Podcast
Weight Loss And ...
Hosted by Holly Wyatt & James Hill · EN
Your go-to hangout for everything weight loss… and beyond! “Weight Loss and…” is brought to you by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and hosted by seasoned experts in weight management, Dr. James Hill and Dr. Holly Wyatt.
We’re your friendly guides through the maze of weight loss, but with a fun twist. We’re not here to preach the latest fad diet or promise a miracle workout. Instead, we’re all about embracing the journey, acknowledging there’s more than one way to hit your health goals, and having a good laugh while we’re at it.
We get it: weight loss can be tough, and sometimes pretty serious business. But why can’t it also be enjoyable? With a side of humor, we’ll bring you science-backed insights, real-life stories, and some hard truths. (Spoiler alert: there’s no magic answer - but that doesn’t mean we can’t find what works best for you.)
“Weight Loss and…” is your inclusive space to explore, question, and learn — and to feel part of a community along the way. This isn’t just about shedding pounds. It’s about gaining perspective, building better habits, and enjoying the ride.
So if you’re up for honest conversations about weight loss - spiced with a little science and a whole lot of fun - pull up a chair, plug in those earbuds, and let’s see where this journey takes us.
43episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Obesity Medications and the Coming Revolution in Care with Louis Aronne
Jan 700:52:00Tap to summarizeFor decades, people with obesity were told the solution was simple: eat less, move more, try harder. When that didn’t work, they were blamed. But science has always told a different story: obesity is a chronic, biologically driven disease, just like diabetes or hypertension. And right now, we’re witnessing the most significant transformation in obesity medicine that has ever happened.The new GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are making headlines everywhere, but with breakthrough treatments come big questions. Who should take them? How do you know which one is right for you? What happens when you stop? And with millions of people getting these medications online or from providers with little expertise, how do you ensure you’re getting safe, effective care?Join Holly and Jim as they sit down with Dr. Louis Aronne, one of the true pioneers who shaped this revolution from the very beginning. For over 30 years, Dr. Aronne has been on the front lines, treating patients and conducting research at one of the premier obesity centers in the country. He’ll share the real story behind these medications, what he’s learned from treating 9,000 patients, and where obesity treatment is heading next.Discussed on the episode:The mouse experiment from the 1980s that changed everything about how we understand weightWhy some people feel amazing on Wegovy while others do better on ZepboundThe creative dosing strategies that help patients who can’t tolerate standard dosesWhat happens to the majority of people who stop taking GLP-1 medicationsThe surprising parallel between treating obesity and treating high blood pressureWhy registered dietitians could be the perfect providers for obesity careThe 15 new medications coming in the next five years that will transform accessHow these medications prevent 94% of diabetes cases in people with prediabetesThe simple eating strategy that works almost like taking medicineWhat it really means when people say taking medication is cheating
Transcribe →The Questions You're Too Embarrassed to Ask About Weight Loss
Nov 500:39:09Tap to summarizeEver wondered why your body does strange things during weight loss, but felt too awkward to ask? You're not alone. From unexpected physical changes to confusing emotional responses, weight loss brings surprises nobody warns you about. These unspoken questions deserve genuine answers, free from judgment and shame.Join Holly and Jim as they tackle the questions people whisper about but rarely say out loud. They're diving into the weird body stuff, the mental games, and the relationship shifts that come with losing weight. Whether it's why certain areas change first, how to handle friends who seem threatened by your progress, or feeling like a fraud when people compliment you, this episode goes there.If you've ever had a question about weight loss that felt too personal or too embarrassing to ask, this conversation is for you. Holly and Jim bring science, compassion, and a healthy dose of vulnerability to topics most experts avoid.Discussed on the episode:The fascinating biochemistry of where fat actually goes when you lose itWhy some body parts seem to change before others (and why you can't control it)The unexpected reason you might feel colder after losing weightWhy does your mind take longer to catch up than your body doesThe truth about why we sometimes underreport what we've eaten to othersHow to handle partners or friends who seem threatened by your successWhy the fear of regaining weight actually means something positiveThe surprising ways relationships shift when your body changesWhy you might still reach for larger clothes even though they don't fitThe question that caught Jim completely off guard (involving sexual positions and calorie burn)Send your awkward, embarrassing, or "too weird to ask" weight loss questions to Holly and Jim for their next episode!
Transcribe →
Paul Coates: Can Supplements Really Help You Lose Weight?
