Fat Science

Dr Emily Cooper
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Dec 8, 2025 • 47min

Listener Mailbag: Set Point Theory, Trauma & Metabolism, and Why 1200 Calories Can Still Lead to Weight Gain

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor answer listener questions about BMI cutoffs, weight cycling, metabolic adaptation, trauma, GLP-1 differences, and why some people gain weight on ultra-low calories. Dr. Cooper explains what’s really happening inside the metabolic system and why individualized treatment—not dieting—creates sustainable change.Key Questions AnsweredIf my BMI doesn’t “qualify” for GLP-1s, is Naltrexone + Bupropion helpful—and what labs matter first?Does being overweight always indicate metabolic dysfunction, and why are U.S. rates so high?If diets damage metabolism, what do you do when you’re already 80 pounds overweight?How long does it take for leptin and ghrelin to stabilize with mechanical eating?How can someone gain weight on 1,200 calories/day?After sleeve gastrectomy, how do you eat enough while on a GLP-1?Is set point theory real—and how does the melanocortin pathway influence it?If obesity runs in my family, will I need meds like Zepbound for life?How do trauma and stress alter long-term metabolic health?Can GLP-1s offset weight gain from steroids, mood meds, or hormones?Why might Ozempic work well while Mounjaro causes weight gain?Key Takeaways1. BMI rules don’t reflect metabolic truth.A mid-20s BMI can still mask significant dysfunction, especially with weight cycling.2. Weight cycling is metabolically stressful.Repeated losses/regains increase visceral fat, insulin abnormalities, and cardiovascular risk.3. Obesity is a multi-hormonal disease.Most people need pharmacology plus sleep, fueling, and movement—not restrictive dieting.4. Metabolic adaptation is powerful.Under-fueling lowers thyroid output, suppresses fat-burning, and slows metabolism dramatically.5. After bariatric surgery or on GLP-1s, frequency matters.Frequent, nutrient-dense snacks protect muscle, metabolism, and energy.6. Set point changes with better signaling.GLP-1s and related therapies help the brain accurately detect weight and lower the defended level.7. Genetics often mean lifelong support.Family patterns of obesity usually indicate long-term need for metabolic medication.8. Trauma amplifies metabolic risk.Childhood trauma disrupts IGF-1, sleep, stress hormones, insulin, leptin, and ghrelin.9. Medications can cause weight gain—GLP-1s can help counteract it.Steroids, mood meds, hormonal agents, and more can be metabolically unfriendly.10. “Newer” isn’t always better.Some people respond poorly to the GIP component in Mounjaro/Zepbound. Individual physiology rules.Dr. Cooper’s Actionable TipsRequest deeper evaluation: DEXA, visceral fat, fasting insulin/glucose, leptin, reproductive hormones.Stop restrictive dieting permanently—mechanical eating protects metabolic stability.Work with a fueling-focused dietitian (often ED-trained).Review your medication list for drugs known to cause weight gain.Don’t switch GLP-1s or chase higher doses if your current regimen works.Notable Quote“Obesity isn’t a willpower problem. It’s a metabolic disease, and when the underlying system is supported, the body finally has permission to change.” — Dr. Emily CooperLinks & ResourcesPodcast Home: Fat Science Podcast WebsiteSubmit a Show Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.comDr. Emily Cooper on LinkedInMark Wright on LinkedInAndrea Taylor on InstagramFat Science is your source for breaking diet myths and advancing the science of true metabolic health. No diets, no agendas—just science that makes you feel better. The show is informational only and does not constitute medical advice.
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Dec 1, 2025 • 59min

