLP-1 helps control hunger, what you eat still determines your energy levels, heart health, mental clarity, and long-term disease risk. Instead of focusing on cutting calories, the goal should be to pack every meal with nutrients that fuel your body and help it recover from the years of stress and inflammation caused by poor eating habits. This isn’t about restriction—it’s about nourishment. The Mediterranean Diet: A Gold Standard for HealthWhen it comes to eating for long-term health, the Mediterranean diet is one of the best approaches. It’s not a restrictive diet where you count every calorie or ban entire food groups. Instead, it’s a way of life, focusing on fresh, whole foods that nourish your body and taste great. Why the Mediterranean Diet WorksThe Mediterranean diet emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats like olive oil, lean proteins, and a little bit of red wine. Yes, wine! Studies have consistently shown that people who follow this diet reduce their risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even cognitive decline (Estruch et al., 2013; Singh et al., 2022). What makes this diet so effective? It’s packed with anti-inflammatory foods that stabilize blood sugar, protect your heart, and even support a healthy gut. A healthy gut, in turn, improves everything from digestion to mental health. Plus, the Mediterranean diet is enjoyable and sustainable—no weird powders, no flavorless meals, just real food. The Science Behind Olive Oil and Omega-3sOlive oil is the cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet. This liquid gold is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and compounds that act like natural anti-inflammatories, similar to ibuprofen (reference here). Add in fish like salmon and sardines, which are full of omega-3 fatty acids, and you’ve got a winning combination for your heart and brain. Don’t Get Stuck on ProteinProtein is important, especially for preserving muscle mass while losing weight. But many people fall into the trap of making protein the center of every meal, ignoring the other nutrients their body needs. Loading up on chicken breasts and protein shakes might seem like a good idea, but it leaves little room for the variety that keeps your meals balanced. Here’s the good news: with a Mediterranean-style diet, you can get plenty of protein from diverse sources. Legumes like lentils and chickpeas

    12 min
  6. Obesity is not about Forks and Willpower

    12/13/2024

    Obesity is not about Forks and Willpower

    Obesity: Not Just About Forks and WillpowerFor years, obesity has been misunderstood, oversimplified, and even stigmatized. It's been framed as a personal failing, a lifestyle choice, or simply a matter of "eating less and moving more." But science tells a different, more nuanced story—one where our brains, biology, and ultra-processed food environment play starring roles. And thanks to groundbreaking medications like GLP-1 drugs, we’re gaining a clearer picture of how obesity works and how to treat it. Let’s dive into why obesity is a disease, how ultra-processed foods exacerbate it, and why we need to ditch the harmful myth that obesity is a lifestyle choice. The Myth of "Just Eat Less and Move More""Just eat less and move more." It’s the phrase everyone loves to repeat—and no one finds helpful. This simplistic advice ignores the reality that obesity is not merely about calories in and calories out. It’s about a complex interplay between your biology, brain chemistry, and environment. Obesity isn’t a character flaw or a lack of willpower. If it were, we wouldn’t see an obesity epidemic in societies flooded with cheap, ultra-processed foods engineered to make us eat more. These foods hijack our biology, overpowering the mechanisms our bodies use to regulate hunger and fullness. The Hungry Brain: Why You Can’t Stop EatingOur brains evolved to keep us alive in times of scarcity. Back in the caveman days, this was helpful. Today, it’s less so because our brains are still wired to seek out high-calorie foods to avoid starvation—even when we’re surrounded by abundance. When you eat ultra-processed foods, they light up the reward centers in your brain like a Christmas tree. These foods—laden with sugar, fat, and salt—trigger the release of dopamine, the same neurotransmitter involved in addiction. It’s no wonder we keep going back for more. Adding to the complexity, hormones like ghrelin (the "hunger hormone") and leptin (the "fullness hormone") can go haywire in people with obesity. Ultra-processed foods amplify ghrelin’s effects, making you feel hungrier while reducing your sensitivity to leptin, so you never feel full. It’s a biological double whammy. Citation: Studies show that diets high in ultra-processed foods increase calorie consumption by about 500 calories per day compared to diets of unprocessed foods (Hall et al., 2019). GLP-1: The Game-Changing HormoneHere’s where things get interesting: GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide-1, is a hormone that helps regulate appetite. It tells your brain, “You’re full; you can stop eating now.” But for many people with obesity, this system doesn’t work properly. Their brains don’t get the message, leading to overeating. Enter GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and liraglutide—medications that mimic the effects of GLP-1. These drugs help regulate appetite, making people feel full sooner and reducing cravings. The results have been extraordinary: clinical trials show average weight loss of 15% or more with these medications, far outpacing what’s possible with lifestyle changes alone. These drugs have done more than help people lose weight—they’ve also shifted the way we think about obesity. They show that obesity is a medical condition influenced by hormones and brain chemistry, not just a matter of willpower. Citation: Clinical trials on GLP-1 receptor agonists show significant and sustained weight loss, with participants losing 15% or more of their body weight (Wilding et al., 2021). Why Obesity Is a Disease, Not a Lifestyle ChoiceThe idea that...

