

Fat Science
Dr Emily Cooper
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. In each episode, we share little-known facts and personal experiences to dispel misconceptions, reduce stigma, and instill hope. Fat Science is committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 11min
Childhood Obesity: Science, Shame & New Hope
This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor are joined by renowned childhood obesity expert Dr. Evan Nadler for a deep, honest conversation about what really is making our kids fat—and what’s finally changing about how kids, parents, and doctors can fight it.The panel unpacks why the word “fat” is still so emotionally charged, how culture and even healthcare still get it wrong about weight, and why obesity must be recognized as a medical disease—not a moral failure. Dr. Nadler shares stories from two decades on the front lines, Dr. Cooper highlights transformative new science, and Andrea brings personal experience that challenges stereotypes and reveals the harm of shame-based approaches.From the latest treatments—including medication and surgery for kids under 12—to the power of genetics, hormones, and family history, this episode breaks the silence, busts the myths, and lays out hope for families everywhere.Key Takeaways:The global prevalence of childhood obesity keeps rising, with 15 million kids in the US now affected, and most will progress to adult obesity without intervention.Obesity in kids is driven by a complex web of biology—genes, prenatal health, and hormones—not “overeating” or lack of willpower.Parental health before and during pregnancy strongly affects a child’s risk of obesity, and interventions work best when started early—even before birth.Shame, strict dieting, and constant focus on weight do lifelong damage. Kids need support, not blame, and a focus on total health—sleep, nutrition, stress, and fun movement.New medications (like GLP-1 agonists) and bariatric surgery are safe, evidence-based options for select children, and can be life-changing when used correctly.Advances in science and patient care show that individualized treatment (not “one-size-fits-all” fixes) leads to the best long-term health and lower risk of serious complications in adulthood.There are always choices—kids and families should know they are not alone, and there are always next steps in medical care, whatever age or size a child may be.Resources from the episode:Fat Science is dedicated to empowering families and changing the conversation about metabolism—reminding us all that fat isn’t a failure. For more resources, stories, and to submit a listener question, visit our website. If you are a healthcare professional and are interested in Dr Cooper’s upcoming training course, click on provider course at the Fat Science Podcast website! If you have questions, a show idea, feedback, or want to connect, email us at questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.Connect with Dr. Evan Nadler on his website.*This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

Sep 29, 2025 • 42min
How Microdosing Can Backfire
This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor and Mark Wright take a hard look at the buzz around microdosing metabolic medications—from what “microdosing” actually means to the risks of following trends without clinical supervision. The team unpacks widespread misunderstandings about dosing for drugs like Ozempic, Zepbound, and low-dose naltrexone (LDN), explains why social media advice can be dangerous, and highlights just how unique every person’s metabolic needs are. Dr. Cooper shares patient examples and lays out the science behind hormone regulation, medication resistance, and why skipping a full evaluation could backfire. We cover why glandular extracts and testosterone supplements can disrupt your body’s natural balance and why trying to “trick” your metabolism with tiny doses can sometimes do more harm than good.Key Takeaways:Microdosing means doses far below anything supplied by drug companies—it’s not the same as prescribing a lower dose within the normal range.Popular trends in LA and beyond push people toward self-experimentation, often with compounded drugs or unsupervised regimens.Taking metabolic drugs without a clinical need can weaken natural hormone production and create dependency—even with “natural” supplements.GLP-1s, GIPs, naltrexone, and testosterone all show very different outcomes depending on your genetics, history of dieting, childhood athletics, or use of other medications.More is not always better. Too high a dose can create medication resistance, while too low might “numb out” your hormone response.Professional evaluation, sleep, nutrition, and self-kindness remain the first line of defense for metabolic health, rather than skipping over those and heading straight to medication.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 are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.Check out our new website where you can ask a mailbag question. If you 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.If you are a healthcare professional interested in Dr. Cooper's training course, go to FatSciencePodcast.com and click on the top right button for Provider Course.Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedInConnect with Mark Wright on LinkedInConnect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram

