Fat Science

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor talk with pediatric eating disorder specialist Dr. Julie O’Toole (Kartini Clinic) and pediatric obesity expert Dr. Evan Nadler about what childhood obesity really is: a biologic, metabolic disease—not a willpower problem and not a failure of parenting.

They explore how excess weight, constant hunger, and disordered eating in kids are often signs of underlying metabolic dysfunction and genetics—and why the old /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40024980

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor talk with exercise physiologist Russell Cunningham and patient Becca Wert about a counterintuitive reality: for some people, exercise can actually slow metabolism, stall weight loss, and trigger weight gain—especially when the brain senses a threat to energy availability. 

Dr. Cooper explains how overtraining, under-fueling, and even thinking about workouts can activate famine signals in the brain and shut down /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40024985

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor unpack the biggest GLP-1 headlines from around the world—from the World Health Organization’s first-ever GLP-1 obesity guidelines to access battles, brain research, and the coming wave of generics and new meds.

Dr. Cooper explains what the WHO’s move really means for patients, why long-term treatment matters, and how policy decisions in places like California and India could reshape who actually benefits from /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40024990

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor answer listener questions about BMI cutoffs, weight cycling, metabolic adaptation, trauma, GLP-1 differences, and why some people gain weight on ultra-low calories. Dr. Cooper explains what’s really happening inside the metabolic system and why individualized treatment—not dieting—creates sustainable change.

Key Questions Answered

• If my BMI doesn’t “qualify” for GLP-1s, is Na /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40024995

Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor talk with Maria from Buffalo, a longtime listener who shares her lifelong journey with obesity, psoriatic arthritis, and binge eating—and how finally understanding the science of metabolism gave her hope. Maria describes early childhood weight gain, joint damage, and years of restrictive dieting and food shame, then explains how GLP‑1 therapy (Zepbound) plus mechanical eating helped her lose about 50 pounds while eating more food, more often, and with /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025000

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor field your most urgent metabolic health questions—exploring care advocacy, novel drug use, lab results, and how to filter fact from fiction in the TikTok age. 

Dr. Cooper offers clinical clarity, real-world perspective, and actionable hope—with an emphasis on what truly matters for your long-term health and energy.

Hear from listeners experiencing real breakthroughs (and challenges /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025005

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 personalizati /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025010

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor take a trip to the past when Dr. Cooper didn’t have many supporters in medicine. She shares what it was like to be ridiculed by her peers, why she refused to give up on her patients, and how her science-based approach to metabolism was finally validated by mainstream medicine.

Hear the raw, unfiltered story of resilience, patient advocacy, and scientific discovery that led Dr. Cooper from being dismissed as “vo /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025015

his week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor tackle the biggest listener questions about sustainable weight loss, metabolic health, and why restrictive diets so often backfire. From medications like GLP-1s to common myths about exercise and nutrition, this episode delivers practical science and down-to-earth advice for anyone struggling with their weight and/or health.

Dr. Cooper breaks down why obesity is a physical sign of underlying metabolic dysfunction and sets the /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025020

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor dive into the latest U.S. blood pressure guidelines—and reveal why nearly half of all Americans face risks that can no longer be ignored. Early intervention and smart lifestyle changes are at the heart of these new recommendations.

Why is high blood pressure such a hidden danger? What do the new “elevated” and “stage one” categories mean for real people? How do doctors decide when it’s time for medication versus /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025025

Fat Science Ep 106The Mailbag: GLP 1s, Leptin, Hormones & Insurance AdviceThis week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor open the listener mailbag to answer real questions from around the world about metabolism, hormones, and GLP-1 therapy. From the UK to Seattle, listeners share personal stories of confusion and discovery — and Dr. Cooper brings metabolic science back into focus.What really happens when you stop GLP-1 medications? Why can someone eat less yet gain weigh /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025030

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright take on one of the biggest misinformation waves in popular health media: the rise of “microdosed” GLP‑1s and so‑called “GLP‑1 diets.” 

As GLP‑1 medications dominate headlines and social media feeds, the hosts cut through the noise to explain what’s actually safe, what’s marketing hype, and why restrictive diets go against metabolic science. 

Dr. Cooper reveals how calorie‑cutting research became /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025035

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor are joined by renowned childhood obesity expert Dr. Evan Nadler for a deep, honest conversation about what really is making our kids fat—and what’s finally changing about how kids, parents, and doctors can fight it.

The panel unpacks why the word “fat” is still so emotionally charged, how culture and even healthcare still get it wrong about weight, and why obesity must be recognized as a medical disease—n /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025040

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor and Mark Wright take a hard look at the buzz around microdosing metabolic medications—from what “microdosing” actually means to the risks of following trends without clinical supervision. The team unpacks widespread misunderstandings about dosing for drugs like Ozempic, Zepbound, and low-dose naltrexone (LDN), explains why social media advice can be dangerous, and highlights just how unique every person’s metabolic needs are. 

/episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025045

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright break down five eye-opening research studies from 2025 that challenge everything you thought you knew about obesity, dieting, and metabolism. 

The hosts explore surprising new evidence on fitness trackers, the metabolic power of joy (and dessert!), the risks of intermittent fasting, how yo-yo dieting can damage kidney health, and the permanent impact of dieting on your brain-gut connection.

Dr. Cooper shares clinical /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025050

This week on Fat Science, Mark Wright, Andrea Taylor, and Dr. Emily Cooper dig deep into the science and history behind why diets don’t work for lasting weight management. From early fad diets, through to modern metabolic research, the episode explains why calorie restriction often backfires—and why fueling the body is key to long-term health.

Dr. Cooper unpacks the latest evidence about metabolic adaptation, the hormonal drivers of weight regain, and the persistent harms caused by repeated die /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025055

The 100th episode of Fat Science brings together Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright for a live mailbag celebration with listeners worldwide. Hear how the show began, reflect on lessons learned, and get answers to the questions people wish their doctors would address—especially about metabolism, obesity, diabetes, GLP-1 medications, and more.

Dr. Cooper shares the big-picture science behind “why we get fat,” the true drivers of metabolic dysfunction, and the evolution of her pion /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025060

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 /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025065

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 manageme /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025070

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. /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025075

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 /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025080

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 en /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025085

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 me /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025090

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 /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025095

This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright revisit the critical topic of endocrine disruptors—chemicals in our environment that interfere with hormones and impact metabolism, weight, and overall health. 

Dr. Cooper breaks down how everyday exposures to substances like phthalates, BPA, and others can have generational effects on metabolic pathways and disease risk. The episode highlights the link between these chemicals and the rising rates of obesity, di /episode/index/show/83bbbead-6815-4be6-8b67-c4b1f0f816d2/id/40025100