Zombie Statistics Spectacular!
04/19/22 • 57 min
14 Listeners
Debunking some of the most widely repeated myths about fat and health.
Here's Mike's new video!
Support us:
Thanks to Doctor Dreamchip for our lovely theme song!
Debunking some of the most widely repeated myths about fat and health.
Here's Mike's new video!
Support us:
Thanks to Doctor Dreamchip for our lovely theme song!
Previous Episode
Michael Pollan's "The Omnivore's Dilemma"
2 RecommendationsHow a liberal journalist entrenched a libertarian fantasy.
Thanks to Sarah Taber for helping us with the research for this episode!
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Links!
- Julie Guthman's "Weighing In"
- Rachel Laudan's "Cooking and Empire"
- Heidi Zimmerman's "Caring for the Middle Class Soul"
- Joel Salatin’s Unsustainable Myth
- Chris Newman’s Blog
- Everything I Want to Do Is Racist: How America’s favorite farmer lost his way.
- Clean Food: If You Want to Save the World, Get Over Yourself.
- The USA lags behind other agricultural nations in banning harmful pesticides
- Governing food: Media, politics and pleasure
- Michael Pollan's Misguided Food Nostalgia
- A Plea for Culinary Modernism
- The French Terroir Strategy, and Culinary Modernism
- The Dark Side of Local
Thanks to Doctor Dreamchip for our lovely theme song!
Next Episode
Diet Book Deep Dive: “How To Take 20 Pounds Off Your Man”
2 RecommendationsThis week, Mike and Aubrey take on a manual for creep behavior masquerading as a diet book. Along the way, we cover shopping guides, journalism salaries and the proper preparation of Cornish game hens. We love our curvy husbands.
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Links!
- How to Take 20 Pounds Off Your Man by Kalter, Suzy: (1984) | The Book Store
- Suzy Kalter Gershman Obituary
- The book cover
Thanks to Doctor Dreamchip for our lovely theme song!
Maintenance Phase - Zombie Statistics Spectacular!
Transcript Summary
In this episode titled "Zombie Statistics Spectacular!", Michael and Aubrey delve into the world of statistics, particularly focusing on what they call "zombie statistics." They discuss the issue of obesity stigma, highlighting how parents of overweight children are often unfairly blamed. They address the claim made by Dr. William Clish, counselor to Morgan Spurlock in "Supersize Me," about shorter life expectancies due to obesity, presenting research that contradicts this claim. The hosts reflect on the negative narrative around obesity, question the reliability of certain healthcare cost statistics, and emphasize the need for a more compassionate and solution-oriented approach in public discourse. They also explore the complexities of childhood diabetes and obesity, shedding light on epigenetic factors and the impact of societal discrimination and stress. The episode further scrutinizes the costs attributed to obesity, exposing inconsistencies in estimates and correlations. Finally, they provide historical context on the naming and understanding of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, clarifying that type 2 diabetes is not solely linked to obesity. Through this comprehensive exploration of misconceptions and flawed statistics, Michael and Aubrey challenge listeners to approach these topics with open-mindedness and critical thinking.
Transcript
Michael: What have you got? What's your tagline? What's your intro?
Aubrey: Oh, man. I'm realizing right now that I have given zero thought to it.
Michael: Do you even know what this episode is about? [laughs]
Aubrey: It's about statistics, yeah?
Michael: Yes.
Aubrey: The phrase that you keep using is zombie statistics.
Michael: Yes.
Zombie Statistics Spectacular! Top Questions Answered
How is childhood obesity often viewed by society?
Childhood obesity is often stigmatized and seen as a failure of parents.
What claim did Dr. William Clish make about childhood obesity and life expectancy?
Dr. William Clish claimed that childhood obesity would lead to a shorter life expectancy.
What is the link between obesity and gallbladder cancer?
Obese individuals have a higher likelihood of developing gallbladder cancer, although other factors like dieting and lack of medical care may also contribute.
Are all health conditions attributed to obesity without considering other factors?
No, some healthcare conditions are wrongly attributed to obesity without considering other factors.
What is the impact of minority stress and discrimination on health conditions associated with obesity?
Health conditions believed to be caused by obesity may actually be linked to minority stress and discrimination.
How much did obesity cost the US healthcare system in 1999?
In 1999, obesity cost the US healthcare system $70 billion, accounting for 7% of total healthcare spending.
What is the potential effect of reducing obesity on Medicare and Medicaid spending?
The absence of obesity could lead to 9% and 12% lower Medicare and Medicaid spending.
How has obesity been stigmatized historically?
Obesity has been stigmatized historically, as the term "obesity" in Latin translates to "eating oneself fat."
How have definitions of obesity changed over time?
Definitions of obesity have changed over time, leading to different cost estimates and varying studies.
What factors contribute to the wide range of estimates of the cost of obesity?
Different methodologies and correlations contribute to the wide range of estimates of the cost of obesity.
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Show more Questions
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