Episode 186: Breaking Free from Emotional Eating: Mindset Shifts & Strategies with Dr. Aalia Al-Barwani
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Release Date: 02/03/2025
Episode 202: Discover Your Obesity Phenotype and What Really Works for You
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Did you know that your body has its own unique weight loss blueprint and it might be the key to finally seeing results? In this episode, I explore the concept of obesity phenotypes and why one-size-fits-all approaches to weight loss often fail. I dive into the four main types I see in my practice: Hungry Brain, Emotional Hunger, Hungry Gut, and Slow Burn, and how understanding which one you align with can dramatically improve your treatment strategy. I also reflect on my own experiences, and those of my patients, emphasizing that it's not about willpower but biology and behavior. By...
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Episode 201: Zepbound or Wegovy? The Shocking Results You Need to Know!
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Did you know that some weight loss medications can help people lose up to 20% of their body weight, comparable to bariatric surgery outcomes? In this episode, I dive into the latest research comparing two major weight loss medications, Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide), based on findings from the 72-week SURMOUNT-5 trial. I explain how Zepbound led to greater weight loss (about 20.2% vs. 13.7% with Wegovy), possibly due to its dual action on GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Both drugs were generally well tolerated, with similar side effects like nausea and constipation, though Wegovy had...
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Episode 200: Your Top Weight Loss Questions Answered – Medications, Mindset & Milestones
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Episode 200 is a celebration of your journey and questions, as I dive deep into the realities of weight loss, medications, and staying consistent through it all. In this episode, I celebrate a huge milestone—our 200th episode of the Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss podcast! I take this opportunity to answer your most frequently asked questions from TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and podcast listeners, covering a wide range of topics like weight loss medications (such as Qsymia and Contrave), combining medications, insurance, PCOS, managing side effects, and more. I also dive into...
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Episode 199: Tech Your Weight Off: Digital Tools That Transform Your Health Journey
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Did you know that simply tracking your steps each day can double your chances of reaching your weight loss goals? In this episode, I explored how digital tech tools like fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, smart scales, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), streaming fitness apps, and sleep tech can support your weight loss journey. I shared personal experiences using devices like the Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Garmin, emphasizing how they helped me stay accountable and understand my body's needs better. From real-time data on your activity and heart rate to insights on your sleep and glucose...
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Episode 198: The Link Between Cancer and Obesity
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Have you ever wondered how obesity can raise the risk for certain cancers? Today’s episode breaks down the real connection in a simple, honest way — and why it matters for your health and future. In this episode, I talk about how excess body weight can lead to chronic inflammation, raise hormone levels like estrogen and insulin, and create an environment where cancer cells can grow more easily. I explain how obesity is linked to at least 13 types of cancers, including breast, colon, and liver cancers. We also discuss the critical role of preventive screenings like mammograms and...
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Episode 197: When Weight Loss Stalls: What Now?
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Did you know that your body can actually fight against weight loss, even when you're doing everything right? In this episode, I dive into what to do when obesity medications stop working and how to get back on track with your weight loss journey. I explain how metabolic adaptation—your body burning fewer calories as it gets more efficient—can lead to plateaus, along with hormone changes and medication tolerance. I will also walk you through lifestyle tweaks like adjusting your diet, reintroducing food tracking, adding strength training, improving sleep, reducing stress, and practicing...
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Episode 196: No Time? No Problem: Simple Fitness Hacks for Busy Lives
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Did you know that even just 10 minutes of daily movement can significantly boost your mood, energy, and long-term health? In this episode, I talk about the real struggle of finding time to exercise in the midst of a busy life filled with work, family, and endless obligations. I share how important it is to shift your mindset, prioritize your health without guilt, and give yourself grace through the ups and downs. I also dive into practical tips like scheduling your workouts like meetings, habit stacking, and finding creative and fun ways to stay active—whether it's dancing, stretching...
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Episode 195: Obesity Uncovered: The Hidden Struggles in Minority Communities
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Your zip code can be a stronger predictor of your health than your genetic code. In this episode, I dive into the complex issue of obesity in minority communities, especially during National Minority Health Month. I explore the reasons why obesity rates are disproportionately high among Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander populations, including food deserts, economic hardship, cultural eating habits, healthcare mistrust, and lack of safe spaces for physical activity. I also share personal stories and real-world examples to highlight these systemic barriers, and I offer...