A Patient’s Guide to Taking Back Your Health

Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor talk with Maria from Buffalo, a longtime listener who shares her lifelong journey with obesity, psoriatic arthritis, and binge eating—and how finally understanding the science of metabolism gave her hope. Maria describes early childhood weight gain, joint damage, and years of restrictive dieting and food shame, then explains how GLP‑1 therapy (Zepbound) plus mechanical eating helped her lose about 50 pounds while eating more food, more often, and with more joy. Dr. Cooper breaks down the underlying biology—leptin, weight set point, the melanocortin pathway, and the impact of pain, sleep, and chronic inflammation on hunger hormones—and reframes obesity as a symptom of deeper metabolic problems, not a character flaw. This episode doubles as a practical, emotionally honest guide for patients trying to navigate a traditional health‑care system without a dedicated metabolic specialist.Key Questions AnsweredHow can rapid childhood weight gain, autoimmune disease, and early joint damage signal serious metabolic dysfunction rather than “too much food” or “not enough exercise”?What is leptin, what does “too low for your size” mean, and how does that affect hunger, weight set point, and weight loss?What is monogenic obesity testing, who might qualify for free genetic screening, and how can results inform (but not necessarily change) treatment?How do GLP‑1 medications like Zepbound work with mechanical eating so someone can lose weight while eating more regularly and with more variety?Which labs (fasting glucose, insulin, leptin, etc.) help uncover hidden metabolic issues, and when is a mixed‑meal test more useful than a simple fasting snapshot?When should brain‑active medications (such as bupropion/naltrexone combinations) be considered, and what trade‑offs and side effects matter?How can patients respectfully push for tests, challenge old “eat less, move more” advice, and set boundaries around weigh‑ins and stigmatizing language?Key TakeawaysIt’s not your fault: Rapid childhood weight gain and early‑onset obesity often reflect serious metabolic biology, including rare gene variants, growth phases, and hormone signaling—not gluttony or laziness.Obesity is a symptom: Excess weight is better understood as a side effect of underlying metabolic fires (leptin issues, insulin resistance, brain signaling problems) that need proper diagnosis and treatment.Leptin really matters: Low leptin for your size can act as a biological brake on weight loss, and chronic dieting, under‑fueling, over‑exercise, and some high‑dose supplements can suppress it further.GLP‑1s plus mechanical eating: Medications like Zepbound can quiet food noise and support weight loss, but scheduled, balanced eating is essential to avoid under‑fueling, protect muscle, and support hormones.Pain and sleep are metabolic: Chronic pain and poor sleep increase hunger hormones like ghrelin and disrupt repair processes, worsening metabolic dysfunction unless directly addressed.Script your visits: Bring a printed list of diagnoses, medications, and questions; use patient portals to request specific tests; and practice simple boundary phrases around weighing and diet talk.Notable Quote“This isn’t all just caused by diets and things like that. There was an original metabolic problem. It was amplified because of the food restriction and the psychology around it, but you are a product of cumulative insults to your system—not a moral failure.” — Dr. Emily CooperLinks & ResourcesPodcast Home: https://fatsciencepodcast.com/Cooper Center for Metabolism & Fat Science Episodes: https://coopermetabolic.com/podcast/Resources and education from Dr. Cooper: https://coopermetabolic.com/resources/Submit a Show Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.comDr. Cooper direct show email: dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.comFat Science is informational only and does not constitute medical advice.
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Nov 24, 2025 • 47min

Listener Mailbag – Practical Metabolic Care, GLP‑1 Myths, and the Dangers of Microdosing

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor field your most urgent metabolic health questions—exploring care advocacy, novel drug use, lab results, and how to filter fact from fiction in the TikTok age. Dr. Cooper offers clinical clarity, real-world perspective, and actionable hope—with an emphasis on what truly matters for your long-term health and energy.Hear from listeners experiencing real breakthroughs (and challenges) with GLP-1s, get tips for navigating confusing cholesterol results, and learn why self-advocacy and good science matter more than credentials or hype. This is not a quick-fix episode; it’s real metabolic medicine, mythbusting, and grounded encouragement for your health journey.Key Questions AnsweredWhat labs and scores best assess your true metabolic risk—and how do you make sense of fasting glucose, glucose-insulin ratio (GIR), and FIB-4?How can you find a medical provider who’ll actually give you the time and attention metabolic care requires?Why do GLP-1s benefit more than weight loss alone? Listeners report help with sleep apnea, inflammation, and food noise—what does the science say?How should you reintroduce carbs after restriction, and what’s the safest way to monitor (beyond A1C)?What’s up with rising cholesterol on Zepbound, and when do you worry?Does serotonin syndrome relate to GLP-1s? (Short answer: No—Dr. Cooper explains why.)What are the dangers of “GLP-1 microdosing” as pushed by social media, and what happens when influencers overstep good science?Key TakeawaysCare that cares: The best doctor isn’t always the most credentialed—find someone, MD, NP, or PA, who takes your questions seriously and goes deeper than the surface. Labs that matter: Fasting glucose, insulin, GIR, HbA1c, plus advanced lipid testing (CardioIQ, NMR) are critical for uncovering hidden risk—not just chasing numbers. GLP-1s act broadly: Listeners see gains in sleep, inflammation, and appetite regulation. These benefits are real, not just anecdotal, and Dr. Cooper shares the clinical rationale. Smart fueling, even on GLP-1s: If you lack hunger cues, “mechanical eating” prevents under-fueling and cellular stress—especially important for maintaining muscle and metabolism. Rethinking “microdosing”: TikTok trends are not medical advice—microdosing with black-market GLP-1s is unproven, poorly regulated, and potentially unsafe. Rely on trusted, legal medication sources only. Dr. Cooper’s Actionable TipsRequest a full panel for metabolic health: ask your provider about fasting insulin, GIR, HbA1c, lipids, and FIB-4—even if you haven’t been flagged as “at risk”. For those on GLP-1s: Don’t skip meals; create a schedule with protein and fiber to avoid muscle loss and ensure micronutrient intake. Experiencing cholesterol shifts on medication? Ask for a breakdown (HDL, LDL, particle size) and consider advanced panels (CardioIQ, NMR) to better understand your risk. If reintroducing carbs after restriction, pair them with protein or fat and test glucose/insulin at intervals post-meal to personalize your plan. Avoid unregulated “microdosing” and buy only from reputable, FDA-approved outlets—protect your long-term health over quick fixes. Notable Quote“The most important thing is somebody who cares, not necessarily their degrees.”— Dr. Emily CooperLinks & ResourcesPodcast Home: Fat Science Podcast WebsiteSubmit a Show Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.comDr. Emily Cooper on LinkedInMark Wright on LinkedInAndrea Taylor on InstagramAdvanced cholesterol testing: CardioIQ at Quest, NMR at LabCorpFat Science is your source for breaking diet myths and advancing the science of true metabolic health. No diets, no agendas—just science that makes you feel better. The show is informational only and does not constitute medical advice. 
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Nov 17, 2025 • 55min

