Gary Taubes
Gary Taubes is an American science writer known for his books on nutrition and diet, including 'Good Calories, Bad Calories' and 'Why We Get Fat'. He has a background in physics and journalism, and his work often challenges conventional wisdom on diet and health.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Good Calories, Bad Calories
Fats, Carbs, and the Controversial Science of Diet and Health
The book challenges the conventional wisdom about diets and nutrition by arguing that the obesity epidemic is primarily caused by the consumption of carbohydrates, not fats. It delves into the scientific research on human metabolism and suggests that refined carbohydrates, such as sugar and flour, are the true culprits behind various chronic diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. The author critiques the effectiveness of low-fat diets and advocates for a significant reduction in carbohydrate intake, promoting a diet richer in protein and fat for better health and weight management.
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2. Why We Get Fat
And What to Do About It
This book delves into the science behind weight gain, challenging conventional wisdom about diet and exercise. It argues that the primary cause of obesity is not a lack of willpower or excessive calorie intake, but rather the types of foods we consume, particularly carbohydrates. The author explores how carbohydrates trigger insulin production, which in turn promotes fat storage and prevents fat burning. By examining historical and scientific evidence, the book advocates for a low-carb, high-fat diet as a more effective approach to weight management, urging readers to rethink their understanding of nutrition and metabolism.
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3. The Elusive Benefits Of Undereating And Exercise
The book delves into the complex relationship between diet, exercise, and weight loss, challenging the conventional wisdom that simply eating less and exercising more leads to sustainable weight loss. It explores the intricate interplay of hormones, metabolism, and genetics, arguing that the simplistic "calories in, calories out" model fails to account for the body's nuanced biological responses. Through a critical examination of scientific studies and historical perspectives, the book questions the efficacy of traditional weight loss advice and suggests that a deeper understanding of the body's metabolic processes is essential for achieving long-term health and wellness.
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4. The Case Against Sugar
How a Little White Lie Has Devastated Our Health
This compelling narrative delves into the pervasive role of sugar in modern diets, scrutinizing its historical, cultural, and scientific impact on public health. The book argues that sugar is a primary culprit in the rise of obesity, diabetes, and other chronic diseases, challenging the conventional wisdom that all calories are equal. Through meticulous research and analysis, it exposes the influence of the sugar industry in shaping dietary guidelines and public perceptions, urging readers to reconsider the sweet substance's place in their lives and its broader implications for society's well-being.
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5. Bad Science
The Short Life and Weird Times of Cold Fusion
A narrative account of the 1989 cold fusion saga, tracing how audacious claims of room-temperature fusion ignited a global media frenzy before crumbling under failed replications and methodological flaws. Through investigative reporting, it reveals the interplay of ambition, institutional pressure, and scientific skepticism, showing how peer review, reproducibility, and transparency were sidelined. The result is a cautionary tale about how hype can distort research and how the self-correcting mechanisms of science ultimately prevail.
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6. Rethinking Diabetes
What Doctors Aren't Telling You About Sugar, Insulin, and Diabetes
This book challenges conventional views on type 2 diabetes, arguing that carbohydrate intake and the hormonal effects of insulin are central to its development and progression rather than simply excess calories or unavoidable aging; it combines historical review, scientific critique, patient case studies, and practical dietary strategies to make the case that low-carbohydrate approaches can prevent, treat, and in many cases reverse diabetes more effectively than standard high-carbohydrate, medication-focused care.
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