This week on Fat Science, Mark Wright, Andrea Taylor, and Dr. Emily Cooper dig deep into the science and history behind why diets don’t work for lasting weight management. From early fad diets, through to modern metabolic research, the episode explains why calorie restriction often backfires—and why fueling the body is key to long-term health.

Dr. Cooper unpacks the latest evidence about metabolic adaptation, the hormonal drivers of weight regain, and the persistent harms caused by repeated dieting. Listeners will leave with a renewed understanding of metabolism’s complexity, the importance of medical advocacy, and the critical need to challenge diet culture and weight bias.

Key Takeaways

• Short-term weight loss from dieting is common, but centuries of evidence show most weight is regained—sometimes with additional harm.
• Metabolic adaptation and hormonal changes (like drops in leptin and rises in ghrelin) make weight regain almost inevitable for most people after calorie restriction.
• Repeated dieting (weight cycling) increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and visceral fat, not just regaining lost weight.
• The biggest breakthroughs in metabolism came in the 20th century, but weight bias and diet industry profits keep the focus on ineffective short-term strategies.
• True long-term progress rests on regular fueling, metabolic evaluation, and avoiding the trap of repeated restrictive diets.

Expert Insights & Practical Advice

• Dr. Cooper highlights landmark studies (Minnesota Starvation Experiment, Dutch famine, the "Biggest Loser" follow-up) illustrating how diets slow metabolism and can even cause lasting damage.
• The science behind metabolic hormones—leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, GLP-1—shows why the body fights back against weight loss and why medications must be paired with metabolic support, not additional restriction.
• Reflections on weight bias in medicine, the need for informed consent around diets, and how current research is still catching up to clinical reality.

Personal Stories & Culture Critique

• Andrea shares how social circles demonstrate the futility of diets and the cycle of weight loss and regain.
• Mark recounts professional experiences highlighting systemic bias and cultural attitudes toward weight and health, advocating for preventive medicine as the path forward.
• The hosts challenge listeners to rethink their relationship with food, prioritize health, and push back against societal shame and stigma.

Resources from the Episode

Fat Science is committed to debunking the myths about metabolism, diabetes, and fat. We empower listeners with evidence-based information, challenging the culture of blame and restriction. This podcast is for informational purposes and not medical advice.

• Explore our website to join our live audience for the milestone 100th episode recording on Thursday, September 4th at 9 a.m. PST—ask Dr. Cooper a question and celebrate with us!
• Send questions, show ideas, or feedback: 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]

Fat Science: No diet, no agenda—just science that makes you feel better.

The 100th episode of Fat Science brings together Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright for a live mailbag celebration with listeners worldwide. Hear how the show began, reflect on lessons learned, and get answers to the questions people wish their doctors would address—especially about metabolism, obesity, diabetes, GLP-1 medications, and more.

Dr. Cooper shares the big-picture science behind “why we get fat,” the true drivers of metabolic dysfunction, and the evolution of her pioneering clinical practice. Andrea and Mark reveal the patient’s perspective—an honest look at what happens when the latest science meets real lives. Plus, practitioners and patients weigh in on the shifting cultural tide: it’s not a diet problem, it’s a metabolic problem.

Key Takeaways:

• GLP-1 medications do not appear to harm future fertility or cause birth defect risks; improved metabolism may even help down the road.
• Leptin resistance/suppression: what labs really mean, why mechanical eating matters, and how ghrelin and other signals clarify the picture.
• “Diet Drug” stigma is outdated; GLP-1 medications target dysfunction, not willpower.
• Compounded GLP-1 solutions can be risky. Dr. Cooper explains supply chain, testing, and safer cost-saving alternatives like Lilly Direct, NovoCare, and Canadian Kwik pens.
• Autoimmune diseases (like celiac) may interfere with signals, but GLP-1s—especially bioidentical ones—are still options with careful monitoring.
• “Selfish Brain” explained: labs to request, what cerebral insulin suppression looks like, and why fueling and sleep are core solutions.
• Hashimoto’s: often distinct from metabolic dysfunction; both need tailored management and mechanical fueling.
• Heavy lifting & nutrition: protein needs often overstated—1.0–1.3g/kg ideal; pre-bed protein useful; DEXA scans help track muscle mass.
• Menopause & metabolism: estrogen/leptin loss, why patch plus micronized progesterone is often safest, and how each choice impacts metabolic health.
• Navigating insurance complexities, tariffs, and lifetime maxes—when and how to explore creative access.
• Metabolic changes tied to cycles, pregnancy, birth control: which progestins are weight-neutral, what to ask, and which labs to run if hitting plateaus.
• GLP-1s often improve blood pressure; dizziness may mean time to reduce meds, not the GLP-1.

