Is wildfire smoke affecting more than just your lungs?Poor air quality affects not only respiratory health but also metabolic functions. Wildfire smoke can trigger inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormone release, leading to metabolic disturbances.KEY TAKEAWAYSWildfire smoke can impact metabolism, leading to insulin resistance.Stress hormones released during smoke exposure can raise blood sugar levels.Air pollution is linked to increased risk of metabolic syndrome components. NOTABLE QUOTE"When there were wildfire events, within days, the admissions for diabetes increased." — Dr. Emily Cooper Links & ResourcesPodcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.comCooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.comResources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resourcesJoin Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcastSubmit Your Question: [email protected] or [email protected] Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care.This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Is it really a good idea to get medical care from online pharmacies posing as clinics?This week on Fat Science, Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright, and Andrea Taylor dig into a Yale secret shopper study that tested 49 websites selling GLP-1 medications online. The websites look and market like medical clinics, but the study found that most patients never spoke to a clinician at all before getting a prescription. Dr. Cooper, Mark, and Andrea unpack what real medical care requires, why these platforms skip it, and what that means for anyone considering this route.KEY TAKEAWAYTwo-thirds of the sites in the study issued a prescription with no clinician contact of any kind — despite marketing themselves as medical clinics.Fewer than 40% asked for any clinical measurement (blood pressure, labs, etc.), and only 18% asked whether the patient even had a primary care doctor.Many of these sites are financially connected to compounding pharmacies and use leading questions to push add-ons that create untested drug combinations.Real medical care means a full history, objective labs, and ongoing monitoring — not a five-minute questionnaire and an automatic credit card charge.NOTABLE QUOTE"The marketing appears to be a medical clinic or a medical company, when in fact it's really just a sale of a drug." Dr. Emily CooperLINKS & RESOURCESStudy published in JAMA on the secret shopper findingsLinks & ResourcesPodcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.comCooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.comResources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resourcesJoin Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcastSubmit Your Question: [email protected] or [email protected] Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care.This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Does exercise really boost metabolism, or is there a hidden truth?In this episode, Dr. Emily Cooper uncovers the science behind why exercise isn’t just about burning calories. Dive into the fascinating world of myokines, the chemical messengers released by muscles that impact everything from mood to inflammation. Discover why it's not your fault if exercise alone isn't solving your metabolic issues.KEY TAKEAWAYSExercise impacts more than calorie burn; it's a signaling system for the body.Myokines, released during exercise, affect organs like the brain and liver.Muscle contractions broadcast vital signals affecting overall health.NOTABLE QUOTE"Exercise is more than burning energy; it's communication throughout the body." — Dr. Emily CooperLINKS & RESOURCESCooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.comResources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resourcesTo register for course: https://learn.diabesityinstitute.org/products/live_events/live-virtual-update-event Links & ResourcesPodcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.comCooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.comResources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resourcesJoin Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcastSubmit Your Question: [email protected] or [email protected] Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care.This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

How does biology affect our perception of body size?Dr. Emily Cooper answers listener questions about body dysmorphia and metabolic dysfunction. Mark and Andrea discuss the challenges with compounded medications and the implications of insurance-driven diet requirements.KEY TAKEAWAYSBody dysmorphia can have biological components related to metabolic dysfunction.Compounded medications may lack the testing and safety guarantees of brand names.Insurance requirements often lack a medical basis and can hinder proper treatment.NOTABLE QUOTE"The altered body image perception may be linked to metabolic signals." — Dr. Emily CooperLINKS & RESOURCESNone mentioned.Links & ResourcesPodcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.comCooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.comResources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resourcesJoin Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcastSubmit Your Question: [email protected] or [email protected] Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care.This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Why is your fat talking to you?In the latest solo episode, Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright explore groundbreaking research into metabolic health. Learn why the scale doesn't always reflect metabolic risk, and discover the science behind fat's active role in the body. KEY TAKEAWAYSMetabolic dysfunction cannot be judged by scale weight alone.Visceral fat is a stronger predictor of heart failure than BMI.Hormonal environments profoundly affect fat storage and health risks.NOTABLE QUOTE"Your fat is talking to you." — Andrea TaylorLINKS & RESOURCESObesity Reviews PaperImmunological Reviews Journal ArticleEuropean Congress on Obesity Study Links & ResourcesPodcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.comCooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.comResources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resourcesJoin Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcastSubmit Your Question: [email protected] or [email protected] Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care.This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Is your brain starving for glucose?In this episode, Dr. Emily Cooper explores the critical role of the brain as a metabolic organ and its dependence on glucose and insulin. Listeners will learn why good sleep and a holistic lifestyle are vital for cognitive health.KEY TAKEAWAYSThe brain uses about 20% of your body's energy at rest.Insulin plays a non-fuel role in brain function, supporting neural connections and mood.Sleep is essential for the brain's waste clearance system, the glymphatic system.Insulin resistance in the brain is linked to cognitive decline and dementia.Exercise, a balanced diet, and social engagement are key to brain health.NOTABLE QUOTE"The brain is the most metabolically active organ in our body." — Dr. Emily CooperLINKS & RESOURCESJAMA: US POINTER Study on Cognitive DeclineNovo Nordisk: EVOKE & EVOKE Plus TrialsLinks & ResourcesPodcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.comCooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.comResources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resourcesJoin Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcastSubmit Your Question: [email protected] or [email protected] Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care.This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Is it normal for GLP-1 medications to become less effective over time?Dr. Emily Cooper discusses listener questions about the nuances of metabolic health and the real reasons behind weight fluctuations and food cravings. With insights into GLP-1 medications, mechanical eating, and more, the episode aims to debunk myths and provide science-based encouragement.KEY TAKEAWAYSTrusting your body's hunger signals can prevent metabolic slowdown.Mechanical eating can help manage sugar cravings and maintain metabolic health.Navigating pediatric metabolic issues requires understanding genetic influences and appropriate medical intervention.NOTABLE QUOTE"It's not your fault. Trust your body and step up to the higher end of your metabolic flexibility." — Dr. Emily Cooper LINKS & RESOURCESAmerican Board of Obesity Medicine: obesitymedicine.org Links & ResourcesPodcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.comCooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.comResources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resourcesJoin Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcastSubmit Your Question: [email protected] or [email protected] Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care.This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Have you ever wondered why your body holds onto weight despite your best efforts?In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Cooper reveals groundbreaking research showing that 100% of healthy adults carry at least six different plastic-related chemicals in their bodies daily. These endocrine disruptors don't just affect your hormones - they may be stored in your fat tissue and could be a hidden driver of metabolic dysfunction. The good news? New Australian research proves you can dramatically reduce these chemicals in just one week with targeted changes.KEY TAKEAWAYSEvery single person tested had at least 6 plastic chemicals in their urine, with food packaging being the primary sourceParticipants cut phthalate levels by 38-54% and BPA by 60% in just 7 days with adjustments in reducing plastic exposure in food and food packagingUltra-processed foods introduce plastic chemicals through multiple processing and packaging stepsCertain chemicals like DEHP may be stored in fat tissue and released during weight lossHeat accelerates plastic migration into food - avoid microwaving in plastic and pouring hot food into plastic containersSimple swaps like choosing fresh over canned foods and using glass containers make significant impactsThe EPA research office studying these chemicals was recently eliminated, removing key consumer protectionsNOTABLE QUOTE"People who switched to the low plastic food and kitchenware cut the phthalates excretion by 38 to 54% in one week and they cut their BPA excretion by 60% in one week." — Dr. Emily CooperLinks & ResourcesPodcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.comCooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.comResources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resourcesJoin Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcastSubmit Your Question: [email protected] or [email protected] Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care.This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