Sep 22, 2025 • 48min
5 Surprising Metabolic Studies From 2025
This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright break down five eye-opening research studies from 2025 that challenge everything you thought you knew about obesity, dieting, and metabolism. The hosts explore surprising new evidence on fitness trackers, the metabolic power of joy (and dessert!), the risks of intermittent fasting, how yo-yo dieting can damage kidney health, and the permanent impact of dieting on your brain-gut connection.Dr. Cooper shares clinical insights and explains why simple fixes—strict diets, calorie counting, and food restriction—can actually backfire, causing more harm than good. From the science of hormone signaling to the pitfalls of diet culture, the conversation reveals powerful new reasons to embrace flexibility, balance, and self-kindness on the journey to metabolic health.Key Takeaways:Fitness trackers can dramatically underestimate calorie burn—errors can reach 93%, especially for people with higher body weight. Companies rarely test enough real-world diversity and may fudge numbers for marketing.Including dessert and “forbidden foods” in your diet leads to better metabolic outcomes, greater mental stability, and less risk of binge eating or weight regain. Joyful eating helps regulate critical hormones like leptin and ghrelin.Intermittent fasting is linked to hair loss. Energy deficits force the body to use fatty acids as fuel, which can damage hair follicle stem cells. Long-term fasting negatively disrupts glucose/insulin balance and destabilizes metabolism.Yo-yo dieting (weight cycling) now shows a direct connection with kidney damage—even in those at normal weight. Rapid weight shifts restrict kidney blood flow, raise cortisol, and cause irreversible damage.Dieting creates lasting changes in the microbiome and brain-gut signaling that promote weight regain and appetite dysregulation. Even a single round of weight cycling can create stubborn metabolic obstacles.Personal Stories & Practical Advice:Andrea shares why dessert is a staple of her happiness—and how mental restriction backfires. Dr. Cooper gives real-world examples from patients: eating favorite foods can unlock better weight results, while “diet damage” often lingers until medical treatment repairs it. 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 are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.Check out our new website where you can ask a mailbag question. If you 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.Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.REFERENCES FOR THIS EPISODEAlshurafa, N., et al. (2025). “More accurate fitness tracking for people with obesity.” *Scientific Reports*, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.Alfouzan, N.W., & Nakamura, M.T. (2025). “Reduced food cravings correlated with a 24-month period of weight loss and weight maintenance.” *Physiology & Behavior*, Vol. 291.Chen, H., Liu, C., Cui, S., et al. (2025). “Intermittent fasting triggers interorgan communication to suppress hair follicle regeneration.” *Cell*, Vol. 188.The Endocrine Society (2025). “Yo-yo dieting may significantly increase kidney disease risk in people with type 1 diabetes.” *Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism*, February 2025.Fouesnard, M., et al. (2025). “Weight cycling deregulates eating behavior via the induction of durable gut dysbiosis.” *Advanced Science*, 2025

Sep 15, 2025 • 51min
Centuries of Evidence: Why Diets Don’t Work
This week on Fat Science, Mark Wright, Andrea Taylor, and Dr. Emily Cooper dig deep into the science and history behind why diets don’t work for lasting weight management. From early fad diets, through to modern metabolic research, the episode explains why calorie restriction often backfires—and why fueling the body is key to long-term health.Dr. Cooper unpacks the latest evidence about metabolic adaptation, the hormonal drivers of weight regain, and the persistent harms caused by repeated dieting. Listeners will leave with a renewed understanding of metabolism’s complexity, the importance of medical advocacy, and the critical need to challenge diet culture and weight bias.Key TakeawaysShort-term weight loss from dieting is common, but centuries of evidence show most weight is regained—sometimes with additional harm.Metabolic adaptation and hormonal changes (like drops in leptin and rises in ghrelin) make weight regain almost inevitable for most people after calorie restriction.Repeated dieting (weight cycling) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and visceral fat, not just regaining lost weight.The biggest breakthroughs in metabolism came in the 20th century, but weight bias and diet industry profits keep the focus on ineffective short-term strategies.True long-term progress rests on regular fueling, metabolic evaluation, and avoiding the trap of repeated restrictive diets.Expert Insights & Practical AdviceDr. Cooper highlights landmark studies (Minnesota Starvation Experiment, Dutch famine, the "Biggest Loser" follow-up) illustrating how diets slow metabolism and can even cause lasting damage.The science behind metabolic hormones—leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, GLP-1—shows why the body fights back against weight loss and why medications must be paired with metabolic support, not additional restriction.Reflections on weight bias in medicine, the need for informed consent around diets, and how current research is still catching up to clinical reality.Personal Stories & Culture CritiqueAndrea shares how social circles demonstrate the futility of diets and the cycle of weight loss and regain.Mark recounts professional experiences highlighting systemic bias and cultural attitudes toward weight and health, advocating for preventive medicine as the path forward.The hosts challenge listeners to rethink their relationship with food, prioritize health, and push back against societal shame and stigma.Resources from the EpisodeFat Science is committed to debunking the myths about metabolism, diabetes, and fat. We empower listeners with evidence-based information, challenging the culture of blame and restriction. This podcast is for informational purposes and not medical advice.Explore our website to join our live audience for the milestone 100th episode recording on Thursday, September 4th at 9 a.m. PST—ask Dr. Cooper a question and celebrate with us!Send questions, show ideas, or feedback: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.If you are a provider and interested in DI's training course or training manual for providers:Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on [LinkedIn]Connect with Mark Wright on [LinkedIn]Connect with Andrea Taylor on [Instagram]Fat Science: No diet, no agenda—just science that makes you feel better.

Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 26min
Fat Science Live: Celebrating Our 100th Episode!
The 100th episode of Fat Science brings together Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright for a live mailbag celebration with listeners worldwide. Hear how the show began, reflect on lessons learned, and get answers to the questions people wish their doctors would address—especially about metabolism, obesity, diabetes, GLP-1 medications, and more.Dr. Cooper shares the big-picture science behind “why we get fat,” the true drivers of metabolic dysfunction, and the evolution of her pioneering clinical practice. Andrea and Mark reveal the patient’s perspective—an honest look at what happens when the latest science meets real lives. Plus, practitioners and patients weigh in on the shifting cultural tide: it’s not a diet problem, it’s a metabolic problem.Key Takeaways:GLP-1 medications do not appear to harm future fertility or cause birth defect risks; improved metabolism may even help down the road.Leptin resistance/suppression: what labs really mean, why mechanical eating matters, and how ghrelin and other signals clarify the picture.“Diet Drug” stigma is outdated; GLP-1 medications target dysfunction, not willpower.Compounded GLP-1 solutions can be risky. Dr. Cooper explains supply chain, testing, and safer cost-saving alternatives like Lilly Direct, NovoCare, and Canadian Kwik pens.Autoimmune diseases (like celiac) may interfere with signals, but GLP-1s—especially bioidentical ones—are still options with careful monitoring.“Selfish Brain” explained: labs to request, what cerebral insulin suppression looks like, and why fueling and sleep are core solutions.Hashimoto’s: often distinct from metabolic dysfunction; both need tailored management and mechanical fueling.Heavy lifting & nutrition: protein needs often overstated—1.0–1.3g/kg ideal; pre-bed protein useful; DEXA scans help track muscle mass.Menopause & metabolism: estrogen/leptin loss, why patch plus micronized progesterone is often safest, and how each choice impacts metabolic health.Navigating insurance complexities, tariffs, and lifetime maxes—when and how to explore creative access.Metabolic changes tied to cycles, pregnancy, birth control: which progestins are weight-neutral, what to ask, and which labs to run if hitting plateaus.GLP-1s often improve blood pressure; dizziness may mean time to reduce meds, not the GLP-1.Personal Stories & Practical Advice:Andrea and Mark share a decade-plus of metabolic journeys—their dramatic health wins and the ongoing battle for self-compassion and body image. Listeners celebrate victories: reversing fatty liver, thriving after cancer, and breaking free from diet cycles.“No diets. No agendas. Just science that makes you feel better.” The audience and hosts repeat this Fat Science tagline to mark the milestone.Resources:Fat Science explains where fat really comes from and why it won’t just go away. We’re committed to empowering people with accurate information about metabolism and busting the myth that fat is failure. This podcast is informational only and not medical advice.Check out our new website to ask a mailbag question. Contact us at questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.Connect with Dr. Cooper on LinkedInConnect with Mark Wright on LinkedInConnect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram

Sep 1, 2025 • 51min
Eating Your Way to Normal
This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright explore the dangers of under-fueling and challenge dieting myths with guest Gina Davito. This episode dives into Gina’s journey from extreme restriction and over-exercising to finally achieving metabolic balance and freedom from food obsession. Dr. Cooper sheds light on the science behind metabolic adaptation, appetite regulation, and why fueling your body—rather than restricting—is essential for long-term health. Listeners will come away with a new perspective on weight management, the power of metabolic healing, and a celebration of food as a source of nourishment and joy.Key Takeaways:Chronic dieting and excessive exercise can trigger severe metabolic adaptation and worsen weight gain, creating a cycle that is hard to break without proper medical support.Abnormal hunger and weight gain are symptoms of underlying metabolic dysfunction, not lack of willpower—often exacerbated by early and repeated dieting.True progress involves nourishing the body and trusting medical guidance, sometimes including tailored medications to reset metabolic balance.Mental freedom from food-related anxiety arrives with metabolic healing—allowing for joy in eating and exercise for health rather than punishment.Early interventions for kids showing unusual hunger or weight patterns should focus on metabolic evaluation, not restriction.Personal Stories & Practical Advice:Gina describes her transformation from compulsive restriction to vibrant health and athleticism—no longer trapped by thoughts of food or weight.Andrea and Mark share their relief at experiencing food freedom and highlight the importance of enjoying both food and movement.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 are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.Check out our new website where you can ask a mailbag question and sign up to be in the audience for our 100th episode we’re recording on Thursday, September 4th at 9 a.m.PST. Be part of the live audience and ask Dr. Cooper a question. We’d love to celebrate this milestone with you!If you 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.Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

