Docs Who Lift

Dr. Stephen Heymsfield, physician and body composition researcher at Pennington Biomedical, led the BELIEVE trial. He explains bimagrumab’s activin receptor blockade, why combining it with semaglutide preserves muscle while targeting fat, and how the trial showed over 90% of combination weight loss was fat. They also discuss LDL changes, visceral fat disappearance, functional testing, and future drug development.

Dr. Alyssa Olenick, exercise physiologist and menopause researcher who founded the LISS Method, breaks down myths around menopause and training. She explains what truly changes in body composition and why baseline fitness matters more than cycle phase. She debunks cortisol and rep-range dogma, defends varied cardio including HIIT, and outlines practical training tweaks for perimenopause without fear-based low-intensity shifts.

Dr. Lauren, an exercise physiologist who breaks down creatine science, dosing, performance effects, and safety in plain terms. She explains how creatine supports short, high-intensity efforts and who benefits most. She covers forms, dosing (3–5 g/day), myths about kidneys and hair, and cautions on preliminary cognitive and pregnancy data.

Shelby Harris, a board-certified psychologist specializing in behavioral sleep medicine and author on insomnia and kids’ sleep, breaks down melatonin dosing and why less is often better. She tackles blue light myths, when trackers mislead, sleep’s role in metabolism and recovery, and gender differences in post-sex recovery. Practical rules and safe alternatives are covered in short, actionable conversations.

Dr. Lucky Sekhon, reproductive endocrinologist and author of The Lucky Egg, offers evidence-based clarity on fertility, PCOS, insulin resistance, and treatment strategies. She debunks common myths, explains AMH and ovarian reserve limits, discusses how GLP-1s affect cycles and conception timing, and outlines approaches for endometriosis and individualized fertility care.

Brad Stolberg, a public health writer and University of Michigan faculty focused on human flourishing, shares a values-driven take on mastery and discipline. He argues for fundamentals and consistent practice over trendy optimization. Conversations cover shaping identity through pursuit, coaching kids to avoid burnout, and shifting goals from outcomes to sustained engagement.

They unpack the launch of oral Wegovy and why absorption, SNAC formulation, and dosing rules make it more than a simple pill swap. They cover how to convert injectable doses to oral equivalents and practical barriers like fasting, water volume, and thyroid timing. They discuss switching strategies from tirzepatide, cost and access issues, and variability in weight regain after stopping therapy.

Kevin Klatt, registered dietitian and PhD nutrition scientist who breaks down dietary guidelines. He traces the food pyramid’s legacy and critiques the new pictograph. He highlights shifting advice on fats and protein and points out contradictions around saturated fat and processed foods. He explains why guideline wording may matter more for policy than for everyday behavior.

Dr. Richard Aukas, an endocrinologist specializing in adrenal health, discusses the vital role of cortisol in stress response and its circadian rhythm. He clarifies the complexities around diagnosing adrenal disorders and the challenges faced with cortisol testing. Richard dives into Cushing's syndrome and its signs, emphasizing the importance of early detection. He also shares insights from the CATALYST trial, revealing how glucocorticoid antagonism can impact diabetes management and hints at future therapies. Plus, a quirky anecdote connects hormone levels to woolly mammoths!

Dive into the unexpected world of slimmer's paralysis, where rapid weight loss can lead to nerve compression issues. Explore the psychosocial effects of significant weight changes, including how relationships may shift. Discover the intriguing impact of GLP-1 medications on sexual function and the balancing act between efficacy and side effects. Hear about the nuances of diagnosing diabetes types and how to manage reactive hypoglycemia effectively. Plus, find out the potential complications like bladder spasms that can arise with GLP-1 therapy.