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/