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. 6d ago

    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

  2. Jun 2

    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

  3. May 26

    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

  4. May 19

    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

  5. May 12

    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.

    1h 9m

  6. May 5

    Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health

    Patients aren’t just turning up with symptoms anymore — they’re turning up with diagnoses, treatment plans, and a feed full of advice. In this episode, I’m joined by Deb Cohen — former BMJ investigative journalist and co-author of Bad Influence — to unpack how the internet has reshaped health information, trust, and the doctor–patient relationship. We talk about the rise of “Dr TikTok,” why algorithms feel like they know you better than you know yourself, and how perfectly reasonable curiosity can turn into confusion, anxiety, and unnecessary interventions. This isn’t about blaming people for getting it wrong. It’s about understanding the system we’re all now navigating. Deb’s book: Bad Influence: How the Internet Has Hijacked Our Health Available in hardback and audiobook Time stamps: 00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:21 Debs Journalism Journey 02:22 Pandemic Shift to Social 03:08 Dr TikTok Moment 04:18 Fertility Test Wakeup 05:10 Facebook to TikTok Era 07:40 Algorithms and Trust 12:00 Self Diagnosis Loops 16:25 NHS Distrust and Fixes 19:01 Borrowed Legitimacy 21:26 Stories vs Evidence 23:30 US Model Goes Global 26:09 Influencers Selling Drugs 28:03 Doctor Influencer Ethics 28:45 IV Drips and Red Flags 31:58 Spotting Conflicts and Hype 35:57 Tech Bro Health Mindset 37:42 Wearables Scans and Cascades 41:51 Private Tests NHS Fallout 43:41 NHS Gaps and Private Clinics 46:44 AI Regulation and Hope 49:51 Using the Internet Wisely 51:20 Book Wrap Up and Thanks

    52 min

  7. Apr 28

    What Happens After Cancer Treatment Ends? Rebuilding Strength, Confidence and Life Again

    What happens when cancer treatment finishes, but nobody really tells you what comes next? In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Newman, a cancer and exercise specialist and founder of Get Me Back. Sarah shares her own story of being diagnosed with cervical cancer during pregnancy, going through intensive treatment, and then facing the part that often gets far less attention: life afterwards. We talk about the shock of deconditioning, the fear of doing damage, outdated advice about lifting weights, and why rest alone is not enough when it comes to rebuilding after cancer. Sarah also explains how strength training, patience and the right support can help people reconnect with their bodies and regain confidence after treatment. This is an important conversation for anyone recovering from cancer, supporting someone who is, or working with patients who feel a bit abandoned once treatment ends. Sarah’s work: Get Me Back Website: https://www.getmeback.uk If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate and share the podcast. If you want, I can also give you 5 alternative title options that are slightly punchier, sadder, or more hopeful depending on the angle you want.

    49 min

  8. Apr 21

    Rebuilding After Cancer: The Missing Step

    You’ve finished cancer treatment. Now what? Most people default to being cautious — and for good reason. But when caution turns into inactivity, it quietly works against you. In this episode: Why fear and “being careful” can stall recovery What inactivity does to muscle, fitness and long-term health The evidence that exercise improves survival after cancer How to rebuild safely with simple, structured movement The shift: Rest helped you survive. Now it’s time to rebuild. Start where you are — not where you were Build confidence through small, repeatable steps Aim for: Regular walking 2 strength sessions per week Fear will show up — that doesn’t mean you’re causing harm Key Takeaways

    9 min
See All (48)

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.

Information

You Might Also Like