The Proof with Simon Hill

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Kevin Hall from the NIH to unpack the science behind ultra-processed foods, energy balance, and the new U.S. Dietary Guidelines. We explore what controlled feeding studies reveal about why people tend to eat more calories on ultra-processed diets, and whether it’s the foods themselves or the broader environment driving these effects. What We Cover Key takeaways from the new U.S. Dietary Guidelines What ultra-processed foods actually mean in research vs policy Why people eat more calories without noticing The role of energy density and hyper-palatable foods Whether ultra-processed foods can be improved rather than eliminated Individual variability in response to diet A fascinating look at the intersection of biology, behaviour, and the modern food system. You can learn more about Dr Kevin Hall’s work at his website, follow him on X, or connect on LinkedIn. His book, Food Intelligence: The Science of How Food Both Nourishes and Harms Us, co-authored with Julia Belluz, explores the science of metabolism and ultra-processed foods. Intro (00:00) 2025 Dietary Guidelines First Impressions (01:03) Why They Avoided "Ultra-Processed" Language (04:11) The UPF Definition Nobody Agrees On (09:59) What Actually Makes You Overeat UPFs (19:08) Two Food Properties That Hijack Your Calories (27:38) What Happens When You Fix Ultra-Processed Food (34:28) Why Big Food Won't Fix Its Own Products (45:08) How We Went from Famine Fear to Calorie Glut (51:33) Why Some People Overeat UPFs and Others Don't (58:12) Is Obesity Actually Genetic? (1:01:22) Carbs vs. Fat: What the Data Actually Shows (1:06:34) Keto vs. Low-Fat: The Metabolic Ward Results (1:17:35) A Top Nutrition Scientist's Honest Diet Advice (1:26:22) Will Food Labels Actually Change What You Eat? (1:33:11) "Am I a Food Industry Shill?" -Kevin Hall (1:41:36) Why Kevin Hall Left the NIH for Drug Research (1:44:29) The Study He'd Run With Unlimited Funding (1:47:49) This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. 38Tera ships to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Mill Mill is an odourless, fully automated food recycler that turns kitchen scraps into clean, dry grounds overnight with no smells or mess. Get $75 off and try it risk-free for 90 days at mill.com using code THEPROOF. Mill ships within the United States. IM8 With 92 nutrients, including Vitamin B12, Iodine, Selenium and Vitamin D, in highly absorbable forms, IM8 Daily Essentials is the perfect all-in-one daily multi-vitamin to ensure you meet your daily micronutrient needs. IM8 is offering an exclusive 10% off your first order with a free welcome kit when you enter the promo code SIMON at checkout on im8health.com. IM8 ships to 27 countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and many regions across Europe, Asia, and South America. Momentous My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Use code THEPROOF for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com. Momentous ships to many countries worldwide depending on local import regulations. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Whoop ships to 56+ international markets, including the US, Canada, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Singapore, and parts of Asia. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill

In this episode, I speak with Dr Lora Giangregorio about how to train for stronger bones, better balance, and long-term independence. We break down what actually matters when it comes to preventing fractures and improving bone health. We explore the role of resistance, balance, and impact training, and how to apply these in a practical, sustainable way. What We Cover Why starting where you are matters more than following a perfect plan How balance, strength, and impact training work together What progressive overload looks like in real life Why effort matters more than the weight you lift How to safely introduce impact training The role of protein and energy intake in bone health This episode is a practical guide to building strength and resilience for the long term. To explore more of Dr Lora Giangregorio’s work, follow her on TikTok, connect with her on LinkedIn, and visit her University of Waterloo profile to learn more about her research in bone health, exercise, and fracture prevention. Intro (00:00) The Real Cost of Fractures (01:25) Is Osteoporosis a Lifelong Process? (06:39) Who Is Most at Risk for Fragility Fractures (09:32) What Actually Determines Fracture Risk (12:49) How a DEXA Scan Works and How to Read Your Results (26:30) How to Monitor Bone Loss and Choose the Right Treatment (32:06) How Menopause Accelerates Bone Loss (41:52) Bone Health Myths Debunked (46:08) Evidence-Based Exercise Guidelines for Bone Health (59:15) The Three Pillars of Bone Health Exercise (1:04:15) Why Specificity and Progressive Overload Matter (1:09:48) How to Structure Your Weekly