Most Replayed Moment: Insulin Is The Reason You're Gaining Fat! How To Lower It Now

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett29mApril 17, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

This episode of 'The Diary Of A CEO' features a deep dive into the critical role of insulin in fat gain, metabolic health, and long-term disease prevention. Dr. Jay, a vascular specialist, explains how frequent consumption of glucose and processed carbohydrates leads to chronically elevated insulin levels—known as hyperinsulinemia—which drives visceral fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and ultimately increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver. He emphasizes that even before a diabetes diagnosis, patients may already have 10 years of undetected metabolic damage. The core solution, according to Dr. Jay, is fasting—not just calorie restriction—as it lowers insulin, triggers fat burning (especially visceral fat), activates ketosis, and promotes powerful physiological benefits like stem cell mobilization, autophagy, and improved mitochondrial function. He outlines practical fasting protocols like 12-12 and 18-6, and shares dramatic success stories of patients losing 50+ pounds and reversing diabetes under medical supervision. The episode also addresses gender-specific considerations, noting that while women can fast safely, they should be cautious with prolonged aerobic exercise in a fasted state due to hormonal sensitivity. Finally, Dr. Jay advocates for a balanced approach combining time-restricted eating, resistance training, and short bursts of HIIT for optimal heart health and longevity.

Key Takeaways
1

Chronically high insulin levels (hyperinsulinemia) are the primary driver of visceral fat and metabolic disease, even before diabetes is diagnosed.

2

Fasting—especially time-restricted feeding like 18-6—is more effective than calorie restriction for reducing visceral fat and improving insulin sensitivity.

3

Visceral fat is highly inflammatory and linked to coronary artery disease, even in young adults; it's not just about weight but metabolic health.

4

Fasting triggers ketosis, autophagy, stem cell release, and mitochondrial renewal, leading to improved energy, cognition, and cellular repair.

5

Women should be cautious with prolonged aerobic exercise in a fasted state due to hormonal sensitivity; resistance training and HIIT are safer and more effective.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
5 min

The Hidden Role of Insulin in Fat Gain

Insulin is a storage molecule. It puts everything away and it's very hard for him to lose weight.

Highlight
5:00
5 min

The Epidemic of Visceral Fat and Metabolic Damage

By the time you're diagnosed as having diabetes, you already have coronary artery disease.

Highlight
10:00
5 min

Fasting as a Metabolic Reset Tool

Fasting is a totally different physiology. In fasting the body is doing a whole lot of things that are very different.

Highlight
15:00
5 min

Practical Fasting Protocols and Safety

Dr. Jay outlines specific fasting regimens—12-12, 18-6, OMAD, and multi-day fasts—tailored to different goals like weight loss or reversing diabetes. He emphasizes medical supervision, especially for extended fasts, and discusses hydration, electrolytes, and MCT oil to manage hunger.

20:00
5 min

The Science of Ketosis, Stem Cells, and Autophagy

When you break your fast, you get a surge of stem cells coming out of your bone marrow.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
By the time you're diagnosed as having diabetes, you already have coronary artery disease.
Dr. Jay5:51
Viral: 90.0
Insulin is a storage molecule. It puts everything away and it's very hard for him to lose weight.
Dr. Jay7:03
Viral: 85.0
Fasting is a totally different physiology. In fasting the body is doing a whole lot of things that are very different.
Dr. Jay15:15
Viral: 80.0
Speakers

Host

Steven Bartlett

Guest

Dr. Jay
Topics Discussed
insulin and fat gain95%visceral fat and metabolic health90%intermittent fasting protocols85%ketosis and autophagy80%exercise and fasting75%heart health and training75%stem cells and cellular repair70%gender differences in fasting65%
People & Brands

Dr. Jay

person

45xPositive

insulin

other

38xNegative

fasting

other

32xPositive

glucose

other

28xNegative

visceral fat

other

15xNegative

Steven Bartlett

person

12xNeutral

ketosis

other

12xPositive

stem cells

other

10xPositive

autophagy

other

8xPositive

HIIT

other

7xPositive

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