Prof. Grant Schofield is the Professor of Public Health at Auckland University of Technology, director of the University’s Human Potential Centre, former Chief Scientific Adviser to the Ministry of Education in New Zealand, co-author of four best-selling books and Chief Science Officer for PREKURE.

Grant’s career has focused on preventing the diseases of modern times, and seeing what it takes to help people live a long, healthy and happy life. He lives and breathes the motto “be the best you can be”, and sees this as a game-changer for the health system – capable of transforming the current health (sickness) model, to one in which we aspire to be well. He is redefining public health as the science of human potential; the study of what it takes to have a great life.

Prof. Schofield is well known for thinking outside the box and challenging conventional wisdom in nutrition and weight loss, as well as physical activity and exercise.

Prof. Grant Schofield - ‘Low carb and beyond How diet affects our health: The plausible mechanisms’

In this informative presentation, Professor Grant Schofield discusses the influence of diet, particularly low carbohydrate diets, on health and metabolic processes. He explores the importance of addressing nutrient deficiencies, the implications of insulin responsiveness, and the complexities of dietary habits and mental health. Schofield argues for a personalized approach to diet, emphasizing the need for greater awareness in the medical community regarding metabolic diseases and the potential role of high-quality nutrition in health improvement.

Key Points

Nutritional Insufficiency

Schofield highlights a significant decline in the availability of essential micronutrients over the past century, addressing the alarming statistics from studies indicating that nearly half the population suffers from nutrient insufficiency. He suggests that supplementing these missing nutrients may be necessary.

Insulin and Metabolism

The discussion emphasizes the dual roles of insulin in metabolic processes, where its oversupply can lead to hyperinsulinemia, potentially resulting in chronic diseases. Schofield raises the idea that understanding insulin’s impact on body metabolism is essential for managing health outcomes.

Reactive Hypoglycemia

The phenomenon of reactive hypoglycemia, caused by fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels, is identified as a common experience that affects mood and energy levels. Schofield proposes dietary modifications, like substituting carbohydrates with proteins, to stabilize blood sugar.

Personalized Dietary Approach

The necessity for a personalized dietary approach is underscored, with the assertion that not all foods have the same effect on insulin depending on individual characteristics. Schofield advocates for tailored dietary recommendations based on specific metabolic responses.

Behavior Change in Nutrition

Schofield identifies behavior change as a pivotal yet under-explored aspect of nutrition and health. He discusses the implementation of health coaching within general practice to achieve better patient outcomes by facilitating individual dietary changes.