Listener Mailbag – Metabolic Mysteries, Medication Strategies, and Dr. Cooper’s Science-Based Answers

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor dive into your burning questions from around the world—exploring misunderstood metabolic problems, hard-won solutions for real people, and the science behind the headlines. From “selfish brain” physiology to the rollercoaster of insurance and medication access, Dr. Cooper brings clinical clarity and practical hope.Hear real-world listener stories, get advice on tuning your metabolic health, and learn why personalization—not “calories in, calories out”—leads to better outcomes. This is no silver bullet show: it’s metabolic medicine, mythbusting, and science-backed encouragement for your journey.Key Questions AnsweredWhat is the “selfish brain” and how does it really impact blood sugar and diabetes risk?Why do GLP-1 medications affect stamina and hunger, and how should you fuel your body if you’re using them?If insurance pulls coverage for medications like Ozempic or Zepbound, what are your practical, safe, and affordable options?How do metabolic markers, medication “cocktails,” and genetic testing shape Dr. Cooper’s individualized care—and can you taper off meds and maintain results?What does “normal” blood sugar look like after meals, and how do you distinguish trends from outliers?Key TakeawaysMetabolism is complex—individualized care is essential. Diabetes, hypoglycemia, and insulin resistance all have personal causes and require testing like the Mixed Meal Tolerance Test to solve—not one-size-fits-all advice. GLP-1s require smart fueling. Many experience reduced stamina on these medications. Dr. Cooper recommends upping both complex and simple carbs pre-exercise and consulting with a registered dietitian if fatigue persists. Insurance coverage is a challenge—but not the end. Generic options (like liraglutide/Victoza via Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs), manufacturer programs, and “cocktail” regimens can support continued progress, even if you lose access to top-brand GLP-1s. Feedback loops & genetics drive lasting outcomes. While some patients can successfully—slowly—taper medications, most with metabolic dysfunction will need long-term support. “Clean eating” alone rarely reverses underlying feedback loop glitches. Monitoring is powerful. Using blood sugar monitors (especially for diabetics) can demystify meal spikes and help fine-tune nutrition and medication timing. Personal stories reflect broader truths. Listeners share struggles and solutions, reinforcing that metabolic health spans medication, motivation, and mindset.Dr. Cooper’s Actionable TipsAlways dig deeper with testing—not just A1C but also post-meal spikes via the Mixed Meal Tolerance Test.If you’re prescribed a GLP-1 and struggle with energy, increase carb intake safely and talk to a doctor about medication adjustment. For lost coverage, stick to FDA-approved sources: Lilly Direct for Zepbound, Novocare for Wegovy, and Mark Cuban for generics. Don’t risk unregulated online compounds. Recognize the difference between generalized “healthy” habits and targeted strategies that actually move your biomarkers.Stay consistent and compassionate—focus on small improvements over extremes and absolutes.Notable Quote“The metabolism is regulated by a feedback loop…when you introduce outside hormone forms, you strengthen signals to favor fuel utilization over energy conservation.”— Dr. Emily CooperLinks & ResourcesPodcast Home: Fat Science Podcast WebsiteSubmit a Show Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.comDr. Emily Cooper on LinkedInMark Wright on LinkedInAndrea Taylor on InstagramGeneric medication access: Mark Cuban Cost Plus DrugsZepbound direct: Lilly DirectAdditional info: Novocare for WegovyFat Science is your source for breaking diet myths and advancing the science of true metabolic health. No diets, no agendas—just science that makes you feel better. The show is informational only and does not constitute medical advice.
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Nov 10, 2025 • 55min