Personal Stories & Practical Advice:Andrea and Mark share a decade-plus of metabolic journeys—their dramatic health wins and the ongoing battle for self-compassion and body image. Listeners celebrate victories: reversing fatty liver, thriving after cancer, and breaking free from diet cycles.

“No diets. No agendas. Just science that makes you feel better.” The audience and hosts repeat this Fat Science tagline to mark the milestone.

Resources:Fat Science explains where fat really comes from and why it won’t just go away. We’re committed to empowering people with accurate information about metabolism and busting the myth that fat is failure. This podcast is informational only and not medical advice.

Check out our new website to ask a mailbag question. Contact us at questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.

Connect with Dr. Cooper on LinkedInConnect with Mark Wright on LinkedInConnect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright explore the dangers of under-fueling and challenge dieting myths with guest Gina Davito. This episode dives into Gina’s journey from extreme restriction and over-exercising to finally achieving metabolic balance and freedom from food obsession.

Dr. Cooper sheds light on the science behind metabolic adaptation, appetite regulation, and why fueling your body—rather than restricting—is essential for long-term health. Listeners will come away with a new perspective on weight management, the power of metabolic healing, and a celebration of food as a source of nourishment and joy.

Key Takeaways:

• Chronic dieting and excessive exercise can trigger severe metabolic adaptation and worsen weight gain, creating a cycle that is hard to break without proper medical support.
• Abnormal hunger and weight gain are symptoms of underlying metabolic dysfunction, not lack of willpower—often exacerbated by early and repeated dieting.
• True progress involves nourishing the body and trusting medical guidance, sometimes including tailored medications to reset metabolic balance.
• Mental freedom from food-related anxiety arrives with metabolic healing—allowing for joy in eating and exercise for health rather than punishment.
• Early interventions for kids showing unusual hunger or weight patterns should focus on metabolic evaluation, not restriction.

Personal Stories & Practical Advice:

• Gina describes her transformation from compulsive restriction to vibrant health and athleticism—no longer trapped by thoughts of food or weight.
• Andrea and Mark share their relief at experiencing food freedom and highlight the importance of enjoying both food and movement.

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 and sign up to be in the audience for our 100th episode we’re recording on Thursday, September 4th at 9 a.m.PST. Be part of the live audience and ask Dr. Cooper a question. We’d love to celebrate this milestone with you!

If you 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.

This week on Fat Science we answer your questions in another, always-popular mailbag episode. Join Mark Wright, Andrea Taylor, and Dr. Emily Cooper and learn why some people don’t respond to GLP-1 medications, get the latest on new, oral weight-loss drugs, and explore the science behind elevated liver enzymes.

Dr. Cooper offers practical insights backed by metabolic research. She also addresses gluten-free diets, flavored seltzers, craving pathways in the brain, chronic pain management, and the importance of consistent eating patterns for metabolic health.

Key Takeaways:

• About 20% of people may not respond to GLP-1s due to genetic and metabolic differences; deeper lab and genetic testing may be needed to uncover root causes.
• New oral GLP-1 options like Orforglipron are on the horizon, promising greater convenience and accessibility.
• Transient increases in liver enzymes can occur with rapid weight changes; regular monitoring and medical guidance are important.
• The POMC pathway in the brain plays a crucial role in cravings and metabolism—medications like Contrave can help by targeting this pathway.
• Flavored seltzers are generally fine, but watch for BPA-lined cans; gluten-free isn’t always healthier unless medically necessary.
• Chronic pain medications often impact metabolism—exploring underlying metabolic causes and non-GABA, non-opioid alternatives with providers is key.
• Consistent, “patterned” eating supports metabolic stability and brain function.

Personal Stories & Practical Advice:

• Andrea shares how tweaking her medication “cocktail” and eating patterns improved her results.
• Dr. Cooper and Mark discuss real-life snack strategies for fueling brain power and avoiding metabolic pitfalls.

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 and sign up to be in the audience for our 100th episode we’re recording on Thursday, September 4th at 9 a.m.PST. Be part of the live audience and ask Dr. Cooper a question. We’d love to celebrate this milestone with you!

If you 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.

