Fat Science

• Muscle, Metabolism, and Mentality: Lessons from an 82-Year-Old Powerlifter

  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 CourtDr. 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 InstagramCheck 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 [email protected] or [email protected] 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/

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• The Stress Hormone Cortisol: Friend or Enemy?

  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 [email protected] or [email protected] 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/

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• How Parental Perception Shapes Kids’ Bodies

  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 [email protected], or [email protected]. 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/

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• Fat Science Mailbag: The Dangers of Restricting Calories, Bariatric Plateaus, GLP-1 Dose Adjustments, Weight Expectations & More

  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 [email protected] [email protected] 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/

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• Metabolic Drugs: Why One Size Doesn’t Fit All

  This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright unpack the latest breakthroughs in metabolic medications and why individual biology requires personalized treatment. Dr. Cooper explains how modern therapies for metabolic dysfunction go far beyond the old “one pill fixes all” approach. Discover how hormone-based medications like GLP-1 agonists are changing obesity and diabetes care, why medication response can differ drastically between individuals, and what the future holds for tailored metabolic treatments. You’ll come away with a clearer understanding of why effective weight management isn’t just about diet or willpower—it’s about precision medicine.Key Takeaways:Metabolic dysfunction is a complex, multi-hormonal disease; no single medication will work for everyone.New therapies, including dual and triple hormone agonists (like GLP-1, GIP, and amylin analogs), offer synergistic and individualized effects.Clinical observation shows that increasing doses or the “latest” medication doesn’t guarantee better results—some people may even find that their progress disappears after increasing to maximal doses.Lab markers (like ghrelin and leptin) could help personalize treatment, but cost and availability limit widespread testing.Concerns about muscle loss with GLP-1 drugs are common, but clinically, the risk mostly depends on nutrition, strength routines and muscle mass at baseline.Accessibility and cost remain barriers; new small-molecule drugs may improve affordability in the near future.Personal Stories & Practical Advice:Andrea relates how understanding her true metabolic issues, rather than just dieting, led to sustainable health changes.Dr. Cooper describes her clinic’s approach to measuring body composition and tracking lean mass to avoid unwanted muscle loss.Listeners are encouraged to work with knowledgeable providers, beware of “one size fits all” narratives, and stay hopeful as newer, more effective treatments emerge.Resources from the episode: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 [email protected] [email protected] 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/

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