Chasing Life

Exploring the connection between menopause and weight gain, Dr. Monica Christmas shares insights on managing midlife weight gain and navigating menopausal symptoms. Topics include hormonal changes, metabolic impact, individual differences, weight management strategies, and embracing menopause as a natural stage of life.

Embryos classified as children in Alabama, leading to legal challenges in IVF. Expert explains IVF process and implications of the ruling. Families and clinics react to the controversial decision, sparking national discussions on fertility care.

Dr. Jack Yanovski, a pediatric endocrinologist, discusses childhood obesity and disordered eating in teens. He advises on determining who is most concerned about weight, causes and consequences of high body weight in kids, and treatment options. Topics include talking to kids about food and weight, lifestyle interventions, obesity classification as a disease, and risks associated with high body weight in adolescents.

WeightWatchers CEO discusses the changes in the company's approach to weight loss, including embracing telehealth and weight loss drugs. They emphasize the importance of science-based obesity management and member support. The podcast also covers the challenges faced during the pivot, destigmatizing weight management medications, and the advisory role of Oprah in their company.

The podcast explores the booming business of weight loss drugs, discussing their popularity, profitability, and impact on food and healthcare. It delves into the challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies, the business strategies behind drug pricing, and the potential societal implications. The episode also highlights the potential benefits of more affordable weight loss drugs and the use of these medications by companies like Weight Watchers.

Dr. Jorge Moreno, Yale School of Medicine assistant professor, discusses new drugs for weight loss like Ozempic, exploring their benefits, risks, and unknowns. He explains how medications like Ozempic trick the brain into feeling full, highlights the similarities and differences between available weight loss medications, and addresses eligibility criteria and stigma associated with taking these drugs. The podcast also touches on the future of diabetes medications, including potential long-term effects, upcoming triple agonist drug, and affordability issues.

Daniel Lieberman, a paleoanthropologist at Harvard, explains how our bodies evolved to hold onto fat for survival. They discuss the challenges and resistance our bodies have towards weight loss. Professor Lieberman discusses the paleo diet and highlights the importance of eating plant-based foods and avoiding processed ones.

Discover the misconceptions around weight and health. Learn about alternative ways to measure health beyond BMI. Explore the concept of ideal weight and its connection to overall health. Emphasize the importance of focusing on optimal health rather than just weight.

Anderson Cooper continues his personal journey through grief and talks with psychotherapist Francis Weller about the importance of embracing and honoring grief. They discuss suppressed grief, cultural differences in grief rituals, and Francis Weller's book on grief and loss. The podcast explores the themes of listening to voicemail messages, finding joy after loss, and the significance of communal discussions about pain.

In this final episode of 2023, Dr. Sanjay Gupta rounds up top tips from all guests, including conversations about children's use of digital media, maximizing longevity and mental health in aging, tips for quality sleep and brain-boosting foods, and the power of forgiveness and reflection for the new year.