Oct 2900:48:23Tap to summarizeThe supplement aisle seems to promise everything: rapid fat burning, appetite suppression, effortless weight loss. With billions of dollars spent annually and 60% of Americans taking supplements regularly, the questions are endless. Do they actually work? Are they safe? And how do you separate the science from the marketing hype?Join Holly and Jim as they tackle the complex world of weight loss supplements with one of the nation's leading experts. You'll discover why the supplement industry operates so differently from pharmaceuticals, what the research really says about popular ingredients, and how to make informed decisions in a marketplace flooded with big promises but limited oversight.Their guest, Dr. Paul Coates, spent nearly two decades as director of the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, where he guided national research priorities and consumer education. He served as president of the American Society for Nutrition and is the lead editor of the Encyclopedia of Dietary Supplements. If anyone can cut through the confusion, it's Paul.Discussed on the episode:The surprising statistic about how many Americans use supplements dailyWhy studying supplement combinations creates an almost impossible research challengeThe red flags to watch for when companies cite "research" to support their productsHow the regulatory framework for supplements differs dramatically from prescription drugsThe cautionary tale of ephedra and what it teaches us about "natural" ingredientsWhich supplements have enough research to show modest promise for weight managementWhy expecting huge results from supplements sets you up for disappointmentThe importance of discussing supplement use with your healthcare providerHow to spot products that may contain unlisted ingredients or inaccurate dosingReal-world advice on whether it's worth trying supplements and where to start safelyResources Mentioned:NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: https://ods.od.nih.gov/
Transcribe →Your Burning Weight Loss Questions Answered: A Top 10 Countdown
Oct 2200:45:38Tap to summarizeYou've got questions. Lots of them. And if you've been trying to lose weight or keep it off, chances are you've Googled these same burning questions at 11 p.m., desperately searching for answers that actually make sense.From "Do I really have to give up bread?" to "What do I do when the scale isn't moving?" - these are the questions that keep showing up in Holly and Jim's clinics, programs, emails, and even chance encounters at the grocery store. The questions that make you laugh, make you think, and the ones you're probably too embarrassed to ask out loud but secretly wonder about every day.Join Holly and Jim as they count down the top 10 most frequently asked weight loss questions, delivering science-backed answers that cut through the confusion. You'll discover why some popular beliefs might be holding you back, learn when to trust your body's signals, and find out which "golden rule" of weight loss might actually be more flexible than you think. Plus, they reveal the number one question that stumps people the most - and why the answer might completely change how you think about success.Discussed on the episode:Why weighing yourself daily might be the key to long-term success (and how to do it without letting the number ruin your day)The surprising truth about whether you need to focus on diet or exercise firstWhy the breakfast debate isn't as black and white as you've been toldThe real story behind carbs and whether they're truly the enemyWhether you can enjoy alcohol and still reach your weight goalsThe truth about the "fat-burning zone" at the gym and why you might be overthinking itWhat to do when you hit that inevitable plateau (and why it's not a sign of failure)The psychology behind emotional eating and practical strategies to break the cycleWhy weight loss and weight maintenance require completely different skill setsThe mindset shift that transforms weight regain from failure to part of the processResources Mentioned:Weight Loss And… Episode 73: https://weightlossand.com/can-you-drink-alcohol-and-still-lose-weightWeight Loss And… Episode 94: https://weightlossand.com/willpower-wont-save-you-but-these-10-things-will
Transcribe →Willpower Won't Save You (But These 10 Things Will)
Oct 1500:40:18Tap to summarize"I just need more willpower." If you've ever said this to yourself, you're not alone. It's one of the most common beliefs in weight loss: that success comes down to having iron-clad self-control and the ability to resist every temptation that comes your way.But what if willpower isn't the secret weapon you think it is? What if, depending on it, is actually setting you up for failure? Holly and Jim are about to shatter one of the biggest myths in weight management and show you a completely different path to lasting success.Join them as they reveal why willpower is overrated and share the top 10 strategies that matter far more than white-knuckling your way through cravings. You'll discover science-backed alternatives that successful people use instead of relying on mental muscle alone, and why these approaches are not only more effective, but also more sustainable for the long haul.Discussed on the episode:Why willpower works like a muscle (and why that's actually a problem)The two times of day when your self-control is strongest and weakestHow successful weight maintainers from the National Weight Control Registry really think about willpowerThe "Perfect Polly" vs "Too Special Sarah" profiles, which extreme are you?Why your workout clothes belong in your office (Jim's clever routine revealed)The mind-body connection breakthrough that's changing everythingHolly's chip catastrophe story: when strong willpower completely backfiredThe boundary conversation technique for handling sabotaging environmentsWhy taking back your power is really a mindset shiftThe #1 alternative to willpower that replaces it entirelyResources Mentioned:Weight Loss And… Episode 19: https://weightlossand.com/reigniting-your-weight-loss-motivation-strategies-for-a-sustainable-journeyWeight Loss And… Episode 11: https://www.weightlossand.com/the-seven-secrets-of-weight-loss-success/Weight Loss And… Episode 76: https://www.weightlossand.com/why-mind-state-is-the-key-to-weight-loss-maintenance/
