The Exam Room by the Physicians Committee

Dr. Jim Loomis, medical director at Barnard Medical Center and co-host of Doc & Chef, dives into the hidden dangers of ultra-processed foods in the quest for weight loss. He explains how these foods disrupt appetite hormones and promote fat storage, making weight control a challenge. Discover the significance of fiber, nutrients, and the thermic effect of food in managing weight. Dr. Loomis also shares practical tips for choosing whole plant foods and breaking free from harmful eating habits.

In this engaging discussion, Ben Urich, Senior Director of Health Outcomes at Prime Therapeutics, dives into the world of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. He reveals fascinating insights on the explosive growth in their use, highlighting persistence rates and why most users stop. Ben addresses the costs of these medications and the financial impact on employers. The conversation also touches on side effects, ongoing studies for new therapeutic uses, and the potential of 30 new drugs in the pipeline, painting a vivid picture of the future of weight-loss medicine.

Dr. Neal Barnard, a renowned physician and author of The Cheese Trap, dives into the surprising addictive nature of cheese, revealing how it activates the brain's pleasure centers similarly to narcotics. He explains the role of casomorphins and the alarming rise in U.S. cheese consumption, linking it to obesity and diabetes. Barnard highlights concerns about dairy hormones in relation to breast cancer and children's health, addressing the dramatic benefits of quitting cheese for overall well-being. A must-listen for anyone curious about dairy's hidden dangers!

Dr. Kaixiong (Calvin) Ye, a genetic epidemiologist from the University of Georgia, dives deep into the world of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. He debunks myths about omega-6 being harmful, revealing its essential roles in health. Dr. Ye discusses how both fatty acids are linked to lower cancer risk and clarifies the misleading omega-6:omega-3 ratio. He also highlights the impact of genetics on omega-3 metabolism and how future precision nutrition will personalize dietary recommendations. A must-listen for health enthusiasts!

Jane Velez-Mitchell, an Emmy-winning journalist and founder of Unchained TV, reveals how her plant-based streaming network is revolutionizing food media. She discusses the surge of interest in vegan storytelling, despite mainstream media's resistance. Jane shares insights on the meat industry's messaging war against veganism and highlights the fascinating history of the 1890s vegetarian movement. With over 20 million views on Unchained TV, she emphasizes the vital role of FAST channels in changing how we consume media and advocating for a more compassionate food system.

Dr. Ted Barnett, a lifestyle medicine physician and director of the Rochester Lifestyle Medicine Institute, reveals how patients can dramatically lower their cholesterol by over 150 points in just 15 days using a whole food plant-based diet. He discusses the impressive results from his 15-day jumpstart program, which often outstrip those of statins. Barnett also highlights the barriers within the medical system that hamper lifestyle solutions and shares his top foods for transforming health, including arugula, broccoli, and sweet potatoes.

Dr. Hana Kahleova, a physician and researcher known for her work in plant-based nutrition, sheds light on a groundbreaking study revealing the environmental benefits of vegan diets. Discover how adopting plant-based foods can dramatically reduce land and water use, with vegan options using up to 8 times less land. The striking results show potential reductions of greenhouse gases by nearly half, while participants lost significant weight. They also explore unexpected health benefits, including improved lung function, marking a win for both personal and planetary health.

Dr. Brad Moore, a leader in lifestyle medicine at George Washington University, discusses how lifestyle choices, not genetics, drive chronic diseases. He emphasizes that 95% of patients can reduce medications by making simple changes in diet, movement, and stress management. Moore highlights the importance of tailored, gradual lifestyle changes over strict diets and explains how sleep affects hunger hormones. He also covers the crucial difference between weight as a symptom and the root causes of health issues, advocating for a whole-food, plant-forward diet.

Dr. Neal Barnard, a physician and nutrition researcher, dives into startling research revealing that chicken is linked to approximately one in five urinary tract infections (UTIs). He explains how E. coli from poultry contaminates meat and stresses that cooking isn't a foolproof solution due to cross-contamination in kitchens. Barnard also discusses the impact of a plant-based diet on reducing UTI risks and highlights foods like cranberries and blueberries that can help prevent infections. The conversation includes insights on antibiotic resistance and the effects of poverty on UTI rates.

Dr. Roxie Becker, a physician and skin-health expert known as Doc Rocks, dives into the fascinating science behind aging and skin health. She reveals everyday habits that could be speeding up skin aging, like sun exposure and smoking. Alcohol's mixed effects on skin, and how exercise boosts elasticity take center stage. Dr. Becker emphasizes the power of a plant-based diet rich in carotenoids, while sleep's critical role in skin repair gets highlighted. Discover practical lifestyle changes for a youthful glow!