Bone Health Training (1:13:39) Resistance Training for Bone Health (1:22:31) How to Choose the Right Load and Effort (1:27:10) Making Bone Health Exercise Accessible to Everyone (1:38:09) High-Risk Exercises to Avoid with Low Bone Density (1:42:22) Does Yoga, Swimming, or Cycling Help Your Bones? (1:47:18) What Is Bone Fit and Who Is It For? (1:52:47) How to Safely Build Up to Impact Training (1:55:57) Free Resources for Fracture Recovery (2:02:06) Nutrition for Bone Health (2:05:10) GLP-1 Drugs and Bone Loss (2:12:48) Future Research on Exercise, Creatine, and Bone Health (2:16:09) Why Effort Matters More Than the Weight You Lift (2:22:15) What Is Possible When You Commit to Bone Health (2:25:48) This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. 38Tera ships to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Cozy Earth Cozy Earth’s sheets are designed to keep you cool by wicking heat and moisture away from your body, helping you sleep deeper and wake less. Get up to 20% off at cozyearth.com with code THEPROOF. Cozy Earth ships worldwide. Function Health Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health offers a practical way to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. Learn more and join at functionhealth.com/simonhill for a $25 credit toward your membership. Only available to those living in the United States. Function Health ships to 48 U.S. states, excluding Rhode Island, Hawai‘i, and Puerto Rico. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill

In this episode, I’m joined by Christopher Gardner and Ty Beal to break down the science and debate behind the latest U.S. Dietary Guidelines. We explore ultra-processed foods, protein recommendations, plant-based alternatives, and how nutrition evidence is interpreted when shaping national dietary advice. Despite disagreements on specific points, this conversation highlights how much common ground exists when scientists engage in open, constructive dialogue. What We Cover Why the Dietary Guidelines process became controversial Conflicts of interest and transparency in nutrition science The science behind ultra-processed foods and the NOVA classification Plant-based meats versus conventional meat Protein intake, muscle health, and ageing Fibre intake and the biggest nutritional gaps in Western diets When you zoom out from the debates, the fundamentals remain clear: diets built around whole foods, fibre-rich plants, and minimally processed ingredients consistently support better health. To connect with the guests and explore more of their work, follow Christopher Gardner on Instagram and LinkedIn, and learn more about his research through the Stanford Nutrition Studies Research Group. You can follow Ty Beal on Instagram, subscribe to his YouTube channel, and explore his research at tybeal.com. Intro (00:00) Should Diet Advice Include Sustainability (06:06) Why Canada's Food Guide Beats America's (13:52) How Much Protein Do Americans Actually Need? (23:49) Can Regenerative Farming Fix Meat's Problem? (35:31) How the Dietary Guidelines Committee Works (42:32) Do Conflicts of Interest Corrupt Diet Guidelines? (50:11) Scientists React to the New 2025 Guidelines (57:50) The Saturated Fat vs Seed Oils Debate (01:12:03) Why Health Equity Divided the Committee (01:22:18) Diet Wars: Stopping the Science Undermining (01:32:59) Epidemiology vs RCTs: Which Evidence Wins? (01:43:24) Ultra-Processed Foods: Where NOVA Gets It Wrong (01:53:12) Are Plant-Based Meats Just Ultra-Processed Junk? (01:57:58) Should Plant-Based Milks Be Fortified? (02:05:46) Low Carb vs Low Fat: What Protects Your Heart? (02:12:21) High Protein Diets and the Hidden Fiber Gap (02:18:11) GLP-1 Drugs and Your Protein Needs (02:22:27) How Much Protein to Preserve Muscle With Age? (02:28:46) Diet Guidelines Both Scientists Agree On (02:39:22) This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. ProLon Ready for your own reset? For a limited time, ProLon is offering The Proof listeners 15% off sitewide plus a $40 bonus gift when you subscribe to their 5-Day Program. Visit ProLonLife.com to claim your discount and bonus gift. Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 5 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. IM8 With 92 nutrients, including Vitamin B12, Iodine, Selenium and Vitamin D, in highly absorbable forms, IM8 Daily Essentials is the perfect all-in-one daily multi-vitamin to ensure you meet your daily micronutrient needs. IM8 is offering an exclusive 10% off your first order with a free welcome kit when you enter the promo code SIMON at checkout on im8health.com. Caraway  Caraway’s cookware set is a favourite for a reason. It can save you up to $190 compared to buying items individually, and The Proof listeners can take an additional 10% off at CarawayHome.com or by using code PROOF at checkout. Caraway. Non-toxic cookware made modern. Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Kristen Knutson to unpack circadian health and how timing influences our metabolism, cardiovascular health, and sleep quality. We discuss the role of morning light, meal timing, exercise, and regularity, and why modern lifestyles often push our biology out of sync. Dr Knutson also clarifies common misconceptions about melatonin, wearable sleep trackers, and what to do if you wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to fall back asleep. What We Cover What circadian health is and how disruption occurs in everyday life Why morning light is the strongest signal for your internal clock Meal timing basics, including why avoiding food close to bedtime matters Exercise timing and the simple rule most people should follow Sleep health beyond hours slept: quality, timing, and regularity Practical strategies for waking during the night and falling back asleep Understanding circadian rhythms can help you make small changes that support better sleep, better energy, and long-term health. To connect with the guest, follow Dr Kristen Knutson on LinkedIn and explore her research profile via Northwestern Feinberg. Intro (00:00) America’s 24/7 Problem (02:48) Night Owls: Is Your Sleep Schedule Genetic? (14:04) Why "Catching Up" on Sleep Fails (20:00) How to Use Light & Melatonin (29:16) Meal Timing and Weight Gain (37:27 The Best Fasting Window for Your Circadian Rhythm (43:25) Can Late Workouts Ruin Sleep? (48:07) Deep Sleep vs. REM (55:23) How Your Brain Fights to Recover (58:32) Hacks for Falling Back To Sleep Quickly (01:03:27) The Holy Trinity of Health: Diet, Exercise, and Sleep (01:12:00) One Simple Step to Start Today (01:15:56) This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. 38Tera ships to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Mill Mill is an odourless, fully automated food recycler that turns kitchen scraps into clean, dry grounds overnight with no smells or mess. Get $75 off and try it risk-free for 90 days at mill.com using code THEPROOF. Mill ships within the United States. Function Health Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health offers a practical way to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. Learn more and join at functionhealth.com/simonhill for a $25 credit toward your membership. Only available to those living in the United States. Function Health ships to 48 U.S. states, excluding Rhode Island, Hawai‘i, and Puerto Rico. Shopify Shopify, the world's leading e-commerce platform, helps you turn browsers into buyers with the internet’s best-converting check out–up to 36% better compared to other leading e-commerce platforms. To boost your conversion rate, and grow your business, sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/proof. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Whoop ships to 56+ international markets, including the US, Canada, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Singapore, and parts of Asia. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill

Dr Lauren Colenso-Semple and Dr Alyssa Olenick join me to answer a question I hear constantly from women in midlife: “Why am I putting in so much effort, but not seeing the results?” We break down what matters most for strength, body composition, and long term health, and what is simply noise. You’ll come away with a clear framework for resistance training, a realistic view of cardio, and a calmer approach to progress that does not rely on fear, perfection, or menopause specific gimmicks. What We Cover Why effort and the right stimulus matter more than “working hard” A simple full body lifting template for busy weeks How to know if you are training close enough to failure Why cardio is still important, and how to think about intensity The cortisol and overtraining myths that keep women stuck How protein, consistency, and dieting patterns affect results If you want a plan you can actually stick with, this one will help you focus on the basics that move the needle. Intro (00:00) The Real Reason Your Fitness Progress Has Stalled (02:00) Why Women Should Lift Heavy (10:40) Maximize Your Training ROI ( 21:29) Fitness Fact vs. Fiction (34:17) How Your Body Changes with Age (40:59) The Busy Woman’s Guide (53:30) Why Reps & Rest Matter ( 1:11:54) Which Goal Should You Prioritize in Midlife? ( 1:29:52) Eating for Muscle Growth (1:44:43) Building Muscle While Losing Fat (1:54:36) Finding Workouts You Love (2:09:13) HIIT, Zone 2, and What Your Heart Really Needs (2:14:58) Balancing Cardio Intensities (2:25:14) Signs Your Cardiovascular Training is Actually Working (2:30:25) Midlife Fitness Truths (2:38:02) Final Takeaways: Strategies for Longevity (2:47:29) Connect with Dr Lauren Colenso-Semple on Instagram and at drlaurencs.com. Follow Dr Alyssa Olenick on Instagram, listen to The Messy Middle Podcast, subscribe on YouTube, and visit doclyssfitness.com for practical, science based guidance on training and midlife health. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. 