Transcribe →
From Loving Food to Loving Life with David Page
Oct 800:43:07Tap to summarizeI just love food too much. It's one of the most common excuses people give for not starting their weight loss journey. But what if loving food could actually be your secret weapon?Join Holly and Jim as they welcome David Page, the Emmy-winning creator of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives and host of the Culinary Characters Unlocked podcast. David has built his entire career around celebrating incredible food, yet he's managed to lose over 80 pounds without sacrificing his passion for eating. His story will completely change your thinking about the relationship between food and weight loss success.You'll discover how a diabetes scare became the catalyst for lasting change, why David chose to stay on GLP-1 medications long-term, and his brilliant strategy for transforming beloved high-calorie dishes into healthier versions that still deliver on flavor. This conversation is packed with practical tips, honest vulnerability, and proof that you don't have to choose between loving food and loving your health.Discussed on the episode:The diabetes diagnosis that finally scared David into action (and why previous attempts had failed)How GLP-1 medications changed his relationship with food without killing his joy for eatingThe strategy that lets you keep your favorite food while losing weightWhat David believes plays a bigger role in weight struggles than most doctors admitThe mindset shift that sustains long-term successHow to handle inevitable slip-ups without derailing your entire journeyThe surprising reason David ignores traditional cardio advice (and what he does instead)Why volume eaters need different strategies than naturally thin peopleDavid's method for recreating classic comfort foods with a fraction of the caloriesThe role of a specialized endocrinologist and nutritionist in his transformationHow chefs are bridging the gap between healthy and delicious foodResources Mentioned:"The Third Plate" book by Dan BarberCulinary Characters Unlocked podcast
Transcribe →10 Common Mistakes People Make with Weight-Loss Meds
Oct 100:45:03Tap to summarizeGLP1 medications have revolutionized weight loss, helping millions achieve results they've struggled to reach for years. These powerful tools have changed the obesity treatment landscape in ways we never imagined possible. But here's what might shock you: even with these game-changing medications, many people unknowingly sabotage their own success.The truth is, having access to effective weight loss medication is only half the battle. The other half? Knowing how to use these tools strategically and avoiding the common pitfalls that can derail your progress. Whether you're currently taking GLP1s, considering them, or planning your exit strategy, the mistakes people make are surprisingly predictable and completely preventable.Join Holly and Jim as they reveal the 10 most critical mistakes people make with GLP1 medications. You'll discover the hidden traps that can undermine your success while you're on the medication, and the dangerous oversights that lead to rapid weight regain when you stop. This episode could be the difference between temporary results and lasting transformation.Discussed on the episode:The biggest misconception that turns powerful weight loss medication into a dead endWhy focusing only on eating less while on GLP1s sets you up for future failureThe critical body composition mistake that makes weight regain almost inevitableHow to bulletproof your mindset before appetite and food noise return with a vengeanceThe planning mistake that leaves most people completely unprepared for life after medicationWhy stopping GLP1s without support almost always leads to weight regain (and the data proves it)The "appetite rebound" phenomenon and why willpower alone won't save youThe metabolism mistake that keeps your body stuck in weight regain modeHow to recognize if weight is creeping back, and the detective work that can save your progressThe mindset shift that transforms medication from a temporary fix to a lasting lifestyle change
Transcribe →Top 10 Fall Weight Loss Pitfalls and Power Plays for a Healthy Season