Aug 25, 2025 • 44min
Mailbag: GLP-1s, Liver Health, Mechanical Eating & Metabolic Truths
This week on Fat Science we answer your questions in another, always-popular mailbag episode. Join Mark Wright, Andrea Taylor, and Dr. Emily Cooper and learn why some people don’t respond to GLP-1 medications, get the latest on new, oral weight-loss drugs, and explore the science behind elevated liver enzymes. Dr. Cooper offers practical insights backed by metabolic research. She also addresses gluten-free diets, flavored seltzers, craving pathways in the brain, chronic pain management, and the importance of consistent eating patterns for metabolic health.Key Takeaways:About 20% of people may not respond to GLP-1s due to genetic and metabolic differences; deeper lab and genetic testing may be needed to uncover root causes.New oral GLP-1 options like Orforglipron are on the horizon, promising greater convenience and accessibility.Transient increases in liver enzymes can occur with rapid weight changes; regular monitoring and medical guidance are important.The POMC pathway in the brain plays a crucial role in cravings and metabolism—medications like Contrave can help by targeting this pathway.Flavored seltzers are generally fine, but watch for BPA-lined cans; gluten-free isn’t always healthier unless medically necessary.Chronic pain medications often impact metabolism—exploring underlying metabolic causes and non-GABA, non-opioid alternatives with providers is key.Consistent, “patterned” eating supports metabolic stability and brain function.Personal Stories & Practical Advice:Andrea shares how tweaking her medication “cocktail” and eating patterns improved her results.Dr. Cooper and Mark discuss real-life snack strategies for fueling brain power and avoiding metabolic pitfalls.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 are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.Check out our new website where you can ask a mailbag question and sign up to be in the audience for our 100th episode we’re recording on Thursday, September 4th at 9 a.m.PST. Be part of the live audience and ask Dr. Cooper a question. We’d love to celebrate this milestone with you!If you 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.Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

Aug 18, 2025 • 1h
Muscle, Metabolism, and Mentality: Lessons from an 82-Year-Old Powerlifter
Join Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright on Fat Science as they dive into the power of strength training—not just for elite athletes, but for everyday health and longevity.This week’s guests bring unique perspectives: Faith Ireland, retired Washington State Supreme Court Justice and 82-year-old world-record-holding powerlifter, and Russell Cunningham, MA, CRC, exercise physiologist who specializes in rehabilitation, human performance, and the science of aging strong.Faith shares her inspirational journey from recovering after a car accident to competing internationally with 15 world records. Russell explains the hard science behind why muscle strength and power are linked to bone density, fall prevention, metabolism, and even brain health. Dr. Cooper adds the medical lens, showing why strength training is essential for long-term vitality.Key Takeaways:Strength training preserves lean mass, protects bone health, and improves functionality at any age.Research shows if you can’t leg press at least 50% of your body weight, your fall risk skyrockets; strength training dramatically reduces that risk—even into your 90s.Power, not just strength, is key: the ability to move quickly and explosively helps prevent falls and injuries.Strength training improves more than muscles—it benefits insulin resistance, metabolic health, and brain function, with emerging links to dementia prevention.Starting safely matters: Small steps, proper form, and gradual adaptation are essential to build a foundation and avoid injuries.Even 10 minutes of lifting or bodyweight movement can build health when done consistently.Personal Stories & Practical Advice:Faith explains how returning to lifting after back injury and hip replacements gave her confidence and resilience, even through cancer treatments.Andrea admits she’s been putting off strength training and asks Faith for advice on how best to get started.Russell shares insights from research showing why explosive strength matters for both older adults and younger people alike.Dr. Cooper explains the risks of “too much too soon,” highlights foundational training phases, and describes how nutrition and hormonal health affect results.Mark gets candid about how yoga and even golfing without a cart reminded him how fitness translates into everyday life.Resources from the episode:Faith Ireland’s memoir: Getting to Justice: From Unwed Mother to State Supreme CourtDr. Emily Cooper’s book: The Metabolic Storm (2nd edition; new edition forthcoming)Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to share the real science behind why we get fat, addressing stigma and confusion with facts, hope, and empowering stories.Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedInConnect with Mark Wright on LinkedInConnect with Andrea Taylor on InstagramCheck out our new website where you can submit a mailbag question and sign up for our upcoming 100th Episode live audience taping on Thursday, September 4th at 9 a.m. PST! Be part of the milestone and bring your questions for Dr. Cooper.If you have a question for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us atquestions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.Fat Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute, working to expand access to effective, science-based metabolic care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/