38Tera ships to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 5 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. Eight Sleep ships to the U.S. (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and territories), Canada, Mexico, most of the EU, the U.K., Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland. Pique Tea Pique’s Pu’er Tea Duo brings ancient fermentation into a simple daily ritual, delivering living nutrients that support digestion, metabolism, and sustained energy from the inside out. Unlock 20% off and establish your powerful foundation for sustained well-being at Piquelife.com/SIMON. Pique ships within the U.S. and to Australia, Canada, and select EU countries. Momentous My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Use code THEPROOF for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com. Momentous ships to many countries worldwide depending on local import regulations. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill

Dr Brad Schoenfeld and Alan Aragon join me to explore protein requirements, recomposition, and how to structure resistance training for long-term strength and muscle retention. We discuss calorie deficits, effort, failure, recovery, and the training variables that matter most for healthy ageing. What We Cover Protein targets in and out of a calorie deficit Recomp versus surplus for muscle growth Effort, failure, and rep range myths Recovery, soreness, and cold exposure Cardio, interference, and real-world training balance If you care about building muscle, preserving strength, and avoiding unnecessary complexity, this episode is a practical guide to getting the basics right. To connect with the guests and explore more of their work, follow Alan Aragon on Instagram and Twitter, and visit his website at fitadvancement.com for research reviews, in-depth nutrition analysis, and mentorship offerings. You can follow Dr Brad Schoenfeld on Instagram and Twitter for ongoing insights into resistance training science and hypertrophy research. Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. 38Tera ships to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Function Health Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health offers a practical way to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. Learn more and join at functionhealth.com/simonhill for a $25 credit toward your membership. Only available to those living in the United States. Function Health ships to 48 U.S. states, excluding Rhode Island, Hawai‘i, and Puerto Rico. Momentous My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Use code THEPROOF for up to 35% off your first order at livemomentous.com. Momentous ships to many countries worldwide depending on local import regulations. IM8 With 92 nutrients, including Vitamin B12, Iodine, Selenium and Vitamin D, in highly absorbable forms, IM8 Daily Essentials is the perfect all-in-one daily multi-vitamin to ensure you meet your daily micronutrient needs. IM8 is offering an exclusive 10% off your first order with a free welcome kit when you enter the promo code SIMON at checkout on im8health.com. IM8 ships to 27 countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and many regions across Europe, Asia, and South America. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Whoop ships to 56+ international markets, including the US, Canada, most of Europe (UK, Germany, France, etc.), Australia, New Zealand, UAE, Singapore, and parts of Asia. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

The 2025 US Dietary Guidelines are out, and they’ve sparked debate across the nutrition world. In this episode, I sit down with Dr David Katz to examine where the new recommendations align with science and where they diverge from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s evidence review. We discuss the increased emphasis on meat and protein, contradictions around saturated fat and full-fat dairy, the controversy around seed oils, and what everyday people should actually focus on. What We Cover Why David believes science was subordinated to ideology The protein recommendation: do most Americans need more? Meat versus legumes for long-term health Saturated fat limits and whether the guidelines contradict themselves Full-fat dairy: beneficial, neutral, or harmful? Seed oils, essential fats, and common misconceptions The role of fibre and what gets displaced when protein increases The simple dietary pattern most associated with longevity Despite the noise, one principle remains consistent: eat real food, mostly plants, in balanced combinations. The fundamentals of good nutrition have not changed. You can connect with Dr David Katz on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (Twitter). To learn more about his work, visit davidkatzmd.com, explore Diet ID, and discover the True Health Initiative. Intro (00:00) Initial Reactions to the New Dietary Guidelines (01:36) Political Influences on Dietary Guidelines (08:54) Specific Departures from Evidence-Based Recommendations (18:58) Historical Context and Modern Diet Quality (33:55) Protein Quality and Public Health (41:10) Regenerative Agriculture and Legumes (46:29) Understanding Fats in Our Diet (50:10) Contradictions in Dietary Guidelines (01:01:22) Dairy Consumption: Pros and Cons (01:10:20) Personalizing Your Diet for Optimal Health (01:19:25) This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. 