Fat Science

• Listener Mailbag – Practical Metabolic Care, GLP‑1 Myths, and the Dangers of Microdosing

  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) with GLP-1s, get tips for navigating confusing cholesterol results, and learn why self-advocacy and good science matter more than credentials or hype. This is not a quick-fix episode; it’s real metabolic medicine, mythbusting, and grounded encouragement for your health journey.Key Questions AnsweredWhat labs and scores best assess your true metabolic risk—and how do you make sense of fasting glucose, glucose-insulin ratio (GIR), and FIB-4?How can you find a medical provider who’ll actually give you the time and attention metabolic care requires?Why do GLP-1s benefit more than weight loss alone? Listeners report help with sleep apnea, inflammation, and food noise—what does the science say?How should you reintroduce carbs after restriction, and what’s the safest way to monitor (beyond A1C)?What’s up with rising cholesterol on Zepbound, and when do you worry?Does serotonin syndrome relate to GLP-1s? (Short answer: No—Dr. Cooper explains why.)What are the dangers of “GLP-1 microdosing” as pushed by social media, and what happens when influencers overstep good science?Key TakeawaysCare that cares: The best doctor isn’t always the most credentialed—find someone, MD, NP, or PA, who takes your questions seriously and goes deeper than the surface. Labs that matter: Fasting glucose, insulin, GIR, HbA1c, plus advanced lipid testing (CardioIQ, NMR) are critical for uncovering hidden risk—not just chasing numbers. GLP-1s act broadly: Listeners see gains in sleep, inflammation, and appetite regulation. These benefits are real, not just anecdotal, and Dr. Cooper shares the clinical rationale. Smart fueling, even on GLP-1s: If you lack hunger cues, “mechanical eating” prevents under-fueling and cellular stress—especially important for maintaining muscle and metabolism. Rethinking “microdosing”: TikTok trends are not medical advice—microdosing with black-market GLP-1s is unproven, poorly regulated, and potentially unsafe. Rely on trusted, legal medication sources only. Dr. Cooper’s Actionable TipsRequest a full panel for metabolic health: ask your provider about fasting insulin, GIR, HbA1c, lipids, and FIB-4—even if you haven’t been flagged as “at risk”. For those on GLP-1s: Don’t skip meals; create a schedule with protein and fiber to avoid muscle loss and ensure micronutrient intake. Experiencing cholesterol shifts on medication? Ask for a breakdown (HDL, LDL, particle size) and consider advanced panels (CardioIQ, NMR) to better understand your risk. If reintroducing carbs after restriction, pair them with protein or fat and test glucose/insulin at intervals post-meal to personalize your plan. Avoid unregulated “microdosing” and buy only from reputable, FDA-approved outlets—protect your long-term health over quick fixes. Notable Quote“The most important thing is somebody who cares, not necessarily their degrees.”— Dr. Emily CooperLinks & ResourcesPodcast Home: Fat Science Podcast WebsiteSubmit a Show Question: [email protected] or [email protected]. Emily Cooper on LinkedInMark Wright on LinkedInAndrea Taylor on InstagramAdvanced cholesterol testing: CardioIQ at Quest, NMR at LabCorpFat 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. 

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

  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 AnsweredWhat 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 TakeawaysMetabolism 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 TipsAlways 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 CooperLinks & ResourcesPodcast Home: Fat Science Podcast WebsiteSubmit a Show Question: [email protected] or [email protected]. Emily Cooper on LinkedInMark Wright on LinkedInAndrea Taylor on InstagramGeneric medication access: Mark Cuban Cost Plus DrugsZepbound direct: Lilly DirectAdditional info: Novocare for WegovyFat 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.

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• From Voodoo to Mainstream: Debunking Diet Culture in the Age of GLP-1s

  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 “voodoo” to blazing a trail for real metabolic health.Key Questions Answered:Why did so many in the medical community reject Dr. Cooper’s methods—like challenging “calories in, calories out”—when she started treating metabolic issues?What does the rise of GLP-1 medications reveal about the true science behind appetite, metabolism, and weight?How did Dr. Cooper hold onto her integrity and keep practicing effective, patient-centered medicine despite overwhelming opposition?When does medical “common sense” get replaced by real science, and what does that mean for anyone struggling with diets that fail?Key Takeaways:Progress means facing skepticism. Dr. Cooper was once called a "voodoo doctor" and even yelled at by other physicians for her scientific methods, but results spoke louder than her critics. Metabolism is personal and complex—restrictive diets and “eat less, move more” advice often backfire. Hormonal science and careful patient tracking revealed why old rules failed. Persistent curiosity and data-driven practice, not popularity, eventually shift the culture. Dr. Cooper leaned on a “matrix” of metabolic markers long before these tests were commonplace. GLP-1 medications (like Byetta and Victoza) have moved from obscure tools to mainstream, validating Dr. Cooper’s approach to treating the whole metabolic system. True healing means fueling, not restricting. “Eating more,” not less, was key to metabolic recovery for many patients—a radical, often ridiculed idea that’s now supported by science and real-world clinical data from thousands of patients.Patient stories mirror the medical journey—today, both patients and providers can look back and realize that “voodoo” was simply science ahead of its time. Dr. Cooper’s Actionable Tips:Question easy answers—when in doubt, follow the data, not tradition.Find a provider who listens, tests, and adapts treatment to you—not just your weight or a number on a scale.Remember that real science can be lonely before it’s mainstream. Trust progress, even when it feels slow.Celebrate freedom from food guilt; focus on nourishment, steady energy, and self-compassion, not dieting extremes.Notable Quote:“It does make you feel lonely because you feel like there’s no one to talk to, but it was always about doing right by the science and by my patients.” — Dr. Emily CooperFat 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, not medical advice.Check out our website to submit a question, explore resources, or reach our hosts.Have questions for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, or feedback?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with:Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedInMark Wright on LinkedInAndrea Taylor on Instagram

