

Wits & Weights | Evidence-Based Fitness & Nutrition for Lifters Over 40
Philip Pape, Evidence-Based Nutrition Coach & Fat Loss Expert
Wits & Weights is a strength and nutrition podcast where in every episode I put a popular piece of fitness advice under the microscope, find the hidden reason it doesn't work, and give you the deceptively simple fix that does.For skeptics of the fitness industry who are tired of following the rules and still not seeing results. If you've been lifting weights, tracking macros, and doing "all the right things" but your body composition hasn't changed, you're probably overcomplicating it. This is the fitness podcast that shows you how to build muscle, lose fat, and achieve a real body recomp by focusing only on what the evidence actually supports.Evidence-based fat loss coach Philip Pape brings an engineer's approach to strength training, nutrition, and metabolism. Instead of another generic program or meal plan, you get specific, science-based strategies for optimizing body composition, whether you're focused on building muscle, losing fat, or both. The focus is on strength training over 40, hormone health, perimenopause and menopause, and longevity.You've seen the conflicting advice. One expert says cut carbs, the next says eat more. One says train six days a week, another says three is plenty. Building the body you want doesn't have to be this confusing or time-consuming. By using your wits (systems + identity-based behavior change) and lifting weights, you can build muscle definition, improve your physique, and maintain your results for life without rebound weight gain.You'll learn smart, efficient strategies for movement, metabolism, muscle, and mindset, such as:- Why fat loss matters more than weight loss for both your health and your physique- Why all the macros, including protein, fats, and yes even carbs, are critical to body composition- How just 3 hours a week of proper hypertrophy training can deliver better results than most people get in twice that time- Why building muscle is the single most powerful thing you can do for metabolic health, longevity, and aging well- Why perimenopause and menopause don't have to derail your progress when your training and nutrition are dialed in- How shifting the way you think about fitness can unlock more physical (and personal) growth than any program aloneIf you're ready to learn what actually works with evidence-based training and nutrition, hit "follow" and let's engineer your best physique ever!Popular Guests Include: Mike Matthews (author of Bigger Leaner Stronger), Greg Nuckols (Stronger by Science), Alan Aragon (nutrition researcher), Eric Helms (3D Muscle Journey), Dr. Spencer Nadolsky (Docs Who Lift), Bill Campbell (exercise science researcher), Jordan Feigenbaum (Barbell Medicine), Holly Baxter (evidence-based physique coach), Laurin Conlin (physique coach), Lauren Colenso-Semple (nutrition researcher), Karen Martel (hormone optimization expert), Steph Gaudreau (women's strength and nutrition), Bryan Boorstein (hypertrophy coach)Popular Topics Include: hormone health, metabolism optimization, hypertrophy training, longevity and healthy aging, nutrition tracking, best protein powder selection, strength training over 40, women's fitness, perimenopause, menopause, muscle building, body recomp, macros and nutrition tracking
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 27, 2024 • 48min
3 Proven Strategies to Master Body Recomposition (Lose Fat and Gain Muscle) | Ep 262
Try MacroFactor FREE with my code WITSANDWEIGHTS.--This is a replay of Ep 166. Originally aired on April 23, 2024 as: The Body Recomposition Blueprint (Recomp to Build Muscle and Lose Fat at the Same Time) Are you feeling lost in the calorie counting maze for body recomposition? Struggling to juggle muscle gain and fat loss at the same time? Tired of the yo-yo effect after dieting?In this episode, Philip (@witsandweights) talks about body recomposition and strategies for muscle gain and fat loss. He emphasizes patience and consistency, starting with maintenance calories for beginners and slower recomp for experienced individuals. Philip also dives into caloric balance, setting and adjusting calorie targets, and optimizing macronutrient ratios for muscle growth and fat loss. He covers the nutrition and strength training over 40 fundamentals that make recomp work, starting with maintenance calories for beginners and slower recomp for experienced individuals.Philip also stresses that strength training is crucial to body recomposition and long-term fat loss. He shares principles of effective strength training, including progressive overload and proper exercise techniques. He also touches on the hormonal benefits of strength training, like elevated testosterone and growth hormones.Philip advocates a holistic approach to body recomposition, incorporating nutrition, training, mindset, and lifestyle factors. He encourages celebrating small victories, staying dedicated, and trusting the process towards achieving your desired physique.Today, you’ll learn all about:Common misunderstanding about body recompUnderlying body recomp mechanismsThree categories of body recompUsing nutrition for body recompositionSetting your macrosThe significance of effective strength trainingBenefits of proper training and building muscle massPeri-workout nutritionOptimizing health and hormone statusThe importance of mindsetEpisode resources:Watch this FREE video on how to setup MacroFactor for body recompTry MacroFactor FREE with my code WITSANDWEIGHTS💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram

