Fat Science

Dr Emily Cooper

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. In each episode, we share little-known facts and personal experiences to dispel misconceptions, reduce stigma, and instill hope. Fat Science is 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.

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#154
Yesterday · 53 min
Listener Spotlight: Alessio’s Metabolic Wake-Up Call
Can metabolic dysfunction be the cause of anxiety? Join Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and guest Alessio De Martis as they explore the fascinating intersection of metabolic health, anxiety, and the struggle with traditional diet advice. Learn how under-fueling can exacerbate metabolic issues and what that means for your overall health. KEY TAKEAWAYS Alessio's experience highlights the struggle of self-managing metabolic health in Europe. Under-fueling can worsen metabolic dysfunction, disrupting body stability. The body's response to hypoglycemia can mirror symptoms of anxiety. NOTABLE QUOTE "If you have a history of hypoglycemia, you're gonna have a lot less tolerance than other people." — Dr. Emily Cooper GUEST BIO Alessio De Martis is a 41-year-old listener from Rome, Italy, who shares his experiences with metabolic dysfunction, hypoglycemia, and anxiety. His journey represents the challenges faced by many in understanding their metabolic health. Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#153
September 14 · 51 min
Back to School Metabolism Tips for the Whole Family
What's the back-to-school metabolism shift all about? The return to a school routine can have surprising impacts on metabolic health. Dr. Emily Cooper explains how sleep, nutrition, and scheduling affect metabolism, and offers practical advice for parents managing these transitions. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sleep quality is crucial for kids' and parents' metabolic health. Proper fueling before, during, and after exercise is essential for kids. Maintaining a consistent schedule can help manage stress and metabolism. NOTABLE QUOTE "Fueling the workout enhances our fitness basically, and reduces our stress hormones and strengthens our metabolism." — Dr. Emily Cooper LINKS & RESOURCES Studies on sleep and insulin resistance Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Diabesity Institute: diabesityinstitute.org Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#152
September 7 · 47 min
Mailbag: Navigating Menopause and Metabolic Health
Is menopause impacting your weight and health in unexpected ways? In this episode, the hosts tackle an assortment of listener questions about weight loss, metabolic health, and menopause. They delve into the intricacies of medication tolerance, the ethics of unregulated weight loss drugs, and the physiological changes that can affect women during menopause. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding metabolic and hormonal impacts during menopause is crucial. Unregulated weight loss drugs pose significant risks and ethical concerns. Medication tolerance and side effects can vary greatly among individuals. NOTABLE QUOTE "It's not your fault." — Dr. Emily Cooper Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#151
August 31 · 43 min
Top Metabolism Killers Revealed
What are the top causes of metabolic disruption? In this informative episode, Dr. Emily Cooper dives into the factors that quietly sabotage metabolic health. From the intricacies of sleep to the surprising connection between love and metabolism, listeners will learn what enhances or damages their metabolic system. KEY TAKEAWAYS Sleep is crucial for metabolic and hormonal balance. Weight cycling severely impacts metabolic health. Underlying stress and emotional wellbeing affect metabolism. NOTABLE QUOTE "Everyone has strengths and limitations, let's put it that way." — Dr. Emily Cooper LINKS & RESOURCES Mechanical Eating Handout: Available on our Patreon page. Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#150
August 24 · 38 min
Mailbag: GLP-1 Injection Reactions
Do you ever wonder how medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro influence your metabolic health? Dr. Emily Cooper, along with Andrea Taylor and Mark Wright, dives into listener questions about maintaining metabolic health when medication coverage is lost, understanding the role of leptin after weight loss, and the effects of medications like Mounjaro. They also explore the injection site reactions and the complex interplay between thyroid, exercise, and inflammation. KEY TAKEAWAYS Loss of medication insurance coverage can significantly impact treatment, but alternative options like pills may be available. Leptin levels differ by gender; they're naturally lower in men due to different body composition. Fasting can disrupt hunger signals and glucose regulation, particularly following intermittent fasting. Injection site reactions are common but switching medications or techniques might alleviate symptoms. NOTABLE QUOTE "Obesity is a physical sign of underlying metabolic dysfunction." — Dr. Emily Cooper LINKS & RESOURCES To register for course: https://learn.diabesityinstitute.org/products/live_events/live-virtual-update-event Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#149
August 17 · 38 min
How Wildfire Smoke Affects Metabolism