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• Mailbag: Low Blood Sugar Explained, Relief From Food Noise, Calorie Restriction Warning, Metabolic Health care on a Budget, and More.

  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 record straight about what really works for long-term health—spoiler: it’s not endless calorie counting or exercise alone. Listeners from around the world share their struggles and triumphs, and Dr. Cooper explains the roles of genetics, “food noise,” dealing with hypoglycemia, and the best ways to fuel your body.Key Questions Answered:Can someone with obesity achieve lasting weight loss without medication? Why don’t diets and exercise alone work long-term?What is reactive hypoglycemia after gastric bypass, and how should it be managed?How can people with limited access to healthcare still improve metabolic health?What is “food noise,” and how do new medications target the brain’s hunger and satiety signals?Should people use calorie restriction or focus on fueling their bodies for better metabolic health?Key Takeaways:Obesity is best understood as a physical sign of metabolic disease, not a personal failure.There is no diet or exercise program shown to sustain long-term weight loss for those with obesity—medical therapies are usually necessary. Caloric restriction and exercise without medical intervention can slow metabolism and drive weight regain (the “diet backlash” effect). Good metabolic health is possible at any body size. Nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and stress management are essential but cannot, by themselves, reverse obesity.Medications like GLP-1s can help “quiet” food noise by restoring healthy communication between the gut and brain.Lifestyle strategies support metabolic function but aren’t strong enough to reverse metabolic disease alone. Focus on eating regular meals, balanced nutrients, and fueling your activity—not on perfection or restriction.Dr. Cooper’s Actionable Tips:Find a clinician who listens and is curious about your health, not just weight or calorie intake.Don’t be pressured to take medication if you feel healthy and have good lab results, regardless of your weight.Fuel your body consistently with a mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs—perfection isn’t necessary.Prioritize sleep and stress management, as both are critical for metabolism.Notable Quote:"There is no diet or exercise program that leads to long-term weight loss in someone with obesity. There isn't. Any time you're introducing that restriction you're opening the door to what's called metabolic adaptation, a slowing of the metabolic system. Why would you want to do that? If your whole goal is to strengthen the metabolic system, why would we want to introduce something that's been proven scientifically to slow the metabolic system down?" — Dr. Emily CooperResources from the episode:Fat Science is your source for understanding why metabolic health—not weight alone—matters more than ever. No diets, no agendas, just science that makes you feel better. This show is informational only, not medical advice.Check out our website to submit a question to the listener mailbag.Have questions for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with:Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedInMark Wright on LinkedInAndrea Taylor on Instagram

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• New Blood Pressure Guidelines: What You Need to Know

  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 lifestyle changes? And how does blood pressure connect to kidneys, strokes, and even dementia? Dr. Cooper unpacks the science, gives practical advice, and shares why home monitoring is now a crucial part of medical care.In this conversation-dense episode, the team breaks old myths and empowers listeners to take charge—so that “keeping an eye” on blood pressure becomes active prevention, not passive worry.Key Takeaways:New guidelines lower the bar for concern—120 over 80 is now “caution,” and 130 over 80 is “hypertension.” Early action matters.Untreated high blood pressure can lead to irreversible organ damage, strokes, kidney disease, and cognitive decline.Doctors now have a better toolkit: updated cutoffs, risk “calculators” that include zip code, and clearer protocols for who needs medication right away.Lifestyle changes (fruit, vegetables, less sodium, more movement, quality sleep, stress management, and alcohol moderation) are the first line for many—especially in the “elevated” category.Metabolic syndrome often includes high blood pressure; medicines like GLP-1s and metformin may help regulate pressure as well as metabolism.Accurate home blood pressure monitoring is strongly recommended, with validated cuff meters (not wrist models).Dr. Cooper shares actionable tips:Eat five servings of fruits and vegetables daily for potassium—bananas, spinach, potatoes, kiwis all help.Get a “validated” cuff monitor and check morning/evening, resting, following best practices.Ask your doctor about the new guidelines and risk calculators (found at the American Heart Association website).Notable Quote:“Home readings are very valuable. I really encourage people to look at the Validate BP site, find a good meter, and keep a log. Catching high blood pressure early and treating it aggressively can have profound impacts on your future health.”— Dr. Emily CooperResources from the episode:Fat Science is your source for understanding why blood pressure—and metabolic health—matter more than ever. No diets, no agendas, just science that makes you feel better.This show is informational only, not medical advice.Check out our website to submit a question to the listener mailbag.Have questions for Dr. Cooper, a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect?Email [email protected] or [email protected] with:Dr. Emily Cooper on LinkedInMark Wright on LinkedInAndrea Taylor on Instagram

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