From Voodoo to Mainstream: Debunking Diet Culture in the Age of GLP-1s

Dr. Emily Cooper shares her journey from being labeled a 'voodoo doctor' to gaining acceptance in the medical community. She reveals how traditional calorie-focused advice often fails and highlights the importance of understanding metabolism's complexity. The conversation dives into the rise of GLP-1 medications, discussing their impact on appetite and metabolic health. Patient experiences illustrate how these treatments can restore food freedom and reduce anxiety around eating. There’s also a look at upcoming metabolic drugs that could revolutionize treatment.
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Nov 3, 2025 • 52min

Mailbag: Low Blood Sugar Explained, Relief From Food Noise, Calorie Restriction Warning, Metabolic Health care on a Budget, and More.

his week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor tackle the biggest listener questions about sustainable weight loss, metabolic health, and why restrictive diets so often backfire. From medications like GLP-1s to common myths about exercise and nutrition, this episode delivers practical science and down-to-earth advice for anyone struggling with their weight and/or health.Dr. Cooper breaks down why obesity is a physical sign of underlying metabolic dysfunction and sets the record straight about what really works for long-term health—spoiler: it’s not endless calorie counting or exercise alone. Listeners from around the world share their struggles and triumphs, and Dr. Cooper explains the roles of genetics, “food noise,” dealing with hypoglycemia, and the best ways to fuel your body.Key Questions Answered:Can someone with obesity achieve lasting weight loss without medication? Why don’t diets and exercise alone work long-term?What is reactive hypoglycemia after gastric bypass, and how should it be managed?How can people with limited access to healthcare still improve metabolic health?What is “food noise,” and how do new medications target the brain’s hunger and satiety signals?Should people use calorie restriction or focus on fueling their bodies for better metabolic health?Key Takeaways:Obesity is best understood as a physical sign of metabolic disease, not a personal failure.There is no diet or exercise program shown to sustain long-term weight loss for those with obesity—medical therapies are usually necessary. Caloric restriction and exercise without medical intervention can slow metabolism and drive weight regain (the “diet backlash” effect). Good metabolic health is possible at any body size. Nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management are essential but cannot, by themselves, reverse obesity.Medications like GLP-1s can help “quiet” food noise by restoring healthy communication between the gut and brain.Lifestyle strategies support metabolic function but aren’t strong enough to reverse metabolic disease alone. Focus on eating regular meals, balanced nutrients, and fueling your activity—not on perfection or restriction.Dr. Cooper’s Actionable Tips:Find a clinician who listens and is curious about your health, not just weight or calorie intake.Don’t be pressured to take medication if you feel healthy and have good lab results, regardless of your weight.Fuel your body consistently with a mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs—perfection isn’t necessary.Prioritize sleep and stress management, as both are critical for metabolism.Notable Quote:"There is no diet or exercise program that leads to long-term weight loss in someone with obesity. There isn't. Any time you're introducing that restriction you're opening the door to what's called metabolic adaptation, a slowing of the metabolic system. Why would you want to do that? If your whole goal is to strengthen the metabolic system, why would we want to introduce something that's been proven scientifically to slow the metabolic system down?" — Dr. Emily CooperResources from the episode:Fat Science is your source for understanding why metabolic health—not weight alone—matters more than ever. No diets, no agendas, just science that makes you feel better. This show is informational only, not medical advice.Check out our website to submit a question to the listener mailbag.Have questions for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect?Email questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.Connect with:Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedInMark Wright on LinkedInAndrea Taylor on Instagram
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Oct 27, 2025 • 42min

