The Mailbag: GLP‑1s, Leptin, Hormones & Insurance Advice

Fat Science Ep 106The Mailbag: GLP 1s, Leptin, Hormones & Insurance AdviceThis week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor open the listener mailbag to answer real questions from around the world about metabolism, hormones, and GLP-1 therapy. From the UK to Seattle, listeners share personal stories of confusion and discovery — and Dr. Cooper brings metabolic science back into focus.What really happens when you stop GLP-1 medications? Why can someone eat less yet gain weight? What does leptin resistance actually mean? And how can hopeful moms safely navigate treatment before pregnancy?In this conversation-rich episode, the team moves beyond myths, helping listeners understand how hormones — not willpower — drive metabolism, appetite, and long-term health.Key Takeaways:• GLP-1 medications don’t “work by starving you” — they help the body use energy better by resetting fuel use hormones.• Restrictive eating and “calories in, calories out” oversimplify metabolism and often worsen hormonal imbalance.• Leptin isn’t just about levels — signaling quality determines how well your brain recognizes stored body fat.• Pregnancy and metabolic health require careful timing; GLP-1s aren't used during pregnancy, but improved metabolic strength before conception matters most.• Rapid weight loss from GLP-1 meds can risk muscle depletion; maintaining steady nutrition and proper dosing is key.• Insurance coverage for GLP 1s remains unpredictable, but persistence and documentation can open doors.Personal Stories & Practical Advice:Andrea and Mark share their own experiences reconciling appetite changes on GLP-1 therapy — from remembering to eat when hunger signals quiet down to finding fueling strategies that work.Dr. Cooper offers practical guidance rooted in clinical data: why ordered eating keeps metabolism stable, how dietitians with eating disorder expertise support GLP-1 patients, and when to adjust medication doses to protect muscle mass.Notable Quote:“It’s not technically the weight that’s messing up fertility — it’s the metabolic dysfunction that causes weight as a symptom.” — Emily Cooper, MD.In this listener mailbag edition of Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor unpack the science behind GLP-1 medications, leptin resistance, and hormone balance. From fertility to appetite changes and insurance frustrations, this episode explains how metabolism—not willpower—drives lasting health. Hear real-world advice on fueling, mechanical eating, and safe GLP-1 use.

Resources from the episode:

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to explain where our fat really comes from — and why it won’t go (and stay) away. We’re committed to a world where people understand that fat isn’t a failure and metabolism is not a math problem.This show is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.

Check out our website where you can ask a mailbag question.

Have a question for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect?Email us at questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.

Connect with:
Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn
Mark Wright on LinkedIn
Andrea Taylor on Instagram