Aug 11, 2025 • 49min
The Stress Hormone Cortisol: Friend or Enemy?
Join Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright on Fat Science as they unravel the complex role of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Dr. Cooper explains how cortisol isn’t always bad—it helps us adapt to stress, mobilize energy, and even save our lives in emergencies, but chronic elevation can cause serious health problems like insomnia, weight gain, and increased risk for diabetes and heart disease. The team explores the science behind how stress impacts metabolism, why recovery and adaptation are essential, and practical, science-backed strategies for managing stress in everyday life.Key Takeaways:Cortisol helps the body adapt to acute stress but becomes harmful when chronically elevated, increasing risk for major health issues including metabolic dysfunction.Chronic stress can impair sleep, disrupt blood sugar regulation, and suppress immune function.Managing stress involves more than just eliminating stressors—recovery, lifestyle shifts, and purposeful micro-breaks are vital for a healthy stress response.Meditation, certain types of yoga, gentle exercise, fueling workouts with carbs, and improving sleep all have proven benefits for regulating cortisol.Balancing lifestyle choices, nourishing the body with complex carbs, antioxidants, and gut-friendly foods, and setting boundaries are crucial for long-term metabolic health.Personal Stories & Practical Advice:Andrea opens up about stress shopping and learning healthier coping habits.Mark shares how his career-induced sleep deprivation affected his health, and the positive changes he’s made.Dr. Cooper offers actionable advice on finding realistic ways to “take the load off,” from better sleep to more intentional rest.Resources from the episode:Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to share the real science behind why we get fat, addressing stigma and confusion with facts, hope, and empowering stories. Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.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 are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.Check out our new website where you can ask a mailbag question and sign up to be in the audience for our 100th episode we’re recording on Thursday, September 4th at 9 a.m.PST. Be part of the live audience and ask Dr. Cooper a question. We’d love to celebrate this milestone with you!If you 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.Fat Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute which is on a mission to increase access to effective, science-based medical care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/

Aug 4, 2025 • 41min
How Parental Perception Shapes Kids’ Bodies
This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright explore the surprising influence of parental perception on children’s weight and metabolic health. Dr. Cooper breaks down the science connecting how parents think and talk about body size to the way their kids develop physically and emotionally. The episode tackles the real-world consequences of parental concerns, dieting mindsets, and body image on children’s metabolism, offering insights into creating supportive environments for healthy growth.Key Takeaways:Parental focus on weight—even with good intentions—can inadvertently lead to increased weight and metabolic dysfunction in children, regardless of their starting size.Kids’ brains are attuned to perceptions of scarcity or restriction, which may trigger a slowed metabolism and greater long-term weight gain.Positive, open communication and listening to children’s cues around hunger and satisfaction are crucial for healthy development.Early restrictive interventions, like dieting or food policing, can increase risk for disordered eating, poor self-esteem, and metabolic issues.Healthcare providers and parents should prioritize metabolic health over weight-centric approaches, leaving space for normal growth patterns and individual differences.Personal Stories & Practical Advice:Andrea shares her childhood experiences with parental dieting, restriction, and its lasting emotional effects.Dr. Cooper outlines practical steps for parents: trust your child’s hunger cues, ensure regular nutritious meals, avoid body shaming language, and seek medical advice privately if concerned about weight.Mark emphasizes how society’s focus on body size can harm both kids and adults, reinforcing the need for compassion and science-driven solutions.Resources from the episode:Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to share the real science behind why we get fat, addressing stigma and confusion with facts, hope, and empowering stories. Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.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 are committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.If you have a question for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, you can now reach us at Fat Science’s new website: https://fatsciencepodcast.com, or email us at questions@fatsciencepodcast.com, or dr.C@fatsciencepodcast.com. For scientific reference sample listings related to topics in this episode, see https://fatsciencepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Scientific-References-Fat-Science-Episodes.pdf Fat Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute which is on a mission to increase access to effective, science-based medical care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/