38Tera ships to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. ProLon Join my Guided Group Fasting Protocol starting March 9th using ProLon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet, a science-backed program designed to support metabolic health while still allowing you to eat. Reserve your spot and claim 15% off at ProLonLife.com. ProLon ships within the United States. Mill Mill is an odourless, fully automated food recycler that turns kitchen scraps into clean, dry grounds overnight with no smells or mess. Get $75 off and try it risk-free for 90 days at mill.com/THEPROOF using code THEPROOF. Mill ships within the United States. Momentous My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Use code THEPROOF for up to 35% off your first order at http://livemomentous.com. Momentous ships to many countries worldwide depending on local import regulations. Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 5 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at http://eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. Eight Sleep ships to the U.S. (excluding Alaska, Hawaii, and territories), Canada, Mexico, most of the EU, the U.K., Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill

Can diet really reverse atherosclerosis, or is that an overpromise? Since sharing my own coronary CT angiogram results, this question has come up almost daily. In this episode, I revisit the best clinical trials to see what the evidence actually says. I break down six randomised controlled trials and explain how different dietary patterns influence plaque progression, plaque stability, and cardiovascular events. What we cover What atherosclerosis is and how it develops over time The tools used to measure plaque and artery health Evidence from six major randomised controlled trials on diet and atherosclerosis What Mediterranean and low fat diets actually achieve in practice Whether diet still matters if you are already on medication Key takeaways for prevention, progression, and long term heart health Diet cannot do everything, but the evidence shows it can meaningfully change the trajectory of atherosclerosis and reduce cardiovascular risk. Intro (00:00) What is Atherosclerosis? Understanding Plaque Buildup (02:06) 4 Ways to Measure Plaque: CAC, IMT, CTA, and QCA (05:35) The Gold Standard: 6 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) (09:36) The 1990 Lifestyle Heart Trial (Dean Ornish) (12:20) The STARS Trial: Omega-3s & Fiber for Plaque Reversal (19:17) The SCRIP Trial: Stacking Lifestyle and Medication (23:36) PREDIMED Study: The Power of the Mediterranean Diet (26:53) CORDIOPREV Results: Secondary Prevention of Heart Disease (32:53) DISCO CT Trial: Modern AI Imaging of Plaque Changes (39:24) Summary of Clinical Evidence: What Actually Shrinks Plaque? (43:53) 3 Critical Takeaways for Managing Your Heart Health (46:25) This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. 38Tera ships to the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Shopify Shopify, the world's leading e-commerce platform, helps you turn browsers into buyers with the internet’s best-converting check out–up to 36% better compared to other leading e-commerce platforms. To boost your conversion rate, and grow your business, sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial at shopify.com/proof. IM8 With 92 nutrients, including Vitamin B12, Iodine, Selenium and Vitamin D, in highly absorbable forms, IM8 Daily Essentials is the perfect all-in-one daily multi-vitamin to ensure you meet your daily micronutrient needs. IM8 is offering an exclusive 10% off your first order with a free welcome kit when you enter the promo code SIMON at checkout on im8health.com. IM8 ships to 27 countries including the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and many regions across Europe, Asia, and South America. Pique Tea Pique’s Pu’er Tea Duo brings ancient fermentation into a simple daily ritual, delivering living nutrients that support digestion, metabolism, and sustained energy from the inside out. Unlock 20% off and establish your powerful foundation for sustained well-being at Piquelife.com/SIMON. Pique ships within the U.S. and to Australia, Canada, and select EU countries. Function Health Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health offers a practical way to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. Learn more and join at functionhealth.com/simonhill for a $25 credit toward your membership. Only available to those living in the United States. Function Health ships to 48 U.S. states, excluding Rhode Island, Hawai‘i, and Puerto Rico. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill

I’m joined by Dr Robert Eckel to unpack why obesity is far more complex than a BMI number and why insulin resistance plays such a central role in cardiometabolic disease. We discuss preclinical versus clinical obesity, fat distribution, metabolic risk, and what actually improves health outcomes beyond weight loss alone. What We Cover Why BMI is only a starting point Preclinical versus clinical obesity explained Why visceral fat matters more than total fat How insulin resistance develops with excess body fat Who may benefit most from weight loss interventions GLP-1 therapies, benefits and open questions A practical, evidence-based conversation that reframes how we think about obesity, risk and long term health. Introduction (00:00) Clinical vs Preclinical Obesity: How Should Obesity Be Defined? (05:21) Why Is Obesity Difficult to Diagnose and Treat in Practice? (08:06) How Genetics and Environment Influence Body Fat Gain (20:27) What Is Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome? (32:23) How Insulin Sensitivity Relates to Clinical Obesity (55:26) Why Insulin Resistance Begins in Adipose Tissue (59:49) Physiological vs Pathological Insulin Resistance Explained (01:04:47) How Physical Activity Improves Insulin Sensitivity (01:10:46) Family History, Genetics, and Cardiometabolic Risk (01:12:30) Individualised Obesity Treatment Guidelines in Clinical Care (01:15:40) How GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Are Used in Obesity Management (01:16:12) What Is the Obesity Paradox in Cardiometabolic Disease? (01:22:01) Future Projections for Obesity and Cardiometabolic Health (01:30:07) Public Health Challenges in Preventing Excess Adiposity (01:40:23) Practical Clinical Takeaways and Final Thoughts (01:44:15) Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 5 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

Fertility is not just about timing ovulation. In this episode, Dr Natalie Crawford explains how sleep, stress, insulin resistance, diet, toxins, supplements, and lifestyle choices influence egg and sperm quality, miscarriage risk, and fertility outcomes. We cover fertility myths, evidence-based nutrition, supplements that matter, and when medical treatments like IVF or egg freezing make sense. What We Cover Sleep, inflammation, and hormone signalling Insulin resistance and reproductive health Strength training, stress, and metabolic resilience Fertility nutrition and soy myths Supplements that support fertility Sex, ovulation timing, and common misconceptions Fertility treatments and realistic expectations A practical, compassionate, and science-driven conversation for anyone planning a pregnancy or struggling to conceive. You can learn more from Dr Natalie Crawford by preordering her book The Fertility Formula at nataliecrawfordmd.com/book. You can also follow her on Instagram for ongoing fertility education, and listen to her podcast As a Woman. Intro (00:00) How Personal Loss Changed Medical Practice (03:34) Infertility, Isolation, and the Power of Support Systems (11:32) Fertility Is Not Luck: How Empowered Choices Shape Outcomes (16:03) Common Fertility Myths and Misconceptions (21:31) Sperm Health, Lifestyle, and Testosterone Risks (32:59) Chronic Inflammation and Its Impact on Reproductive Health (42:50) Egg Quality vs Age: What Really Drives Infertility (50:55) Hidden Signs of Chronic Inflammation You Shouldn’t Ignore (01:01:22) Tracking Your Menstrual Cycle as a Vital Health Sign (01:10:34) Birth Control and Fertility Awareness (01:19:17) Lifestyle Changes That Can Improve Natural Fertility (01:28:33) Why Sleep Is Critical for Hormones, Fertility, and Metabolic Health (01:34:13) Muscle Mass, Insulin Resistance, and Fertility Health (01:43:48) How Food Influences Inflammation (01:53:33) Supplements That Support Fertility and Egg Quality (02:05:56) Fertility Supplement Red Flags (02:15:55) Everyday Behavioral Toxins That Harm Fertility (02:29:46) Common Fertility Myths Explained (02:36:19) When to Consider Medical Interventions for Infertility (02:42:43) This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. ProLon Just in time for the new year, ProLon’s 5-Day Fasting Mimicking Diet offers a science-backed way to support metabolic health while still allowing you to eat. ProLon is offering The Proof listeners 15% off their 5-day nutrition program at ProLonLife.com. Caraway Caraway’s cookware set is a favourite for a reason. It can save you up to $190 compared to buying items individually, and The Proof listeners can take an additional 10% off at CarawayHome.com or by using code THEPROOF at checkout. Caraway. Non-toxic cookware made modern. Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 5 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill