The Back Story

Dr. Jaspal Ricky Singh M.D.

The Back Story is your source for the latest in health, wellness and medical care for you and your entire family. Dr. Jaspal Ricky Singh M.D. and the world-renowned physicians at Weill Cornell Medicine, join forces with an expanded network of experts to bring in-depth conversations covering medical research, trending topics and wellness. Our podcast is a trusted source of information for medical care, combined with real patient experiences and the latest breakthroughs in medicine.

  1. 07/31/2025

    Top 10 Health Myths Debunked

    💬 “Diet soda is worse than regular soda.” Myth: Artificial sweeteners are more harmful than sugar.Reality: While not necessarily healthy, diet sodas are generally less harmful than sugary sodas in terms of calorie and sugar content. However, concerns remain about long-term effects of artificial sweeteners on gut health and appetite regulation. 🍷 “Red wine is good for your heart because of resveratrol.” Myth: A glass of red wine a day is heart-healthy.Reality: Resveratrol has shown benefits in lab studies, but the amount in wine is too small to have a significant effect. The risks of alcohol often outweigh the benefits.🥚 “Eggs raise your cholesterol and are bad for your heart.”   Myth: Dietary cholesterol = blood cholesterol.Reality: For most people, moderate egg consumption does not significantly impact blood cholesterol or heart disease risk.🥛 “You need milk for strong bones.”   Myth: Only dairy provides enough calcium.Reality: While dairy is a good source, many other foods (leafy greens, fortified plant milks, tofu) and lifestyle factors (like weight-bearing exercise) contribute to bone health.💧 “You must drink 8 glasses of water a day.”   Myth: Everyone needs exactly 64 oz of water daily.Reality: Hydration needs vary by individual, activity level, and climate. Thirst is usually a good guide.🌿 “Natural products are always safer and better.”   Myth: “Natural” means healthy.Reality: Many natural substances (e.g., arsenic, cyanide) are toxic. “Natural” is not a regulated term and doesn’t guarantee safety or efficacy.🥗 “Detox diets cleanse your body.”   Myth: Juices, teas, or fasts remove toxins.Reality: Your liver and kidneys already detox your body efficiently. Most detox products are unnecessary and sometimes harmful.🧬 “You can boost your metabolism with certain foods or supplements.”   Myth: Spicy foods, green tea, or pills can significantly increase metabolism.Reality: While some foods have a minor thermogenic effect, sustainable metabolism changes come from muscle mass and physical activity.🥩 “High-protein diets damage your kidneys.”   Myth: Protein is harmful to kidney function.Reality: In healthy individuals, high-protein diets are generally safe. The concern mainly applies to those with pre-existing kidney disease.🛌 “You can catch up on sleep over the weekend.”   Myth: Sleeping in on weekends reverses sleep debt.Reality: While it may help temporarily, chronic sleep deprivation can’t be fully undone with weekend recovery sleep. Support the show

    15 min
  2. 06/20/2025

    The Science of Burning Calories and New Insights on GLP-1 Agonists

    You’ve probably heard of drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These medications have become household names, not just for managing diabetes, but for their profound impact on weight loss and metabolic health. In this episode, we’ll unpack the mechanism of action, explore the evolution of these drugs, discuss their long-term safety and efficacy, and take a deep dive into how they affect body composition. We’ll also talk about compound formulations, new innovations, and the broader health implications of these therapies. Understanding the science of burning calories is essential for anyone looking to manage their weight, improve their fitness, or simply lead a healthier lifestyle. Calories are units of energy that our bodies use to perform various functions, from basic metabolic processes to physical activities. In this newsletter, we will explore the different components that contribute to calorie burning, including  Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)Thermic Effect of Food (TEF)Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (EAT),Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT)By optimizing these components through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and an active lifestyle, you can effectively manage your weight and improve your overall health. Remember that individual differences play a significant role in calorie burning, so it's essential to tailor your approach to your unique needs and goals. Support the show

    18 min
4.8
out of 5
75 Ratings

About

The Back Story is your source for the latest in health, wellness and medical care for you and your entire family. Dr. Jaspal Ricky Singh M.D. and the world-renowned physicians at Weill Cornell Medicine, join forces with an expanded network of experts to bring in-depth conversations covering medical research, trending topics and wellness. Our podcast is a trusted source of information for medical care, combined with real patient experiences and the latest breakthroughs in medicine.