Is there any discussion about or chance of getting Dr. McDougall on the same page as you, ie that excess carbs can be stored as fat? I end up in debates and people are confused by the mixed messages. I explain below.
Dr. McDougall recently did an interview on Coast to Coast (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-MSy6hcsrQ) he says that carbs don't naturally don't turn to fat in humans (more in pigs/cows), it turns to heat (see 59:57). The fact that de novo lipogenesis is a pathway means it IS possible in humans even with the inefficiency. But as you know the study was actually short-term overfeeding where carbs were burned as heat. He also emailed me: "The process of de novo lipogenesis is very inefficient in people (so excess carbohydrate is not turned to fat for storage in any great amount under normal living conditions). In other words: The idea that sugar turns to fat and that is why people are overweight and obese is scientifically incorrect ."
I think a more specific message could be: excess calories will turn to fat no matter what they consist of. However if you eat high carb, low calorie dense foods like fruits and vegetables the chance of exceeding your daily calorie requirements is much less. Also the conversion of carbs to fat is 30% inefficient, and fruit/veggie carbs have slightly less than 4 calories per gram (from Why Calories Count by Marion Nestle) which also help in reducing the chance of exceeding daily caloric requirements.
As I help people on FB, YouTube and spread the message I am just trying to develop a succinct and accurate way of explaining things to reduce the confusion.
Thoughts?