    9 min
  7. Diets are Dead. Long Live Diets.

    12/10/2024

    Diets are Dead. Long Live Diets.

    The Future of Diets: From Weight Loss to Nutrition, Thanks to GLP-1 DrugsFor as long as we can remember, dieting has been humanity’s awkward tango with food—three steps forward, two cheat days back. From eating grapefruit by the dozen to proclaiming kale chips as a snack revolution, our obsession with shrinking waistlines has been both fascinating and exhausting. But what if we could take weight loss off the table (pun intended) entirely? Thanks to the rise of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide and liraglutide, we’re on the cusp of doing just that. These drugs are shifting the focus from counting calories to counting nutrients. In other words, dieting is getting a much-needed rebrand. So grab your kale smoothie and settle in as we dive into why the diets of the future will be all about health, not weight. And don’t worry—we’ll keep this fun. After all, food is supposed to be enjoyable. The GLP-1 Revolution: Shedding Pounds Without Shedding TearsGLP-1 drugs mimic glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that tells your brain, "Hey, you're full; stop eating." It’s like having a friend at dinner who gently slaps your hand every time you reach for another breadstick. Clinical trials have shown that these medications can lead to an average weight loss of 15% or more, a feat most fad diets can only dream of achieving. Why This Changes EverythingGoodbye, Diet Culture: With GLP-1 drugs doing the heavy lifting for weight management, the days of suffering through celery juice cleanses might finally be behind us.Hello, Health Goals: People can start focusing on nutrition instead of staring longingly at someone else’s fries.Medical Validation: It’s not you; it’s your biology. GLP-1 drugs reduce hunger and help people feel fuller faster—no willpower shaming required. If this feels like the dieting equivalent of inventing the wheel, it is. But this wheel rolls straight into a new frontier: nutrition. Citation: Clinical trials on GLP-1 drugs have shown sustained weight loss for a majority of participants (Wilding et al., 2021).From Weight Loss to Wellness: The New Role of DietsImagine a world where diets aren’t about punishing your body but fueling it. This shift doesn’t mean we’ll all suddenly start eating quinoa salads with reckless abandon—it means recognizing that food is more than just a number on a scale. 1. Nutrition Over NumbersThe new wave of diets prioritizes nutrient density. Instead of obsessing over how many carbs are in a bagel, we’ll care about how those carbs fuel our energy, brain function, and immune system. Gut Health Heroes: Say hello to fermented foods like kimchi and yogurt.Brain Boosters: Omega-3-rich salmon and walnuts are here to make you smarter (or at least more functional before your coffee).Immune Support Squad: Citrus fruits, garlic, and spinach are basically your body’s bodyguards. Fun Fact: Your brain is about 60% fat, so eating healthy fats can actually make you a better thinker. Finally, an excuse for avocado toast!2. Functional FoodsInstead of dieting to fit into jeans from a decade ago, people will start eating with specific goals in mind: Performance Diets: Foods that fuel workouts and keep you going on marathon Netflix sessions.Longevity Diets: Think Mediterranean diet vibes—olive oil, nuts, and a glass of red wine (for antioxidants, of course).Condition-Targeted Eating: Anti-inflammatory diets for arthritis or low-glycemic diets for diabetes management. It’s food as medicine but without the terrifying side effects that come at the end of...