What happens when GLP-1 medications stop working the way you hoped they would? In this mailbag episode, Dr. Emily Cooper answers listener questions about fasting, insulin levels, PCOS, lipedema, plateaus on Zepbound, and the complicated reality behind metabolic dysfunction. From the dangers of under-fueling to why individualized treatment matters so much, this conversation unpacks the science behind weight resistance with clarity and compassion.Key TakeawaysWhy fasting and restrictive eating may worsen metabolic adaptationThe real role insulin plays in metabolic healthHow PCOS and lipedema complicate weight loss treatmentWhy some people plateau on GLP-1 medications over timeThe importance of fueling, muscle preservation, and individualized careLinks & ResourcesPodcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.comCooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.comResources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resourcesJoin Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcastSubmit Your Question: [email protected] or [email protected] Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care.This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

Could you have metabolic dysfunction even at a normal weight?This episode challenges everything we've been taught about weight and health. Dr. Cooper reveals that up to 25% of normal-weight people have metabolic syndrome, yet they're rarely screened because doctors assume they're healthy based on appearance alone.KEY TAKEAWAYSWeight and metabolic health are not the same thing - you can be metabolically unhealthy at any sizeNormal weight people with metabolic dysfunction are often overlooked and undertreated by healthcare providersKey screening tests include fasting glucose, insulin, HbA1c, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers like HSCRPMetabolic dysfunction can start in your 20s and take decades to develop into serious diseaseBoth normal weight and higher weight patients face bias - normal weight people aren't screened enough, while higher weight people have everything blamed on their weightEarly screening and treatment can prevent catastrophic health outcomes later in lifeThe liver plays a crucial role in metabolism and can become insulin resistant regardless of body weightNOTABLE QUOTE"You cannot tell anything about someone's health from their outside, what they look like or what, even what they're doing necessarily, but definitely not their body size. So you can be healthy or unhealthy at any size body, and I think that's what's overlooked quite a bit." — Dr. Emily CooperLinks & ResourcesPodcast Home: fatsciencepodcast.comCooper Center for Metabolism: coopermetabolic.comResources from Dr. Cooper: coopermetabolic.com/resourcesJoin Our Community: patreon.com/cw/FatSciencePodcastSubmit Your Question: [email protected] or [email protected]: Key ReferencesPrimary literature supporting this episode•       Wang et al. Prevalence of Metabolically Unhealthy Normal Weight and Its Influence on the Risk of Diabetes. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2023.•       Review: Beyond BMI — Rethinking Obesity Metrics and Cardiovascular Risk in the Era of Precision Medicine. Journal of Clinical Medicine, December 2025.•       Korean meta-analyses on metabolic dysfunction phenotypes and cardiometabolic risk, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences Journal review, 2024.•       Frontiers in Nutrition, January 2026. Associations of metabolic heterogeneity with the progression of cardiometabolic multimorbidity.•       International Journal of Obesity, September 2025. Cardiovascular risk factors associated with metabolic health phenotypes.Mechanism references•       MASLD — metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease — nomenclature and clinical framework. AASLD/EASL consensus, 2023.•       Insulin signaling, adipose tissue dysfunction, and ectopic fat deposition — reviews on the upstream-downstream relationship.•       Epicardial adipose tissue and cardiovascular dysfunction — Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, January 2026.Fat Science is supported by the Diabesity Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing access to effective, science-based metabolic care.This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.