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 Cooper

Resources 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 LinkedIn
Mark Wright on LinkedIn
Andrea Taylor on Instagram

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 Cooper

Resources 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 LinkedIn
Mark Wright on LinkedIn
Andrea Taylor on Instagram

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 LinkedIn
Mark Wright on LinkedIn
Andrea Taylor on Instagram