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Listener Mailbag – Metabolic Mysteries, Medication Strategies, and Dr. Cooper’s Science-Based Answers

Fat Science

Release Date: 11/17/2025

Why GLP-1 Medications Work Even When the Scale Doesn't Move show art Why GLP-1 Medications Work Even When the Scale Doesn't Move

Fat Science

What if the scale isn't moving, but your health is dramatically improving?

If you've ever felt discouraged because the number on the scale won't budge—even on a GLP-1 medication—this episode will change how you think about these drugs. Dr. Cooper breaks down the research showing that the biggest benefits have nothing to do with weight loss. It's all about metabolic health.

This Week on Fat Science

Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor expl

info_outline Mailbag: Food Tracking, Mechanical Eating Troubleshooting, COVID & Metabolism, and Metformin + GLP-1 Synergy show art Mailbag: Food Tracking, Mechanical Eating Troubleshooting, COVID & Metabolism, and Metformin + GLP-1 Synergy

Fat Science

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor answer listener mailbag questions from California, the UK, France, Washington, Wyoming, and beyond. 

The team breaks down why Dr. Cooper does not recommend calorie tracking (and when limited tracking can make sense), how to build confidence in eating without data, and why “mechanical eating” sometimes needs medical customization—especially for people with slow gut transit or gastroparesis-like symptoms.  info_outline Mailbag: GLP-1 Weight Regain, Meals vs Snacks, and Why Some People Don’t Respond show art Mailbag: GLP-1 Weight Regain, Meals vs Snacks, and Why Some People Don’t Respond

Fat Science

his week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor answer listener mailbag questions that get to the heart of metabolic health. The team explains the real difference between meals and snacks, discusses whether GLP-1 medications can be appropriate for children in complex cases, explores why some people appear to be “non-responders” to Wegovy, and breaks down why alarming headlines about rapid weight regain miss the bigger metabolic picture. They also explain how to set

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Fat Science

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor break down two GLP-1 studies that challenge a major media myth: GLP-1 medications don’t drive weight loss just because people eat less. Instead, drugs like tirzepatide and semaglutide create direct metabolic shifts—including increased fat oxidation and improved fuel partitioning—regardless of appetite.

The team also explores mechanical eating, the psychological impact of “diet food,” and Andrea’s 13-yea

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Fat Science

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor tackle a wide-ranging mailbag episode with listener questions from the U.S., UK, and Europe. Topics include unexpected weight regain on GLP-1s, post-meal sleepiness and hypoglycemia, metabolic dysfunction despite normal labs, GLP-1 dosing strategies, and why these medications are about metabolism, not appetite suppression.

Key Questions Answered

More Episodes

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor dive into your burning questions from around the world—exploring misunderstood metabolic problems, hard-won solutions for real people, and the science behind the headlines. From “selfish brain” physiology to the rollercoaster of insurance and medication access, Dr. Cooper brings clinical clarity and practical hope.

Hear real-world listener stories, get advice on tuning your metabolic health, and learn why personalization—not “calories in, calories out”—leads to better outcomes. This is no silver bullet show: it’s metabolic medicine, mythbusting, and science-backed encouragement for your journey.


Key Questions Answered

  • What is the “selfish brain” and how does it really impact blood sugar and diabetes risk?
  • Why do GLP-1 medications affect stamina and hunger, and how should you fuel your body if you’re using them?
  • If insurance pulls coverage for medications like Ozempic or Zepbound, what are your practical, safe, and affordable options?
  • How do metabolic markers, medication “cocktails,” and genetic testing shape Dr. Cooper’s individualized care—and can you taper off meds and maintain results?
  • What does “normal” blood sugar look like after meals, and how do you distinguish trends from outliers?


Key Takeaways

  • Metabolism is complex—individualized care is essential. Diabetes, hypoglycemia, and insulin resistance all have personal causes and require testing like the Mixed Meal Tolerance Test to solve—not one-size-fits-all advice. 
  • GLP-1s require smart fueling. Many experience reduced stamina on these medications. Dr. Cooper recommends upping both complex and simple carbs pre-exercise and consulting with a registered dietitian if fatigue persists. 
  • Insurance coverage is a challenge—but not the end. Generic options (like liraglutide/Victoza via Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drugs), manufacturer programs, and “cocktail” regimens can support continued progress, even if you lose access to top-brand GLP-1s. 
  • Feedback loops & genetics drive lasting outcomes. While some patients can successfully—slowly—taper medications, most with metabolic dysfunction will need long-term support. “Clean eating” alone rarely reverses underlying feedback loop glitches. 
  • Monitoring is powerful. Using blood sugar monitors (especially for diabetics) can demystify meal spikes and help fine-tune nutrition and medication timing. 
  • Personal stories reflect broader truths. Listeners share struggles and solutions, reinforcing that metabolic health spans medication, motivation, and mindset.


Dr. Cooper’s Actionable Tips

  • Always dig deeper with testing—not just A1C but also post-meal spikes via the Mixed Meal Tolerance Test.
  • If you’re prescribed a GLP-1 and struggle with energy, increase carb intake safely and talk to a doctor about medication adjustment. 
  • For lost coverage, stick to FDA-approved sources: Lilly Direct for Zepbound, Novocare for Wegovy, and Mark Cuban for generics. Don’t risk unregulated online compounds. 
  • Recognize the difference between generalized “healthy” habits and targeted strategies that actually move your biomarkers.
  • Stay consistent and compassionate—focus on small improvements over extremes and absolutes.


Notable Quote

“The metabolism is regulated by a feedback loop…when you introduce outside hormone forms, you strengthen signals to favor fuel utilization over energy conservation.”— Dr. Emily Cooper


Links & Resources


Fat Science is your source for breaking diet myths and advancing the science of true metabolic health. No diets, no agendas—just science that makes you feel better. The show is informational only and does not constitute medical advice.