Weight Loss And ...

Holly Wyatt & James Hill

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.

  1. Why Your Spice Rack Is Your Best Health Tool with Penny Kris-Etherton and Kristina Petersen

    18 HR AGO

    Why Your Spice Rack Is Your Best Health Tool with Penny Kris-Etherton and Kristina Petersen

    You already know that what you eat matters. But what about how you season it? Most of us reach for the salt shaker without a second thought, but hiding in your spice rack right now could be some of the most powerful, most overlooked tools in nutrition science. Join Holly and Jim as they sit down with two leading researchers from Penn State University, Dr. Penny Kris-Etherton, one of the most decorated nutrition scientists in the field of diet and cardiovascular health, and Dr. Kristina Petersen, a rising star whose cutting-edge research is changing how we think about flavor, behavior, and healthy eating. Together, they make a compelling case that herbs and spices are far more than a finishing touch. They may be a key to unlocking lasting health. From inflammation and blood pressure to gut bacteria and appetite, the science behind your spice cabinet is deeper than you ever imagined. And the best part? You don’t need to overhaul your entire diet to start benefiting. Discussed on the episode: The two “big buckets” of how herbs and spices impact your health and why both matterWhy researchers are moving away from supplements and back to your kitchen cupboard (and the safety concern that’s driving that shift)The one spice pairing that makes each ingredient dramatically more effectiveWhat chili pepper does to your eating speed and why it’s probably not what you thinkThe surprising connection between your spice rack and your gut microbiomeWhy sodium reduction doesn’t have to mean flavor reduction and where to startThe most underrated spices both researchers swear by (you may not have heard of one of them)What nutritional belief has each researcher completely changed their mind about over their career

    40 min
  2. 11 MAR

    The New GLP-1 Questions Nobody Saw Coming

    The questions people asked about GLP-1 medications a year ago: Do they work? Are they safe? has been answered. However, a new wave of questions is now emerging, and they're more complex, personal, and in some cases, more surprising than anyone had expected. Something has shifted in the conversation, and Holly and Jim are paying close attention. When the questions change, that's where the real tension lives. People on these medications are reporting feeling emotionally flat. Others are quietly whispering that they're on drugs at all. Some are obsessing over microdosing, while still others are wondering if eliminating food noise entirely is actually a good thing. These aren't the questions of skeptics; they're the questions of people living with these medications every day. And the science hasn't fully caught up yet. Join Holly and Jim as they walk through the new frontier of GLP-1 conversations. The ones happening in waiting rooms, on social media, and at dinner parties. This episode doesn't have all the answers, because honestly, no one does. But it will help you ask better questions. Discussed on the episode: The surprising effect of emotional flatness that keeps coming up, why it's not the same as depression, and what people actually mean by it.What your brain's reward system has to do with gambling, alcohol, and your afternoon snackThe oral pill that's generating enormous buzz and the morning routine dealbreaker that comes with itWhy one of the world's leading researchers would personally choose the shot over the pillThe microdosing trend that’s taking over social media, and whether there's any real science behind it.A thought-provoking question: Is there such a thing as too little food noise?"Ozempic face," "Ozempic teeth," and the body changes that are really just weight loss in disguise.Why some people are super responders and others barely respond at all, and what to do if you're in the second groupThe reason people still whisper about being on these medications, and why Holly and Jim want that to stopA big-picture concern about whether the medical model is crowding out the social one

    50 min
  3. 4 MAR

    Why Your Weight Loss Maintenance Plan Doesn’t Fit

    Most people spend years chasing the “right” weight loss plan, the one diet, the one program, the one secret that finally makes everything fall into place. But what if the reason nothing has stuck isn’t a lack of willpower or effort? What if it’s because you’ve been following someone else’s plan? Holly and Jim are pulling back the curtain on one of the most liberating truths in weight loss science: maintenance isn’t one-size-fits-all, and the sooner you stop looking for a universal formula, the sooner you can build something that actually works for you. This episode is your permission slip to stop copying and start personalizing. From three distinct weight loss profiles to three different plan structures, Holly and Jim break down a framework for figuring out where to start and why that starting point matters more than anything else. Whether you’re on a GLP-1 medication, thinking about coming off one, or navigating maintenance without meds, this episode will change the way you think about what “success” actually looks like. Discussed on the episode: The three weight loss profiles and the surprisingly specific clues that reveal which one fits you bestWhy some people lose weight easily but can never seem to keep it off (and the science behind why)What “food noise” is, who experiences it most intensely, and why a certain medication makes it disappearThe truth about precision nutrition and microbiome testing: Are they actually ready to personalize your plan?How AI is quietly changing what’s possible in weight loss research (and what Holly and Jim are working on with NIH right now)Why the future of GLP-1 medications might look a lot more like “mix and match” than anyone expectedThe one type of person who may be best positioned to transition off weight loss medications successfullyThree different plan structures to choose from, including one for the overwhelmed and one for the overachieverWhy a “super friend” might see your biggest weight loss obstacle before you ever doResources & Links: Losing the Weight Loss Meds book by Holly Wyatt and James Hill (weightwisdom.com)

