The Prescription Strength Podcast

Dr Lynette Ewart
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Monthly

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. 5d ago

    At 50 She Was Struggling. At 73, She’s Fitter Than Ever

    Christine Hobson was struggling with her health in her 50s. She had arthritis, poor sleep, low mood and found everyday movement increasingly difficult. Then, in her 60s, things changed. Christine took up running after retirement, completed her first London Marathon — and eventually went on to complete more than 100 marathons, including one in Antarctica. She later discovered strength training and powerlifting too. Now 73, Christine has a refreshingly different perspective on ageing: we spend far too much time worrying about what movement might do to us, and not enough worrying about what happens when we stop moving. We talk about: Starting exercise later in lifeArthritis, pain and the fear of movementStrength training and osteoporosisWhy fitness keeps your options open as you ageStaying socially connected after retirementThe danger of gradually allowing your world to get smallerWhy it is never too late to startThis is a conversation about much more than exercise. It’s about staying capable, curious and engaged with life as you get older.

  2. Aug 18

    When menopause arrives overnight

    Breast cancer treatment can save your life, but what happens when the treatment itself triggers an immediate menopause? In this episode I’m joined by journalist Carissa Casey, who shares her deeply personal experience of surgical menopause following breast cancer treatment. While her cancer was successfully treated, she found herself facing severe insomnia, joint pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, weight gain, mood changes and a body she barely recognised—all without ever feeling properly prepared for what lay ahead. Together we explore: Why surgical menopause is so different from natural menopauseThe impact of suddenly losing oestrogen overnightBreast cancer, tamoxifen and the difficult conversations around treatment decisionsWhy recurrent UTIs are so common after menopause—and what can helpThe gaps in menopause support for women after cancer treatmentThe importance of informed decision-making and asking questionsHow misinformation and expensive supplements can fill the void when women aren’t getting the support they needThis isn’t a conversation about criticising cancer treatment. It’s about recognising that surviving cancer is only part of the journey, and that women deserve honest conversations about what comes next. Whether you’ve experienced menopause yourself, support someone who has, or work in healthcare, I hope this discussion leaves you feeling better informed and better equipped to ask questions. If you found this episode helpful, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really does help more people discover these conversations.

  3. Aug 11

    Fat Loss Without the Myths: What Actually Works (and Why It Feels So Hard)

    We’re surrounded by conflicting advice on fat loss. Hormones, fasting, metabolism, supplements, menopause, "starvation mode"... it's no wonder so many people feel confused. In this episode I'm joined by coach and author Emma Storey-Gordon to separate evidence from marketing and discuss what really helps women lose fat—and, more importantly, keep it off. This isn't a conversation about quick fixes. It's about understanding the science, the psychology and the realities of everyday life. We discuss: Why a calorie deficit still matters (and why that's not the whole story)The biggest fat loss myths doing the rounds onlineWhy smart people often struggle with weight lossTracking calories: helpful tool or unnecessary obsession?Why weekends quietly sabotage progressThe role of habits, environment and decision fatigueWhy maintenance is the hardest—and most important—part of fat lossHow ageing changes the challenge without making success impossibleWhy comparing yourself to your younger self (or someone else) is rarely helpfulEmma combines a science background with more than a decade of coaching real women, bringing together evidence with practical strategies that actually work in everyday life. You can reach her and pre-order the book here: ESGfitness.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/esgfitness/pre order link: https://ebury.lnk.to/thefatlosscoachforwomenand substack: https://esgfitness.substack.com/

  4. Aug 4

    The changes we don't choose.

    None of us gets to choose every turning point in our lives. For GP and author Dr Clara Doran, that turning point came during maternity leave when persistent symptoms eventually led to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. But this isn't really a conversation about MS. It's about what happens when life suddenly stops following the plan you thought you had. We talk about the uncertainty before a diagnosis, the pressure many of us feel to keep going even when we're struggling, and why carrying on isn't always the same thing as coping. Clara also shares how her diagnosis led her to explore brain health, sleep, rest, creativity and the everyday habits that quietly shape how we think, feel and function. If you've ever faced a life change you didn't choose or simply feel exhausted by trying to keep all the plates spinning, I think you'll find something here. Why uncertainty is often harder than certaintyReturning to work after a life-changing diagnosisThe hidden cost of "just coping"Why rest is not a luxuryBrain health beyond supplements and biohacksThe importance of creativity and joyLearning to accept a different future without giving up hopeBooks mentioned Doctor Interrupted — Dr Clara DoranHeads Up: How to Look After Your Brain So It Will Look After You — Dr Clara Doran

  5. Jul 14

    The truth about supplements in mid-life

    Are collagen, magnesium and greens powders really worth your money? If social media has convinced you that every woman over 45 needs a cupboard full of supplements, you’re not alone. In this episode, GP and strength coach Dr Lynette Ewart looks at why midlife women have become such a major target for supplement marketing, what the evidence actually says, and which supplements may genuinely be worth considering. You’ll hear about: Why supplement companies target midlife womenThe difference between marketing claims and scientific evidenceCreatine, vitamin D and vitamin B12Why “natural” doesn’t automatically mean effectiveThree simple questions to ask before buying any supplementThis isn’t an anti-supplement rant. Some supplements have an important place in healthcare. But before you spend money on the latest powder, gummy or capsule, it’s worth knowing what the evidence really shows. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and leave a rating or review—it really helps more people find evidence-based health information.

  6. Jul 7

    The Real Reason You're Being Offered a Statin

    Have you been offered a statin and wondered why? Perhaps your cholesterol hasn’t changed very much, you feel perfectly well, and suddenly your GP practice wants to discuss cholesterol or cardiovascular risk. In this Pocket Prescription I explain how statin decisions are made in primary care, why age has such a powerful influence on risk calculations, and why the conversation is usually about future cardiovascular risk rather than cholesterol alone. Topics covered include: Why statins are offered even when you feel wellHow cardiovascular risk calculators workThe difference between cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular riskWhy two people with similar cholesterol results can receive different adviceThe role of blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, age and lifestyleAbsolute risk reduction and why context mattersCommon misconceptions about statinsHow to think about the balance between potential benefits and side effectsThis episode focuses on primary prevention—people who have not previously had a heart attack, stroke or established cardiovascular disease. 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 medication, please speak to your healthcare professional.

  7. Jun 30

    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.

  8. Jun 23

    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.

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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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