New Blood Pressure Guidelines: What You Need to Know

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor dive into the latest U.S. blood pressure guidelines—and reveal why nearly half of all Americans face risks that can no longer be ignored. Early intervention and smart lifestyle changes are at the heart of these new recommendations.Why is high blood pressure such a hidden danger? What do the new “elevated” and “stage one” categories mean for real people? How do doctors decide when it’s time for medication versus lifestyle changes? And how does blood pressure connect to kidneys, strokes, and even dementia? Dr. Cooper unpacks the science, gives practical advice, and shares why home monitoring is now a crucial part of medical care.In this conversation-dense episode, the team breaks old myths and empowers listeners to take charge—so that “keeping an eye” on blood pressure becomes active prevention, not passive worry.Key Takeaways:New guidelines lower the bar for concern—120 over 80 is now “caution,” and 130 over 80 is “hypertension.” Early action matters.Untreated high blood pressure can lead to irreversible organ damage, strokes, kidney disease, and cognitive decline.Doctors now have a better toolkit: updated cutoffs, risk “calculators” that include zip code, and clearer protocols for who needs medication right away.Lifestyle changes (fruit, vegetables, less sodium, more movement, quality sleep, stress management, and alcohol moderation) are the first line for many—especially in the “elevated” category.Metabolic syndrome often includes high blood pressure; medicines like GLP-1s and metformin may help regulate pressure as well as metabolism.Accurate home blood pressure monitoring is strongly recommended, with validated cuff meters (not wrist models).Dr. Cooper shares actionable tips:Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily for potassium—bananas, spinach, potatoes, kiwis all help.Get a “validated” cuff monitor and check morning/evening, resting, following best practices.Ask your doctor about the new guidelines and risk calculators (found at the American Heart Association website).Notable Quote:“Home readings are very valuable. I really encourage people to look at the Validate BP site, find a good meter, and keep a log. Catching high blood pressure early and treating it aggressively can have profound impacts on your future health.”— Dr. Emily CooperResources from the episode:Fat Science is your source for understanding why blood pressure—and metabolic health—matter more than ever. No diets, no agendas, just science that makes you feel better.This show is informational only, not medical advice.Check out our website to submit a question to the listener mailbag.Have questions for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect?Email questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.Connect with:Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedInMark Wright on LinkedInAndrea Taylor on Instagram
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Oct 20, 2025 • 35min

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 LinkedInMark Wright on LinkedInAndrea Taylor on Instagram
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Oct 13, 2025 • 36min

The Fallacy of GLP-1 “Diets” & the Microdosing Ad Frenzy

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright take on one of the biggest misinformation waves in popular health media: the rise of “microdosed” GLP‑1s and so‑called “GLP‑1 diets.” As GLP‑1 medications dominate headlines and social media feeds, the hosts cut through the noise to explain what’s actually safe, what’s marketing hype, and why restrictive diets go against metabolic science. Dr. Cooper reveals how calorie‑cutting research became misinterpreted, how compounded microdoses are being promoted like supplements, and why “just eat less” remains one of the most harmful messages for people trying to improve their metabolic health. From the hormonal backlash of dieting to potentially-dangerous online telehealth shortcuts, this episode exposes how the new era of “skinny shots” and influencer‑driven microdosing campaigns echo decades of failed diet culture.Key Takeaways:GLP‑1 medications were never meant to be microdosed — these are serious prescription treatments, not vitamin‑like supplements.“GLP‑1 diets” persist because clinical trials paired the drugs with low‑calorie plans — but science hasn’t yet proven those restrictions help long‑term.Chronic calorie restriction weakens metabolism, disrupts hormones, and sets up “defensive weight gain.”Compounded or telehealth‑prescribed GLP‑1 versions are often untested and can be risky; many forms haven’t even been through FDA approval.Real progress comes from fueling your metabolism — eating enough, exercising with support, and stabilizing your brain’s hunger signals.Personal Stories & Practical Advice:Andrea opens up about the challenge of “mechanical eating” on GLP‑1 therapy — remembering to eat even when not hungry — while Mark shares how his own food relationship transformed once he focused on fueling, not restriction. Dr. Cooper emphasizes her 25‑year‑old shift away from calorie‑cutting, showing how patients thrive when metabolism is strengthened, not starved.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.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.
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Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 11min

Childhood Obesity: Science, Shame & New Hope

Dr. Evan Nadler, a leading pediatric surgeon and expert in childhood obesity, discusses the stigmatization of obesity as a moral failure rather than a medical condition. He emphasizes the complexities behind childhood obesity, including genetic and hormonal factors, and the importance of early intervention. Transformative treatment options, including medication and surgery for younger patients, are also covered. The conversation challenges outdated views and highlights the need for compassionate support for families navigating these issues.

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