Sep 2400:42:30Tap to summarizeFall is here, and with it comes one of the most challenging seasons for maintaining your weight loss progress. Shorter days, comfort food cravings, endless holiday gatherings, and disrupted routines create what Holly and Jim call "the perfect storm for weight gain." But what if this season didn't have to mean falling behind?Instead of throwing in the towel until January, you can use this time to actually move forward. The science shows that people typically gain 1-3 pounds during the fall and holiday season – and most never lose it. Over five years, that's 15 pounds of creeping weight gain that could have been prevented.Join Holly and Jim as they reveal the top 10 pitfalls that sabotage your progress during fall, along with research-backed "power plays" to counter each one. You'll discover how to fall forward instead of falling behind, setting yourself up to roll into winter ahead of the game rather than playing catch-up come January.Discussed on the episode:Why 15-20 minutes less daily movement in the fall creates a biological cascade that affects your brain chemistryThe "comfort food overload" phenomenon and strategic cozy swaps that satisfy cravings with fewer caloriesHow holiday creep, starting in September, can add hundreds of extra calories daily without you noticingThe mood-food connection: why darker days trigger mac and cheese cravings and what to do about itWhy the "wait until January" mindset costs you more than just a few poundsThe hidden weight gain that sweater season masks, and why your "fall pants" are crucial feedback toolsHow travel and tailgates disrupt structured eating patterns and increase calorie intake by 14-25%The sugar season cycle that creates dopamine-driven wanting loops, keeping you reaching for moreWhy sleep deprivation during busy fall schedules can boost cravings by up to 30%How packed schedules crowd out self-care and raise cortisol levels that promote weight gainStrategic approaches to enjoying holiday foods without losing momentumWhether it's realistic to lose weight during the fall or if maintenance is a better goalWorkplace survival tactics for constant candy and treat temptations
Transcribe →
Why Protein Alone Won't Save Your Muscles with Robin Daly
Sep 1700:47:27Tap to summarizeThink you know everything about working out? Most people hit the gym with good intentions, but miss a critical piece of the puzzle that could be sabotaging their results. The order you do your exercises, the type of resistance training you choose, and even how you think about protein could be the difference between building functional strength and just going through the motions.Join Holly and Jim as they welcome Professor Robin Daly from Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. Robin holds the chair in Exercise and Aging and has made it his mission to prove that the right kind of exercise isn't just good for your muscles, it's essential for your bones, brain, and longevity. His research has been cited over 12,000 times, but more importantly, he's creating real-world programs that people actually stick with.With the rise of GLP-1 medications causing dramatic weight loss, there's growing concern about muscle loss during the process. Robin breaks down what's really happening when people lose weight rapidly and reveals why the traditional approach to protein might be missing the mark entirely.Discussed on the episode:The inspirational mindset shift that makes resistance training feel less like workWhen "exercise snacking" could revolutionize your daily routineThe surprising truth about protein hype and what really builds muscleWhy doing cardio first might be sabotaging your strength gainsThe muscle loss crisis with GLP-1 medications and what it means for your future healthHow to design resistance exercises that actually improve your daily functionThe one thing that matters more than the size of your musclesWhy 80 is the perfect age to start resistance training (plus the study that proves it)The simple equipment-free approach that works as well as expensive gym machines
Transcribe →
The Overlooked Side Effect of Weight Loss with Sue Shapses
Sep 1000:50:16Tap to summarizeWhen you're losing weight, you probably think about dropping dress sizes, improving blood sugar, or reducing joint pain. But what if some popular weight loss approaches could actually be setting you up for broken bones later in life? It's a connection most people never make and one that could change how you think about your weight loss journey.This hidden risk becomes even more important as new weight loss medications help people achieve dramatic results. While losing 30+ pounds can transform your health in countless positive ways, there's a conversation happening between your bones and your weight that you've probably never heard about. The surprising truth? Even moderate weight loss of just 6-9% can significantly increase your risk for fractures.Join Holly and Jim as they sit down with Dr. Sue Shapses, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at Rutgers University and a leading expert on the relationship between weight loss and bone health. For over 30 years, Sue has been uncovering how our weight loss strategies affect skeletal strength and long-term bone function. Her research reveals why people with obesity might have denser bones that are actually weaker and what you can do to protect yourself during weight loss.Discussed on the episode:The shocking discovery about bone quality in people with obesity that challenges everything doctors thought they knewWhy successful weight loss can increase fracture risk by 39% and what defines "successful" in this contextThe surprising reason your body actually decreases calcium absorption during weight loss (hint: it's not what you'd expect)Whether clinicians prescribing new weight loss medications should monitor bone densityThe three key factors that create a "bone health trifecta" and why two of them have nothing to do with weightWhy getting a DEXA scan during active weight loss might be a waste of moneyThe specific amounts of calcium, vitamin D, and protein that can help protect your bones during weight lossHow high-fat diets might compromise bone health in ways that go beyond weight gainThe parallel between muscle and bone that's changing how researchers approach both fieldsReal listener questions answered: Should a 45-year-old on GLP-1 medication get a DEXA scan now?
Transcribe →