The Prescription Strength Podcast

Dr Lynette Ewart

Hosted by Dr Lynette Ewart, a GP in the NHS for 20 years and a passionate personal trainer specialising in strength training. A practical, evidence-informed health and fitness podcast for people who want clarity without hype. Most weeks, you’ll hear Pocket Prescription — short, no-nonsense episodes answering real questions about strength training, health, ageing, and risk. Once a month, I sit down with a guest to explore a topic in more depth. The video version of Pocket Prescription episodes is available on YouTube.

  1. 2 days ago

    Metabolism, Appetite and Weight Gain. What people get wrong.

    Have you ever been told that your metabolism is broken, damaged, or slowing down with age? Social media often blames metabolism for everything from weight gain to low energy, but the reality is usually much more complicated. In this episode, I cover the difference between metabolism and appetite, why the two are often confused, and why that distinction matters if you’re trying to lose weight or improve your health. Topics covered include: What metabolism actually isWhy metabolism is often more stable than people thinkThe research on metabolism and ageingWhy appetite changes far more dramatically than metabolismThe impact of sleep, stress, hormones and environment on hungerMenopause, weight gain and common misconceptionsWhy some medications can lead to weight gainThe role of protein, fibre and lifestyle habits in appetite regulationWhy “fixing your metabolism” is usually the wrong goalIf you’ve ever worried that you’ve damaged your metabolism or that age has made weight loss impossible, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on. As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal medical advice. If you have concerns about your own health, please speak to your healthcare professional.

    11 min

  2. 23 Jun

    Underactive Thyroid. What your GP didn't have time to explain

    Have you been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and found yourself confused by conflicting advice online? Perhaps you’ve heard that T3 is the “active” thyroid hormone, wondered why you’re prescribed thyroxine (levothyroxine), or been tempted by thyroid supplements, private testing, or claims that conventional treatment is missing something. In this episode, I cover how thyroid hormones work, why thyroxine remains the standard treatment for hypothyroidism, why T3 isn’t routinely measured, and where much of the confusion around thyroid health comes from. Topics covered include: The difference between T4 and T3Why levothyroxine is usually prescribedWhy T3 isn’t routinely testedHow thyroid blood tests are interpretedThyroid supplements, selenium and zincWhy some people still feel unwell despite treatmentThe role of fatigue, sleep, menopause and other health conditionsHow to approach thyroid information online with a critical eyeIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting messages about thyroid health, this episode will help you understand the basics and make sense of the conversation. As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal medical advice. If you have concerns about your own health or treatment, please speak to your healthcare professional.

    11 min

  3. 16 Jun

    Fish Oil Supplements: Helpful, Harmful or Hype?

    Fish oil used to be seen as universally “good for the heart.” Then suddenly the headlines said it might be dangerous. So what’s actually true? In this Pocket Prescription episode, GP Lynette Ewart explains what recent fish oil studies really showed, why different heart conditions matter, and why nutrition science so often gets reduced to simplistic headlines. A practical, evidence-based guide to making sense of the confusion — without the hype.

    10 min

  4. 9 Jun

    Is cortisol really wrecking your health?

    Cortisol has become the internet’s favourite explanation for almost everything. Poor sleep? Cortisol.Weight gain? Cortisol.Waking at 3am? Cortisol.Tired all the time? Apparently also cortisol. But what does cortisol actually do, when is it genuinely a medical problem, and how much of the online conversation is misunderstanding mixed with marketing? In this Pocket Prescription episode, GP and strength coach Lynette Ewart explains what cortisol really is, why the wellness industry became obsessed with it, and what people often miss when they blame stress hormones for everything. This isn’t a “stress doesn’t matter” episode. It absolutely does. But the internet version of cortisol has drifted a long way from reality. In this episode: What cortisol actually does in the bodyWhy cortisol rises normally during stressThe difference between chronic stress and true cortisol disordersWhy “hormone imbalance” is often used as a vague catch-all termThe problem with random online hormone testingWhy sleep, recovery, activity and overall health still matter more than hacksNo hacks.No supplements being pushed.Just a calm, evidence-based explanation from clinic reality. You can also watch the video version on the  Prescription Strength YouTube channel

    11 min

  5. 2 Jun

    Your Environment Is Shaping Your Eating More Than You Think

    Most people think their eating habits come down to discipline. I don’t think that’s true. In this Pocket Prescription episode, I talk about one of the biggest things people overlook when they’re struggling with food, weight, or health habits: their environment. Because whether it’s the food in your cupboards, the people around you, your stress levels, your routine, or simply what’s constantly within arm’s reach, your environment quietly shapes your behaviour all day long. And if you’re relying on willpower alone while surrounded by things working against you… that’s a very difficult battle to win. In this episode, I explore: Why eating habits are rarely just about motivationThe hidden influence of your home and daily surroundingsWhy “nothing has changed” often isn’t actually trueHow modern environments make overeating incredibly easyThe difference between blame and understandingSimple ways to make healthier choices feel easier without relying on constant self-controlA short, practical episode about why behaviour makes a lot more sense once you stop viewing it as a personal failing. The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube.

    8 min

  6. 26 May

    My weight is going up but nothing has changed.

    If your weight is creeping up and you’re convinced nothing has changed—you’re probably right. But that doesn’t mean nothing has changed. In this Pocket Prescription episode, I break down why weight gain in midlife often feels confusing and unfair. We cover: Why weight gain tends to happen in seasonal spikes, not a straight lineHow muscle loss (and body composition changes) quietly shifts the rulesThe reality of busier lives, less movement, and more sittingWhy sleep and recovery matter more than you thinkThis isn’t about blame or “trying harder.” It’s about understanding what’s actually going on so you can decide what’s worth changing. No hacks. No shortcuts. Just the basics—done properly.

    7 min

  7. 19 May

    Life After Weight Loss

    Losing weight is often seen as the hard part. It isn’t. In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist Dr Courtney Raspin, co-author of The Weight Loss Prescription, to talk about what actually happens after the weight comes off—and why this is where most people struggle. We explore the gap between weight loss and weight maintenance, particularly in the context of weight loss injections. Because while these medications can be incredibly effective, they don’t solve the underlying behaviours, habits, and psychological patterns that determine what happens next. This is the part of the conversation that often gets missed: the “exit plan.” About the book The Weight Loss Prescription by Dr Courtney Raspin and Dr Max Pemberton brings together the medical and psychological sides of weight loss—particularly in the context of modern treatments like GLP-1 medications. It’s not a quick fix guide. It’s a framework for what happens after.

    51 min

  8. 12 May

    Why You Procrastinate (And Why Perfectionism Makes It Worse)

    When you know what you “should” do but still can’t make yourself do it, it’s easy to assume you’re the problem. In this episode, I’m joined by GP and Chimp Management director  Dr Sarah Caddy to break down procrastination and perfectionism using the Chimp Model from Professor Steve Peters. We explore why capable, intelligent people still get stuck, how perfectionism quietly fuels avoidance, and why motivation is the least reliable part of the process. This is a practical conversation about what’s actually going on in your brain when you delay, overthink, or wait for the “right time” — and how to start working with it instead of fighting it. We cover: why procrastination isn’t laziness how perfectionism drives inaction the role of habits, beliefs and self-image why motivation fades (and what matters more) making a plan that works on your worst day how comparison and marketing hijack your thinking simple ways to get unstuck and take action Links: The Chimp Paradox A Path Through the Jungle Chimp Management If you’ve ever thought “I know what to do, I just can’t make myself do it,” this will make uncomfortable amounts of sense.

    1hr 9min
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About

Hosted by Dr Lynette Ewart, a GP in the NHS for 20 years and a passionate personal trainer specialising in strength training. A practical, evidence-informed health and fitness podcast for people who want clarity without hype. Most weeks, you’ll hear Pocket Prescription — short, no-nonsense episodes answering real questions about strength training, health, ageing, and risk. Once a month, I sit down with a guest to explore a topic in more depth. The video version of Pocket Prescription episodes is available on YouTube.

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