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Episode 194: The Secret Connection You Need to Know About Gut Health & Weight Loss
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Did you know that the bacteria in your gut can influence your cravings, metabolism, and even how your body stores fat? In this episode, I explore the critical role of the gut microbiome in weight management. I also discuss how the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and microbes in our digestive system influence metabolism, cravings, and fat storage. Research shows that an imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance, and increased cravings for unhealthy foods. To support a healthy gut, I recommend eating fiber-rich and probiotic foods, reducing processed sugars,...
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Episode 193: Perimenopause & Menopause Weight Loss: Proven Strategies to Stay Fit & Energized
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Weight loss during menopause isn’t impossible, it just requires a new approach. In this episode, I discuss the challenges of weight gain during perimenopause and menopause, explaining how hormonal shifts impact metabolism, muscle mass, and fat distribution. I highlight why traditional diets may no longer be effective and emphasize the importance of balanced nutrition, including protein, fiber, and healthy fats. I also cover the benefits of strength training, cardio, and daily movement to maintain metabolism and overall health. Additionally, I share lifestyle tips such as stress management,...
info_outlineYou don’t need to eat less; you need to eat right.
In this episode, Dr. Aalia Al-Barwani, a physician and certified NLP coach specializing in helping women transform their relationship with food, their bodies, and themselves, said that she combines medical expertise with mindset coaching to address emotional eating, stress, and limiting beliefs, providing practical strategies for sustainable wellness.
She explores emotional eating—how stress, boredom, and other emotions can drive people to food as a coping mechanism. She also explains how neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) can help rewire behaviors and break unhealthy eating patterns. She discusses recognizing emotional eating triggers, the role of dopamine in cravings, and the cycle of guilt that often follows binge eating. She encourages self-compassion and recommends resources such as *The End of Overeating* by Dr. Peter Kessler, mindfulness apps like Headspace and Calm, and coaching or therapy to support lasting change.
Tune in to this episode to learn powerful strategies from Dr. Aalia Al-Barwani on overcoming emotional eating and transforming your relationship with food!
Episode Highlights:
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Understanding emotional eating and its triggers
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The impact of stress, boredom, and emotions on food choices
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How neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) helps rewire eating habits
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Practical strategies to break the emotional eating cycle
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The role of mindfulness, journaling, and movement in stress management
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Using EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) to release emotional stress
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The importance of self-compassion in the wellness journey
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Resources and tools to support long-term behavior change
Connect with Dr. Aalia Al-Barwani:
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Website | albidayawellness.com
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Facebook | www.facebook.com/albidaya.wellness
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Instagram | @albidaya_wellness
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Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/aaliaalbarwanimd
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Tiktok | @albidaya_wellness
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Youtube | www.youtube.com/@albidayawellness
Healing Emotional Eating Course: https://get.albidayawellness.com/hee-a
About Dr. Aalia Al-Barwani
Meet Dr. Aalia Al-Barwani, a dedicated board-certified physician based in Houston, TX, who is passionate about helping her patients achieve their best health. She graduated with distinctions from Weill Cornell Medicine and completed her Family Medicine residency at the University of Connecticut, where she served as Chief Resident in her final year.
Dr. Al-Barwani is also the creator and host of the medical talk show "What’s Up, Doc?" on Muslim Network TV, where she shares her expertise on various health and wellness topics with the general public.
In her practice, Dr. Al-Barwani emphasizes an individualized approach to care, focusing on balanced and comprehensive treatment. Her interest in preventive and obesity medicine led her to further training in weight loss medicine, earning a certification from the American Board of Obesity Medicine.
Beyond her medical expertise, Dr. Al-Barwani is certified as an NLP coach. She integrates mindset work into her practice to help bridge the gap between knowing and doing, empowering her patients to embody and live their best selves. Her holistic approach is aimed at creating lasting change by addressing both the physical and mental aspects of health.
Dr. Al-Barwani is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, American Association of Family Physicians, and Physician Women in Leadership. She is committed to promoting diversity in medicine and improving patient outcomes through innovative and compassionate care.
When she's not seeing patients, Dr. Al-Barwani enjoys outdoor activities like biking and hiking. She loves learning about new languages, cultures, and cuisines through her travels, adding depth to her understanding of the diverse backgrounds of her patients.
Dr. Aalia Al-Barwani is dedicated to guiding her patients on their health journeys with empathy and expertise, helping them achieve their goals and live healthier, happier lives.
Resources:
FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click