Is wildfire smoke affecting more than just your lungs? Poor air quality affects not only respiratory health but also metabolic functions. Wildfire smoke can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormone release, leading to metabolic disturbances. KEY TAKEAWAYS Wildfire smoke can impact metabolism, leading to insulin resistance. Stress hormones released during smoke exposure can raise blood sugar levels. Air pollution is linked to increased risk of metabolic syndrome components. NOTABLE QUOTE "When there were wildfire events, within days, the admissions for diabetes increased." — Dr. Emily Cooper Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#148
August 10 · 49 min
Inside the GLP-1 Secret Shopper Study
Is it really a good idea to get medical care from online pharmacies posing as clinics? This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor dig into a Yale secret shopper study that tested 49 websites selling GLP-1 medications online. The websites look and market like medical clinics, but the study found that most patients never spoke to a clinician at all before getting a prescription. Dr. Cooper, Mark, and Andrea unpack what real medical care requires, why these platforms skip it, and what that means for anyone considering this route. KEY TAKEAWAY Two-thirds of the sites in the study issued a prescription with no clinician contact of any kind — despite marketing themselves as medical clinics. Fewer than 40% asked for any clinical measurement (blood pressure, labs, etc.), and only 18% asked whether the patient even had a primary care doctor. Many of these sites are financially connected to compounding pharmacies and use leading questions to push add-ons that create untested drug combinations. Real medical care means a full history, objective labs, and ongoing monitoring — not a five-minute questionnaire and an automatic credit card charge. NOTABLE QUOTE "The marketing appears to be a medical clinic or a medical company, when in fact it's really just a sale of a drug." Dr. Emily Cooper LINKS & RESOURCES Study published in JAMA on the secret shopper findings Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#147
August 3 · 46 min
The Truth About Exercise and Metabolism
Does exercise really boost metabolism, or is there a hidden truth? In this episode, Dr. Emily Cooper uncovers the science behind why exercise isn’t just about burning calories. Dive into the fascinating world of myokines, the chemical messengers released by muscles that impact everything from mood to inflammation. Discover why it's not your fault if exercise alone isn't solving your metabolic issues. KEY TAKEAWAYS Exercise impacts more than calorie burn; it's a signaling system for the body. Myokines, released during exercise, affect organs like the brain and liver. Muscle contractions broadcast vital signals affecting overall health. NOTABLE QUOTE "Exercise is more than burning energy; it's communication throughout the body." — Dr. Emily Cooper LINKS & RESOURCES Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources To register for course: https://learn.diabesityinstitute.org/products/live_events/live-virtual-update-event Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#146
July 27 · 40 min
Mailbag: Understanding Body Dysmorphia
How does biology affect our perception of body size? Dr. Emily Cooper answers listener questions about body dysmorphia and metabolic dysfunction. Mark and Andrea discuss the challenges with compounded medications and the implications of insurance-driven diet requirements. KEY TAKEAWAYS Body dysmorphia can have biological components related to metabolic dysfunction. Compounded medications may lack the testing and safety guarantees of brand names. Insurance requirements often lack a medical basis and can hinder proper treatment. NOTABLE QUOTE "The altered body image perception may be linked to metabolic signals." — Dr. Emily Cooper LINKS & RESOURCES None mentioned. Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#145
July 20 · 50 min
Understanding Metabolism: Latest Scientific Insights
Why is your fat talking to you? In the latest solo episode, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright explore groundbreaking research into metabolic health. Learn why the scale doesn't always reflect metabolic risk, and discover the science behind fat's active role in the body. KEY TAKEAWAYS Metabolic dysfunction cannot be judged by scale weight alone. Visceral fat is a stronger predictor of heart failure than BMI. Hormonal environments profoundly affect fat storage and health risks. NOTABLE QUOTE "Your fat is talking to you." — Andrea Taylor LINKS & RESOURCES Obesity Reviews Paper Immunological Reviews Journal Article European Congress on Obesity Study Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#144
July 13 · 49 min
Why Carbs Are Good For Your Brain
Is your brain starving for glucose? In this episode, Dr. Emily Cooper explores the critical role of the brain as a metabolic organ and its dependence on glucose and insulin. Listeners will learn why good sleep and a holistic lifestyle are vital for cognitive health. KEY TAKEAWAYS The brain uses about 20% of your body's energy at rest. Insulin plays a non-fuel role in brain function, supporting neural connections and mood. Sleep is essential for the brain's waste clearance system, the glymphatic system. Insulin resistance in the brain is linked to cognitive decline and dementia. Exercise, a balanced diet, and social engagement are key to brain health. NOTABLE QUOTE "The brain is the most metabolically active organ in our body." — Dr. Emily Cooper LINKS & RESOURCES JAMA: US POINTER Study on Cognitive Decline Novo Nordisk: EVOKE & EVOKE Plus Trials Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#143