    51 min
  4. 25 FEB

    12 Things GLP-1 Users Don’t Understand (Yet)

    If you're on a GLP-1 medication or thinking about starting one, there's a good chance you're only seeing half the picture. The media is full of before-and-after stories, but what happens after the after? Most people don't find out until it's too late. The truth is, GLP-1 medications are genuinely remarkable tools. But tools only work when you know how to use them. And right now, millions of people are stopping their medications, regaining the weight, and walking away convinced the drugs "didn't work" when the real issue was never the medication at all. Join Holly and Jim as they lay out the 12 things every GLP-1 user needs to understand to make their success last. Whether you're just starting out, thinking about stopping, or already dealing with regain, this episode could change everything about how you approach the game. Discussed on the episode: Why weight management is a forever game and why knowing that isn't enoughThe phase of weight loss that experts have been leaving out for years (until now)What happens in your brain and body when you stop GLP-1 medication cold turkeyWhy Oprah's experience with willpower is more instructive than you might thinkThe one thing Holly says everyone wants, and why chasing it is setting you up to failWhat "a desirable body state" actually means (hint: it's not the number on the scale)The Four E's: the framework for making healthy habits actually stick long-term.Why your environment is just as powerful as your physiology and what you can actually do about itWhat Jim tells people who come off medication without a plan (this one is hard to hear)The question every listener should ask themselves before they ever step on a scale again

    47 min
  5. From Food Noise to Clarity: Bill's GLP-1 Journey

    18 FEB

    From Food Noise to Clarity: Bill's GLP-1 Journey

    Weight loss isn’t just about the number on the scale. It’s about reclaiming your life. When you’ve been carrying excess weight for years, it’s easy to start accepting limitations as your new normal. Skipping events because of walking. Staying in the car while others explore. Wondering if you’ll see your future grandchildren grow up. But what if the right support could help your body work with you instead of against you? What if losing weight didn’t have to mean constant hunger and willpower battles? Join Holly and Jim as they sit down with Bill Tollett, a former school principal and coach who lost over 120 pounds and rediscovered what living fully actually means. This conversation goes beyond the mechanics of weight loss. Bill shares the mental shifts that surprised him most, the challenges of navigating insurance hurdles, and why he now describes himself as feeling “capable” for the first time in decades. Whether you’re considering medication, struggling with where to start, or simply curious about what sustainable change actually looks like, Bill’s story offers honest insights into a journey that’s transformed not just his body, but his entire approach to life. Discussed on the episode: Why one doctor’s blunt comment became the catalyst for changeThe unexpected mental clarity that came with medication (and why it felt like being a superhero)How Bill built exercise into his day without joining a gym or running marathonsThe three different reactions people have when they see his transformationWhat “food noise” really feels like and what life is like when it quiets downWhy Bill says this isn’t cheating, it’s “leveling the playing field.”

    43 min
  6. Why Obesity Care Still Fails People with Fatima Cody Stanford

    11 FEB

    Why Obesity Care Still Fails People with Fatima Cody Stanford

    Have you ever done everything right, eaten well, moved your body, maybe even started a new medication, and still felt like the system wasn’t working for you? You’re not alone. And the reason might not be what you think. Join Holly and Jim as they sit down with Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician and associate professor at Harvard Medical School, and one of the boldest voices shaping how we think about obesity care today. Dr. Stanford treats obesity as the complex, chronic disease it truly is, and she’s not afraid to call out the bias, broken systems, and outdated myths that get in the way. This is a conversation that will change the way you see weight loss, not just as something you do, but as something you deserve support with. Discussed on the episode: The shocking age at which weight bias begins and why it’s not where you’d expectWhy over 80% of physicians carry bias toward patients with excess body weight, and what one doctor is doing to flip the scriptThe real reason GLP-1 medications aren’t the magic bullet and why that’s actually okayWhy some patients respond brilliantly to these drugs and others don’t, and what you absolutely cannot do to change thatThe one nutrient and one type of exercise that matter most when you’re losing weight on medicationWhat happens when insurance pulls the rug out, and the creative strategies doctors use to keep patients on trackThe “Ozempic baby” phenomenon: what the early science is actually showingWhy the new oral Wegovy pill might not be the game-changer everyone is hoping forThe grocery store moment that completely changed one doctor’s understanding of obesity