    11 min
  8. From Starving to Stuffed

    11/19/2024

    From Starving to Stuffed

    From Starving to Stuffed: The Evolution of Obesity in AmericaThe rise of ultra-processed foods in the United States closely parallels the surge in obesity rates and increased caloric intake observed from the 1980s onward. Starting in the 1970s, shifts in food production and consumer habits paved the way for these foods to become dietary staples, ultimately contributing to the obesity epidemic we see today. Let’s explore how these changes unfolded and their direct link to America’s rising weight problem. 1970s: Setting the Stage for Ultra-Processed FoodsIn the 1970s, the food industry underwent dramatic changes that laid the groundwork for the proliferation of ultra-processed foods. Economic Shifts and Agricultural PoliciesIn 1973, new agricultural policies began to encourage farmers to produce more crops like corn, soy, and wheat. These policies made ingredients, particularly high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) from corn, much cheaper for food manufacturers to obtain (Nestle, 2002). As a result, companies could produce food more cost-effectively and in larger quantities, leading to affordable, calorie-dense, ultra-processed foods.Rise of Convenient Snack Foods and Fast FoodAt the same time, the popularity of fast-food chains and processed snacks grew. Brands like McDonald's, Coca-Cola, and Frito-Lay expanded their offerings and marketed these convenient, hyper-palatable foods to the masses. They loaded these products with refined sugars, fats, and additives to enhance flavor and shelf life, making them hard to resist and easily accessible.The “Diet” Food CrazeThe 1970s also saw a surge in demand for high-protein diet products due to growing concerns about carbohydrates. Low-carb became the flavor, and at any given time, 10% of the country was on low-carbohydrate diets. Ironically, these “diet” foods often contained as many or more calories as regular options. 1980s: Ultra-Processed Foods Take Center Stage, and Obesity Rates Start to ClimbBy the 1980s, ultra-processed foods had fully embedded themselves in American diets, creating a foundation for the obesity epidemic. Processed Food Production SurgesFood companies expanded their product lines in the 1980s, launching a wide range of snack foods, frozen meals, and sugary drinks. These foods were not only inexpensive but also tasty, thanks to the addition of refined sugars and fats, as well as preservatives to prolong shelf life (Monteiro et al., 2013). Marketing highlighted their convenience, appealing to busy families and individuals.Caloric Intake ClimbsAlongside the rise in ultra-processed foods, average daily caloric intake also increased. Between the late 1970s and early 2000s, Americans consumed over 200 more calories per day. This rise came largely from high-calorie processed snacks and sugary drinks that were easy to consume between meals (Wright et al., 2004).Obesity Rates Begin Their Upward TrajectoryDuring the 1980s, obesity rates started climbing. From 1980 to 2000, the obesity rate in U.S. adults jumped from 15% to 30% (Flegal et al., 2012). Children and teenagers weren’t spared either; childhood obesity rates nearly tripled, aligning with the increased availability of...

    15 min
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About

Fork U(niversity) Not everything you put in your mouth is good for you. There’s a lot of medical information thrown around out there. How are you to know what information you can trust, and what’s just plain old quackery? You can’t rely on your own “google fu”. You can’t count on quality medical advice from Facebook. You need a doctor in your corner. On each episode of Your Doctor’s Orders, Dr. Terry Simpson will cut through the clutter and noise that always seems to follow the latest medical news. He has the unique perspective of a surgeon who has spent years doing molecular virology research and as a skeptic with academic credentials. He’ll help you develop the critical thinking skills so you can recognize evidence-based medicine, busting myths along the way. The most common medical myths are often disguised as seemingly harmless “food as medicine”. By offering their own brand of medicine via foods, These hucksters are trying to practice medicine without a license. And though they’ll claim “nutrition is not taught in medical schools”, it turns out that’s a myth too. In fact, there’s an entire medical subspecialty called Culinary Medicine, and Dr. Simpson is certified as a Culinary Medicine Specialist. Where today's nutritional advice is the realm of hucksters, Dr. Simpson is taking it back to the realm of science.

Information

  • Creator
    Terry Simpson
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Terry Simpson
  • Show Website
    Fork U with Dr. Terry Simpson

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