They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so I’m starting today’s article with a picture—well, technically a graph.
Take a look at this chart (based on CDC data) showing US obesity rates over the last 70 years.
Notice anything?
When the powers that be rolled out the first-ever Dietary Guidelines for Americans—coincidentally the same year I graduated high school—our collective waistlines began to balloon.
Methinks the “experts” may have steered us wrong. It’s time we rethink not only what we eat, but the other drivers behind today’s obesity epidemic. Because if we don’t, we’re in trouble.
Let’s start with the obvious.
How Our Diets Fuel Obesity
For decades, overeating or “too many calories” was blamed as the primary cause of obesity. But newer research shows it’s far more complex than simple arithmetic.
Scientists are now focusing on reductive stress—a condition where your cells’ mitochondria (your internal “energy factories”) can’t efficiently burn food for fuel.
When your cells can’t burn calories properly, metabolism slows… and fat begins to accumulate.
What’s triggering this rise in reductive stress?
Evidence is increasingly pointing to polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs)—specifically the vegetable oils pushed so aggressively in mainstream nutrition.
Oils like canola, soybean, corn, sunflower, and sesame can impair your cells’ ability to burn fuel. That leaves a surplus of unused energy, which your body naturally stores as fat.
And yes—the same Dietary Guidelines that helped launch our obesity crisis strongly encourage vegetable oil consumption. Go figure.
PUFAs can also put your body into “hibernation mode”
Hibernating animals like bears and squirrels load up on PUFAs from nuts and seeds as winter approaches. These fats lower body temperature, slow brain function, and shift metabolism into low power mode.
Unfortunately, they have a similar effect on humans:
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Lower metabolic rate
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Fatigue and cold intolerance
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Increased fat storage
So what can we do?
5 Steps to Restore Your Body’s Natural Fat-Burning Ability
1. Eliminate vegetable oils from your diet
This is the most important step.
PUFAs hide in nearly all processed foods, so avoiding them goes far beyond tossing the bottle of Wesson from your pantry. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store where the real, whole foods live—and avoid the packaged, processed “food-like products” in the middle aisles.
2. Embrace natural saturated fats
Saturated fats have been unfairly demonized for decades based on deeply flawed research. Meanwhile, PUFAs were marketed as “heart-healthy”—yet here we sit with a 40% obesity rate.
Real, traditional fats such as butter, tallow, and lard help keep your cells energized and burning calories efficiently instead of shutting down and storing fat.
So go ahead and butter those vegetables.
3. Choose the right carbohydrates
Fresh fruits and starchy vegetables help your cells maintain a healthy energy balance and support steady metabolism.
4. Move your body
When you stop moving, your cells lose the ability to burn both fat and carbs efficiently.
You don’t need a gym membership or marathon ambitions. Brisk walking is one of the most effective forms of exercise and is accessible to nearly everyone. Swimming, biking, and strength training are great choices too.
5. Lower your stress load
Stress hormones tell your body to store fat, plain and simple.
Exercise is one of the most powerful stress reducers. You can also try yoga, meditation, acupuncture, prayer, counseling, or even adopting a pet if you’re an animal lover.
And if a job or relationship is chronically stressing you out, it may be time to ask for help—or make a change.
The Gut–Obesity Connection
Research also shows a strong link between obesity and the gut microbiome.
For example:
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Obese individuals often have lower levels of Bifidobacterium, a key beneficial species.
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Gut inflammation can disrupt digestion and nutrient absorption, increasing hunger and promoting overeating—especially of convenient, processed foods.
Here’s how to support a healthier gut environment:
Take a full-spectrum probiotic
A balanced gut microbiome is essential for:
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Healthy immune function
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Mental wellness
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Proper elimination of excess cholesterol and hormones
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Preventing toxins from entering circulation
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And yes—maintaining a healthy weight
A multi-strain probiotic like Super Shield (which includes Bifidobacterium) helps repopulate your microbiome with the right species while supporting regular BMs and proper nutrient absorption—both crucial for weight balance.
Reduce gut inflammation with omega-3s
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are nature’s perfect anti-inflammatory, yet they’re one of the most common nutrient deficiencies today. Modern farming practices prevent animals from grazing naturally, which means far fewer omega-3s make their way into our food.
A high-quality fish oil formula like VitalMega-3 can help restore this vital nutrient. It’s also incredibly helpful for conditions that often accompany obesity—such as high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol or triglycerides.
Turn Your Metabolism Back On
Put these strategies into practice and help your cells return to the fat-burning mode they were designed for. You’ll not only support a healthier weight, but your entire body will thank you in countless ways.
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
