The carbohydrate-insulin hypothesis of obesity states that
carbohydrates (particularly refined carbohydrates and sugar) are the
primary cause of obesity due to their ability to increase circulating
insulin, and that the solution to obesity is to restrict carbohydrate
intake. Numerous studies have tested this hypothesis, more or less
directly, in animals and humans. Despite the fact that many of these
studies undermine the hypothesis, it remains extremely popular, both in
the popular media and to a lesser extent among researchers. A new human
trial by Kevin Hall's research team at the US National Institutes of
Health offers very strong evidence that the carbohydrate-insulin
hypothesis of obesity is incorrect. At the same time, it offers
surprising and provocative results that challenge prevailing ideas about
diet and weight loss.
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