Piatkus to publish 'mythbusting guide' to human metabolism

Piatkus has scooped a "mythbusting guide" to human metabolism by Oxford professor Keith Frayn. Holly Harley, editorial director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights to The Calorie Equation from Peter Tallack at The Curious Minds Agency.

In the book, which will be published in January 2025, Frayn explores the forces that shape our body weight. Looking at the science of energy balance, The Calorie Equation covers everything from from the calorie density of nutrients, to the reasons why evolution has made dieting difficult.

Frayn, Emeritus Professor of Human Metabolism at the University of Oxford, has dedicated his career to studying human metabolism and nutrition in different conditions. He has published more than 300 scientific articles, a textbook, and a general primer on human metabolism.

He said: "When I started research in human metabolism and nutrition, nobody would have questioned the energy balance model – that our weight trajectory is determined by ‘calories in – calories out’. Now it seems heretical even to mention it.

"In the intervening decades we have seen the public, and even reputable scientists, confused by the failure of public health advice to eat less and exercise more, to slow the rise in obesity. A clear understanding of the underlying science will shed light on this paradox and show the way forward."

Harley added: "There is a mess of speculation and outright nonsense about our diets and metabolism out there. Keith’s voice cuts through it all with insights that can transform our relationship with food and exercise for the better. His expertise provides a reassuring way forward for readers who are fed up with empty promises and diet trickery."