Join Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright on Fat Science as they dive into the power of strength training—not just for elite athletes, but for everyday health and longevity.

This week’s guests bring unique perspectives: Faith Ireland, retired Washington State Supreme Court Justice and 82-year-old world-record-holding powerlifter, and Russell Cunningham, MA, CRC, exercise physiologist who specializes in rehabilitation, human performance, and the science of aging strong.

Faith shares her inspirational journey from recovering after a car accident to competing internationally with 15 world records. Russell explains the hard science behind why muscle strength and power are linked to bone density, fall prevention, metabolism, and even brain health. Dr. Cooper adds the medical lens, showing why strength training is essential for long-term vitality.

Key Takeaways:

• Strength training preserves lean mass, protects bone health, and improves functionality at any age.
• Research shows if you can’t leg press at least 50% of your body weight, your fall risk skyrockets; strength training dramatically reduces that risk—even into your 90s.
• Power, not just strength, is key: the ability to move quickly and explosively helps prevent falls and injuries.
• Strength training improves more than muscles—it benefits insulin resistance, metabolic health, and brain function, with emerging links to dementia prevention.
• Starting safely matters: Small steps, proper form, and gradual adaptation are essential to build a foundation and avoid injuries.
• Even 10 minutes of lifting or bodyweight movement can build health when done consistently.

Personal Stories & Practical Advice:

• Faith explains how returning to lifting after back injury and hip replacements gave her confidence and resilience, even through cancer treatments.
• Andrea admits she’s been putting off strength training and asks Faith for advice on how best to get started.
• Russell shares insights from research showing why explosive strength matters for both older adults and younger people alike.
• Dr. Cooper explains the risks of “too much too soon,” highlights foundational training phases, and describes how nutrition and hormonal health affect results.
• Mark gets candid about how yoga and even golfing without a cart reminded him how fitness translates into everyday life.

Resources from the episode:

• Faith Ireland’s memoir: Getting to Justice: From Unwed Mother to State Supreme Court
• Dr. Emily Cooper’s book: The Metabolic Storm (2nd edition; new edition forthcoming)

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to share the real science behind why we get fat, addressing stigma and confusion with facts, hope, and empowering stories.

Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedInConnect with Mark Wright on LinkedInConnect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram

Check out our new website where you can submit a mailbag question and sign up for our upcoming 100th Episode live audience taping on Thursday, September 4th at 9 a.m. PST! Be part of the milestone and bring your questions for Dr. Cooper.

If you have a question for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us atquestions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.

Fat Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute, working to expand access to effective, science-based metabolic care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/

Join Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright on Fat Science as they unravel the complex role of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone.

Dr. Cooper explains how cortisol isn’t always bad—it helps us adapt to stress, mobilize energy, and even save our lives in emergencies, but chronic elevation can cause serious health problems like insomnia, weight gain, and increased risk for diabetes and heart disease.

The team explores the science behind how stress impacts metabolism, why recovery and adaptation are essential, and practical, science-backed strategies for managing stress in everyday life.

Key Takeaways:

• Cortisol helps the body adapt to acute stress but becomes harmful when chronically elevated, increasing risk for major health issues including metabolic dysfunction.
• Chronic stress can impair sleep, disrupt blood sugar regulation, and suppress immune function.
• Managing stress involves more than just eliminating stressors—recovery, lifestyle shifts, and purposeful micro-breaks are vital for a healthy stress response.
• Meditation, certain types of yoga, gentle exercise, fueling workouts with carbs, and improving sleep all have proven benefits for regulating cortisol.
• Balancing lifestyle choices, nourishing the body with complex carbs, antioxidants, and gut-friendly foods, and setting boundaries are crucial for long-term metabolic health.

Personal Stories & Practical Advice:

• Andrea opens up about stress shopping and learning healthier coping habits.
• Mark shares how his career-induced sleep deprivation affected his health, and the positive changes he’s made.
• Dr. Cooper offers actionable advice on finding realistic ways to “take the load off,” from better sleep to more intentional rest.

Resources from the episode:

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to share the real science behind why we get fat, addressing stigma and confusion with facts, hope, and empowering stories.

• Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

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 and sign up to be in the audience for our 100th episode we’re recording on Thursday, September 4th at 9 a.m.PST. Be part of the live audience and ask Dr. Cooper a question. We’d love to celebrate this milestone with you!

If you 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.

