Sigma Nutrition Radio

Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, a board-certified obesity physician and host of the Docs Who Lift podcast, discusses the revolutionary role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in treating obesity. He delves into how these medications, like semaglutide and tirzepatide, lead to significant weight loss and frame obesity as a chronic disease. The conversation highlights managing common side effects like nausea, dietary adjustments for users, and the broader public health implications, including access and cost issues, all while dispelling safety myths surrounding the treatments.

Emily Callahan, a registered dietitian and public health expert, shares insights into the complexities of public nutrition policy. She discusses the significant barriers that hinder effective policy implementation and highlights the critical role of data in evaluating success. Emily introduces the concept of 'food as medicine' and shares examples of innovative programs like medically tailored meals. She emphasizes the importance of comprehensive strategies to address chronic diet-related diseases, underscoring that no single policy can solve these intricate challenges.

Prof. Lewis Gough, an Associate Professor in Nutrition and Physiology, dives into the fascinating world of sodium bicarbonate and its impact on sports performance. He discusses how this agent acts as a buffer against fatigue and the individual variances in response to it. Gough reveals innovative timing strategies for supplementation that enhance effectiveness, along with novel delivery methods to mitigate gastrointestinal issues. He highlights future research directions, including applications for recovery and endurance, making crucial insights accessible for athletes.

Alan Flanagan, a researcher in nutrition and chronobiology, delves into the fascinating world of chronotypes – our biological sleep-wake preferences. He explains how these are distinct from simple lifestyle choices and discusses various measurement methods, from lab tests to questionnaires. The conversation explores genetic and environmental influences on chronotypes and their significant health implications, particularly concerning meal timing and metabolic health. Alan also addresses the challenges for late chronotypes in a society structured around early schedules.

Professor Eric Rawson, a leading expert on nutrition and exercise science, dives into the fascinating world of creatine. He unpacks how creatine isn’t just for muscle gain but may also enhance brain health and cognitive function, especially in aging or neurodegenerative contexts. Discussing the biochemistry behind creatine, he tackles its benefits, evidence for cognitive improvements, and implications for those with brain injuries. Rawson provides a balanced view, cautioning against overhyped claims while highlighting creatine's potential in supporting brain vitality.

Exploring the mysteries of energy expenditure, the discussion reveals surprising insights into how our bodies regulate calorie burn. Research showcases that energy output isn't fixed; it adapts based on activity levels. Highlighted are the intriguing findings from hunter-gatherers, illustrating that high activity doesn’t always equate to higher energy expenditure. The podcast also delves into the limits of human calorie burn, examining extreme scenarios like ultra-endurance athletes, prompting us to rethink the simplistic 'calories in vs. calories out' model.

Dr. Samuel Dicken, a Research Fellow at UCL and lead author of the UPDATE trial, dives into fascinating insights from his groundbreaking research on ultra-processed versus minimally processed diets. He discusses how these diets affect cravings and appetite regulation, challenging the notion of what constitutes a healthy eating pattern. With potential policy implications addressed, Dr. Dicken emphasizes the urgent need for systemic changes to improve food accessibility, particularly for disadvantaged communities. Tune in for a thought-provoking exploration of our dietary choices!

Dr. Matthew Facciani, a postdoctoral researcher at The University of Notre Dame, dives into the intricate world of health beliefs and misinformation. He explains how social psychology influences our acceptance of health claims and the role of identity in shaping these beliefs. The discussion covers innovative approaches to improve media literacy through gaming and highlights the importance of community connection in combating misinformation. Facciani emphasizes the need for critical thinking to navigate today's complex information landscape.

In this discussion, Prof. Jean-Philippe Drouin-Chartier, a nutrition researcher and registered dietitian, dives into the diverse impacts of dairy on cardiometabolic health. He reveals how different dairy products like yogurt and butter can affect cholesterol and blood pressure differently. The conversation explores the evolving dietary guidelines in Canada, emphasizing the importance of the dairy matrix. Prof. Drouin-Chartier also highlights the need for precise research on low-fat versus high-fat dairy and its implications for type 2 diabetes.

Join Professor Ian Mudway, an environmental toxicologist from Imperial College London, as he dives into the pressing issue of microplastics in our environment and bodies. He discusses their alarming prevalence in food and air and the complexities surrounding their health implications. The conversation balances public fascination with scientific evidence, tackling misconceptions and the role of media in shaping perceptions. Mudway emphasizes the need for clear communication and research, urging a broader view of environmental health priorities.