July 6 · 45 min
Mailbag: When Weight Loss Stalls on GLP-1s
Is it normal for GLP-1 medications to become less effective over time? Dr. Emily Cooper discusses listener questions about the nuances of metabolic health and the real reasons behind weight fluctuations and food cravings. With insights into GLP-1 medications, mechanical eating, and more, the episode aims to debunk myths and provide science-based encouragement. KEY TAKEAWAYS Trusting your body's hunger signals can prevent metabolic slowdown. Mechanical eating can help manage sugar cravings and maintain metabolic health. Navigating pediatric metabolic issues requires understanding genetic influences and appropriate medical intervention. NOTABLE QUOTE "It's not your fault. Trust your body and step up to the higher end of your metabolic flexibility." — Dr. Emily Cooper LINKS & RESOURCES American Board of Obesity Medicine: obesitymedicine.org Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#142
June 29 · 50 min
Plastic Chemicals in Your Blood and What Actually Works to Remove Them
Have you ever wondered why your body holds onto weight despite your best efforts? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Cooper reveals groundbreaking research showing that 100% of healthy adults carry at least six different plastic-related chemicals in their bodies daily. These endocrine disruptors don't just affect your hormones - they may be stored in your fat tissue and could be a hidden driver of metabolic dysfunction. The good news? New Australian research proves you can dramatically reduce these chemicals in just one week with targeted changes. KEY TAKEAWAYS Every single person tested had at least 6 plastic chemicals in their urine, with food packaging being the primary source Participants cut phthalate levels by 38-54% and BPA by 60% in just 7 days with adjustments in reducing plastic exposure in food and food packaging Ultra-processed foods introduce plastic chemicals through multiple processing and packaging steps Certain chemicals like DEHP may be stored in fat tissue and released during weight loss Heat accelerates plastic migration into food - avoid microwaving in plastic and pouring hot food into plastic containers Simple swaps like choosing fresh over canned foods and using glass containers make significant impacts The EPA research office studying these chemicals was recently eliminated, removing key consumer protections NOTABLE QUOTE "People who switched to the low plastic food and kitchenware cut the phthalates excretion by 38 to 54% in one week and they cut their BPA excretion by 60% in one week." — Dr. Emily Cooper Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#141
June 22 · 47 min
Why Weight Loss Stalls on GLP-1s — Even When You’re Doing Everything “Right
What happens when GLP-1 medications stop working the way you hoped they would? In this mailbag episode, Dr. Emily Cooper answers listener questions about fasting, insulin levels, PCOS, lipedema, plateaus on Zepbound, and the complicated reality behind metabolic dysfunction. From the dangers of under-fueling to why individualized treatment matters so much, this conversation unpacks the science behind weight resistance with clarity and compassion.Key Takeaways Why fasting and restrictive eating may worsen metabolic adaptation The real role insulin plays in metabolic health How PCOS and lipedema complicate weight loss treatment Why some people plateau on GLP-1 medications over time The importance of fueling, muscle preservation, and individualized care Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#140
June 15 · 31 min
Normal Weight Abnormal Metabolism: Why Your Scale Doesn't Tell the Whole Story
Could you have metabolic dysfunction even at a normal weight? This episode challenges everything we've been taught about weight and health. Dr. Cooper reveals that up to 25% of normal-weight people have metabolic syndrome, yet they're rarely screened because doctors assume they're healthy based on appearance alone. KEY TAKEAWAYS Weight and metabolic health are not the same thing - you can be metabolically unhealthy at any size Normal weight people with metabolic dysfunction are often overlooked and undertreated by healthcare providers Key screening tests include fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers like HSCRP Metabolic dysfunction can start in your 20s and take decades to develop into serious disease Both normal weight and higher weight patients face bias - normal weight people aren't screened enough, while higher weight people have everything blamed on their weight Early screening and treatment can prevent catastrophic health outcomes later in life The liver plays a crucial role in metabolism and can become insulin resistant regardless of body weight NOTABLE QUOTE "You cannot tell anything about someone's health from their outside, what they look like or what, even what they're doing necessarily, but definitely not their body size. So you can be healthy or unhealthy at any size body, and I think that's what's overlooked quite a bit." — Dr. Emily Cooper Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Appendix: Key References Primary literature supporting this episode • Wang et al. Prevalence of Metabolically Unhealthy Normal Weight and Its Influence on the Risk of Diabetes. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023. • Review: Beyond BMI — Rethinking Obesity Metrics and Cardiovascular Risk in the Era of Precision Medicine. Journal of Clinical Medicine, December 2025. • Korean meta-analyses on metabolic dysfunction phenotypes and cardiometabolic risk, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences Journal review, 2024. • Frontiers in Nutrition, January 2026. Associations of metabolic heterogeneity with the progression of cardiometabolic multimorbidity. • International Journal of Obesity, September 2025. Cardiovascular risk factors associated with metabolic health phenotypes. Mechanism references • MASLD — metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease — nomenclature and clinical framework. AASLD/EASL consensus, 2023. • Insulin signaling, adipose tissue dysfunction, and ectopic fat deposition — reviews on the upstream-downstream relationship. • Epicardial adipose tissue and cardiovascular dysfunction — Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, January 2026. Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#139
June 8 · 51 min
Mailbag: Why GLP-1 Medications Sometimes Stop Working
Have you been told your metabolism is broken and there's nothing you can do about it? This mailbag episode tackles tough questions about medication effectiveness, unexpected side effects, and the complex realities of treating metabolic dysfunction. Dr. Cooper addresses why some people regain weight while still on GLP-1s, explores the connection between hair loss and weight loss medications, and explains why leptin levels can remain stubbornly low even with proper nutrition. KEY TAKEAWAYS Weight regain while on GLP-1 medications is more common than most people realize Hair loss from weight loss medications is usually related to nutrient deficiencies, not the medication itself Leptin dysfunction involves both hormone levels and signaling pathways throughout the body Hypoglycemia after meals often indicates complex metabolic issues that require specialized testing Starting elderly patients on GLP-1s requires careful monitoring of nutrition, blood pressure, and side effects Mechanical eating differs from intuitive eating and remains important even when medications are working Annual weight loss rates of 10% or higher indicate medications are still effective NOTABLE QUOTE "It is not uncommon to see the weight go up while on these meds, contrary to what people think. They're great, but we always wanna point out some people don't even respond to these." — Dr. Emily Cooper Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#138
June 1 · 49 min
Why Three Major Obesity Organizations Just Changed What Success Means
Ever wonder why you can improve your health but still feel like you're failing because the scale isn't cooperating? Dr. Cooper breaks down groundbreaking new clinical guidelines from three major obesity organizations that are completely reframing what success in obesity treatment actually means. For the first time, these groups are saying quality of life, energy levels, and overall health matter more than the number on the scale. KEY TAKEAWAYS Three major obesity organizations worked collaboratively to issue guidelines prioritizing quality of life over weight loss as primary treatment goals Guidelines explicitly address medical stigma as a structural barrier to care requiring systemic change Treatment is positioned as long-term management similar to other chronic conditions like thyroid disorders Document notably avoids calorie restriction language, focusing instead on healthy lifestyle alongside medication Setmelanotide receives strong recommendation for rare genetic obesity conditions with available genetic testing Strong medication recommendations now include GLP-1s like semaglutide and tirzepatide, plus bupropion-naltrexone combination NOTABLE QUOTE "Nobody ever asked. Nobody ever looked. Nobody ever said anything. I was like, 'I think there's something wrong with my metabolism or something because I'm not eating a ton.' They're like, 'Well, you must be.' And I'm like, 'N- n- no, I don't think so. I mean, unless it's happening when I'm sleeping. I don't know.'" — Andrea Taylor Reference Link Alexander L, Purnell JQ, et al. Pharmacological management of obesity in adults: a clinical guidance statement from The Obesity Society, the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Obesity Action Coalition. Obesity. 2026;34(4):851–870. doi:10.1002/oby.70164 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.70164 Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#137
May 25 · 39 min
PCOS is Now PMOS: The Name Change That Changes Everything