Fat Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute which is on a mission to increase access to effective, science-based medical care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright explore the surprising influence of parental perception on children’s weight and metabolic health. Dr. Cooper breaks down the science connecting how parents think and talk about body size to the way their kids develop physically and emotionally. The episode tackles the real-world consequences of parental concerns, dieting mindsets, and body image on children’s metabolism, offering insights into creating supportive environments for healthy growth.

Key Takeaways:

• Parental focus on weight—even with good intentions—can inadvertently lead to increased weight and metabolic dysfunction in children, regardless of their starting size.
• Kids’ brains are attuned to perceptions of scarcity or restriction, which may trigger a slowed metabolism and greater long-term weight gain.
• Positive, open communication and listening to children’s cues around hunger and satisfaction are crucial for healthy development.
• Early restrictive interventions, like dieting or food policing, can increase risk for disordered eating, poor self-esteem, and metabolic issues.
• Healthcare providers and parents should prioritize metabolic health over weight-centric approaches, leaving space for normal growth patterns and individual differences.

Personal Stories & Practical Advice:

• Andrea shares her childhood experiences with parental dieting, restriction, and its lasting emotional effects.
• Dr. Cooper outlines practical steps for parents: trust your child’s hunger cues, ensure regular nutritious meals, avoid body shaming language, and seek medical advice privately if concerned about weight.
• Mark emphasizes how society’s focus on body size can harm both kids and adults, reinforcing the need for compassion and science-driven solutions.

Resources from the episode:

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to share the real science behind why we get fat, addressing stigma and confusion with facts, hope, and empowering stories.

• Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

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.

If you have a question for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, you can now reach us at Fat Science’s new website: https://fatsciencepodcast.com, or email us at questions@fatsciencepodcast.com, or dr.C@fatsciencepodcast.com.

For scientific reference sample listings related to topics in this episode, see https://fatsciencepodcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Scientific-References-Fat-Science-Episodes.pdf

Fat Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute which is on a mission to increase access to effective, science-based medical care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright open the Fat Science mailbag to answer listener questions from around the globe.

This episode covers real-world metabolic challenges—from navigating calorie restriction and GLP-1 medications to the complexities of bariatric surgery, prednisone’s impact on weight, and menopause.

Dr. Cooper offers clear explanations and practical advice for healthcare professionals and patients alike on understanding metabolic dysfunction, interpreting lab results, and setting realistic weight loss expectations.

Key Takeaways:

• Calorie restriction and intermittent fasting can destabilize metabolism, making recovery complex for some patients—gradual changes and medical monitoring are essential.
• Bariatric surgery can be an effective intervention for those with significant insulin resistance or high hunger signals. Pre-surgery metabolic testing (like insulin, glucose, and ghrelin levels) is valuable in assessing the likely benefit.
• Plateaus after surgery, persistent weight struggles, and the role of genetics highlight the need for root-cause investigation, not just symptom management.
• Prednisone and hormone therapies (including MHT for menopause) can affect metabolic health; small dietary adjustments, body composition testing, and tailored exercise are crucial for optimizing outcomes.
• Guidance on GLP-1 medication maintenance: Most patients benefit from staying on weight loss meds long-term, but dose adjustment is possible when side effects arise. Stability over many months is critical before considering any taper.

Personal Stories & Practical Advice:

• Andrea shares her experience with bariatric surgery and ongoing metabolic management, emphasizing realistic expectations and the benefit of medication-surgery synergy.
• Listeners ask: how to evaluate readiness to stop weight loss meds, address side effects, and balance hormone needs during menopause.

Resources from the episode:

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to share the real science behind why we get fat, addressing stigma and confusion with facts, hope, and empowering stories.

• Updates on Dr. Cooper’s upcoming virtual metabolic health training—ideal for practitioners in the UK and beyond.
• Information about Melanocortin pathway testing programs for severe, persistent obesity.https://uncoveringrareobesity.com/
• Link to previous show. “GLP-1s: Will I Have to Take Them Forever?” (5/19/25)https://open.spotify.com/episode/1GZA71gTMSz0idbnEYblVO?si=gJXxNkbYTHykhNDw0Ebltg
• Connect with Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Mark Wright on LinkedIn.
• Connect with Andrea Taylor on Instagram.

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.

If you have a question for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email us at info@diabesityinstitute.org ordr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com.

Fat Science is supported by the non-profit Diabesity Institute which is on a mission to increase access to effective, science-based medical care for those suffering from or at risk for diabesity. https://diabesityresearchfoundation.org/