    49 min
  7. 4 FEB

    The Detox No One Talks About (But Everyone Needs)

    New Year’s resolutions often start with motivation and willpower, but how long does that really last? What if the problem isn’t your discipline, but the world you’ve built around yourself? Your refrigerator, your bedroom setup, even the people you spend time with, are quietly shaping every choice you make. Join Holly and Jim as they reveal why an environmental detox might be the smartest move you can make this year. Forget juice cleanses and deprivation, this is about redesigning your space and social circle to make healthy choices the easy ones. You’ll learn how your physical surroundings impact everything from late-night snacking to your morning mindset, and why even GLP-1 users shouldn’t skip this critical step. Whether you live in a “food desert” or work in a toxic office environment, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to take control of what you can and create a micro-environment that actually supports your goals. Discussed on the episode: Why willpower works great for 4-6 weeks, then crashes spectacularly.The sneaky reason people on GLP-1s should detox their environment now (before it’s too late)The three-step detective process for identifying what’s quietly sabotaging youHow removing your phone charger from the bedroom could transform your sleepThe two-column social mapping exercise that reveals who’s really supporting your goalsWhy telling your spouse to “eat healthier” never works, and what doesThe clever strategy for influencing the people you can’t (or won’t) remove from your lifeWhat Holly’s new Peloton treadmill and hydroponic herb garden reveal about smart environmental designHow to create a supportive micro-environment even in Alabama’s summer heat or without neighborhood sidewalksResources and links mentioned: Book: Losing the Weight Loss Meds by Holly Wyatt and James Hill (weightwisdom.com)

    40 min
  8. How to Thrive on a Vegan Diet Without Gaining Weight with Daphne Bascom

    28 JAN

    How to Thrive on a Vegan Diet Without Gaining Weight with Daphne Bascom

    Going vegan for weight loss? You might be in for a surprise. Despite what social media influencers claim, switching to a plant-based diet doesn’t guarantee the pounds will melt away. In fact, many vegans struggle with weight gain even when they think they’re eating healthy. The truth is, whether you’re eating steak or tofu, the same principles of weight management still apply. You can absolutely lose weight and thrive on a vegan diet, but it requires the same intentionality, planning, and understanding of nutrition fundamentals as any other approach. The good news? It’s never been easier to succeed as a plant-based eater when you know what to focus on. Join Holly and Jim as they sit down with Dr. Daphne Bascom, Chief Operating Officer of The Vegan Gym and an MD/PhD who brings a refreshingly balanced perspective to plant-based nutrition. Daphne shares why she became vegan later in life, busts common myths about vegan diets and weight loss, and reveals the surprising similarities between coaching vegans and omnivores. You’ll discover practical strategies for managing weight on a plant-based diet, learn which “healthy” vegan foods might be sabotaging your goals, and find out why mindset matters just as much as what’s on your plate. Discussed on the episode: The biggest myth about vegan diets that keeps people stuck and gaining weightWhy being vegan doesn’t make you “impervious to chronic disease.”The surprising food Daphne keeps in her purse when traveling (and why you might want to try it)How to navigate restaurants, airports, and social situations without derailing your goalsThe one non-negotiable supplement every vegan needs to takeWhether plant-based proteins are really inferior for building muscle and recoveryThe “Oreo vegan” trap and how to avoid ultra-processed plant-based foodsWhy nuts might be sabotaging your weight loss (even though they’re healthy)The energy density principle that works whether you’re vegan or notHow the anabolic window for protein has evolved (it’s longer than you think)Resources and Links: The Vegan Gym: https://www.thevegangym.com/Thrive on Plants Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thrive-on-plants/id1793550910Thrive on Plants Community: https://www.skool.com/thrive-on-plants/aboutThe Vegan Gym Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vegan-gym-podcast/id1358557895Cronometer App: https://cronometer.com/Game Changers Documentary: https://gamechangersmovie.com/Books mentioned: How Not to Die and How Not to Age by Dr. Michael Greger: https://www.amazon.com/Hardcover-Cookbook-Michael-Greger-Collection/dp/9124302686Losing the Weight Loss Meds by Holly Wyatt and James Hill: https://www.weightwisdom.com/

    49 min

About

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.

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