Have you been told you have PCOS but nothing seems to help? In May 2024, after 14 years of global collaboration involving 56 organizations and 22,000 stakeholders, the medical community officially changed PCOS to PMOS - and the reason why reveals everything that's been wrong with how this condition has been understood and treated for decades. Dr. Cooper breaks down why this isn't just a name change, but a complete reframe that puts metabolic dysfunction at the center where it belongs. KEY TAKEAWAYS PCOS is now officially called PMOS - Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome - shifting focus from ovarian problems to metabolic dysfunction 70 million women globally are affected during reproductive years, with 70% remaining undiagnosed The condition can occur at any weight and is driven by insulin resistance and other metabolic signals, not ovarian problems Treatment should focus on metabolic health rather than weight loss or ovarian interventions The name change parallels similar shifts in medicine like MASLD replacing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease NOTABLE QUOTE "Most patients with this label that they've had in the past, the PCOS label, feel a sense of hopelessness, and even join support groups and things like that, and thinking that this will be a condition they have forever. And what I try to do is explain, no, this is just a physical manifestation of the metabolic disruption that we treat all the time" — Dr. Emily Cooper Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#136
May 18 · 45 min
Mailbag - Why Your Doctor Still Believes Calories In Calories Out
Have you been told it's just calories in calories out while your lived experience says otherwise? In this mailbag episode, Dr. Cooper addresses complex metabolic questions from listeners worldwide. From eating disorders requiring specialized care to GLP-1 plateau management, each question reveals how individual biology trumps one-size-fits-all solutions. KEY TAKEAWAYS Eating disorders like anorexia require comprehensive medical team treatment, not self-management approaches Side effects from GLP-1 medications often improve with consistent eating patterns and adequate nutrition The calories in calories out model ignores the biological complexity of how your body actually burns fuel PCOS responds well to metabolic treatments because it's driven by underlying insulin and hunger hormone imbalances Sleep deprivation and chronic stress significantly impact GLP-1 effectiveness and overall metabolic function Bioidentical progesterone may help perimenopause sleep issues without the metabolic side effects of older formulations Stroke survivors may experience hypothalamic obesity that responds remarkably well to GLP-1 medications NOTABLE QUOTE "If that really worked, imagine, you know, would we actually need these sophisticated medications that are so groundbreaking? Would we have had decades and decades, or actually centuries of failed, you know, diet experiences by so many people?" — Dr. Emily Cooper Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
#135
May 11 · 48 min
What Lipedema Really Is and Why Your Doctor Might Be Missing It
Are your legs painful to touch and resistant to weight loss despite your best efforts? Dr. Ellen Derrick, a vascular surgeon and lipedema specialist, reveals the truth about this misunderstood condition affecting 20% of women worldwide. Lipedema isn't obesity - it's a fat cell disorder where tissue responds abnormally to inflammation, creating painful, swollen areas that don't respond to traditional weight loss methods. She explains the connection between lipedema and venous insufficiency, why patients are often dismissed by doctors, and the emerging treatments offering hope. KEY TAKEAWAYS Lipedema affects 20% of the female population but is routinely misdiagnosed as obesity The condition involves abnormal fat cell response to inflammation, creating painful tissue that resists weight loss 86% of lipedema patients also have venous insufficiency, creating a perfect storm of symptoms Ankle cuffs, knee pouches, and saddlebags are classic physical signs that patients often notice from puberty GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide may help reduce inflammation and tissue tenderness Lipedema reduction surgery exists but lacks insurance billing codes, making access challenging A formal medical recognition campaign is underway to establish diagnostic codes by 2026-2027 NOTABLE QUOTE "The medical community really has done an outstanding job, in a way, gaslighting these patients. These patients have been aware that something is different about their body and their legs since puberty." — Dr. Ellen Derrick GUEST BIO Dr. Ellen Derrick is a Seattle-based board-certified vascular and general surgeon with over 20 years of clinical experience and a Master of Public Health from the University of Washington. She founded Boxbar Vascular, specializing in lipedema and related metabolic conditions, and serves on the board of the Lipedema Society working toward formal medical recognition of the condition. Links & Resources Podcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.com Cooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.com Resources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resources Join Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcast Submit Your Question: questions@fatsciencepodcast.com or dr.c@fatsciencepodcast.com Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

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