The Liz Moody Podcast

Top Neuroscientist: The Hidden Forces Making You Regain Weight (+ How To Beat Them)

Mar 25, 2026
Susan Peirce Thompson, neuroscientist, professor, bestselling author and founder of Bright Line Eating, breaks down why the brain drives weight regain and which biological forces are at play. She covers GLP‑1 limits, how refined carbs hijack reward circuits, cravings timelines, willpower boosts, practical meal routines, and strategies to quit without regaining weight.
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INSIGHT

Addiction Risk Is Both Genetic And Environmental

  • Addiction risk is substantially genetic and influenced by childhood environment.
  • Thompson cites 40–70% genetic risk and fourfold higher addiction risk if a parent had addiction, plus environmental ACEs that alter susceptibility.
ADVICE

Write Tomorrow's Food Tonight To Save Willpower

  • Do automate eating decisions to conserve willpower by using routines and pre-planning meals.
  • Thompson advises writing tomorrow's food the night before, packing meals, fixed meal times, and eliminating 221 daily food choices to avoid willpower fatigue.
ADVICE

Five Quick Tricks To Replenish Willpower

  • Do use five research-backed tactics to boost willpower in the moment: gratitude, service, prayer, meditation, and human connection.
  • Thompson suggests quick interventions like texting gratitude, helping a lonely guest, or brief meditation to replenish willpower at events.
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