Dec 25, 2024 • 47min
The Smarter Approach to Fat Loss Beyond Calories and Cardio | Ep 261
Follow Nutrition Science Daily, our new 5-minute weekday morning podcast delivering the latest in nutrition, fat loss, and health science... plus simple tips to help you optimize your diet, build muscle, and improve your health—all before your high-protein breakfast!--This is a replay of Ep 160. Originally aired on April 2, 2024 as: Why “Eat Less, Move More” Is Terrible Advice for Your Metabolism, Hormones, and Fat LossHow often have you been told to “eat less, move more” to lose weight? Does this advice have any merit whatsoever?Today, Philip (@witsandweights) goes over the real reasons holding you back from sustainable fat loss and optimal metabolic health, and it’s NOT because you’re not doing enough exercise or restricting your calories enough.Philip explains why the common weight loss advice to "eat less, move more" is terrible. He discusses the importance of muscle mass for a healthy metabolism, how protein and strength training can help maintain muscle, and why simply eating less and doing more cardio isn’t always the best approach. He also talks about the role of carbs in fat loss and the benefits of cardio for metabolic health. Philip also highlights the importance of hydration, good sleep, and stress management for metabolic function. He discusses the impact of alcohol on metabolism and hormones and the importance of whole foods for metabolic health.Today, you’ll learn all about:Misconceptions about the "eat less, move more" adviceThe importance of muscle mass for metabolismSupporting muscle growth with proteinThe principles of strength training and overloadFueling your body and staying activeAvoiding sedentary behaviorWhy the "eat less, move more" approach is destructiveHydration, sleep, and stress managementChronic stress and its effect on metabolismWhole/unprocessed foods, dairy, grains, and alcoholEpisode resources:Take our FREE Metabolism audit to learn about your metabolic flexibility. Receive a free report and strategy tailored to YOUR results!💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram

Dec 23, 2024 • 41min
The 12-Month Fat Loss and Muscle Gain Blueprint for Your Best Physique in 2025 | Ep 260
Download my free Precision Fat Loss Guide with the 6 core fat loss strategies customized for your experience, goals, and lifestyle (or go to witsandweights.com/free)—Stuck in a bulking and cutting loop without lasting results? Ready to map out 2025 for sustainable gains and fat loss? Want a proven plan to build your dream physique?Philip (@witsandweights) delivers a powerful end-of-year gift: a complete periodization blueprint designed to help you build muscle, lose fat, and achieve sustainable fitness success. He shares the five transformative phases of the yearlong plan, from building foundational habits in body recomp to strategically timed fat loss, anabolic muscle building, and more.Learn how to align your nutrition, training, and lifestyle with each phase to create a roadmap for lifelong progress. Whether your goal is to get lean, pack on serious muscle, or overhaul your physique, this provides the step-by-step plan to crush your goals in 2025. Today, you’ll learn all about:03:31 Phase 1: Body recomp and the power of building systems06:11 The role of tracking09:28 Phase 2: Precision fat loss strategies for sustainable progress16:58 Phase 3: Beach-ready maintenance for recovery and celebration20:58 Phase 4: Six months of anabolic muscle building for transformative gains28:32 Phase 5: Mini cut for the finishing touch on your dream physique35:49 The principles for success40:15 OutroEpisode resources:Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS. The only food logging app that adjusts to your metabolism!Watch this video on setting up MacroFactor for your initial recomp (maintenance) phaseDownload Boostcamp to access 70+ evidence-based workouts💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram

Dec 20, 2024 • 41min
Does DNA Testing Really Help You Build Muscle and Lose Fat? (Dr. Matt Dawson) | Ep 259
Book a FREE 15-minute Rapid Nutrition Assessment to personalize YOUR strategy for fat loss, muscle gain, and physique development, giving you a 3-step action plan in a fast-paced 15 minutes.—Could your DNA determine how effectively you process carbs or fats? Are you overemphasizing the role of genetics in your health journey? How does epigenetics empower you to shape your health destiny?Philip (@witsandweights) examines the fascinating intersection of genetics, epigenetics, and personalized medicine with Dr. Matt Dawson, physician, entrepreneur, and CEO of Wild Health. They uncover how genes influence health outcomes and the extent to which lifestyle decisions can rewrite the script of DNA. Dr. Dawson explains how Wild Health integrates cutting-edge AI, genomic insights, and precision medicine to optimize performance, longevity, and overall wellness.Dr. Matt Dawson is the co-founder and CEO of Wild Health, a precision medicine company revolutionizing how we approach health by combining genetic insights, blood markers, and lifestyle factors. A trailblazer in genomics-based care, he has trained thousands of doctors worldwide and is dedicated to helping individuals maximize their health potential.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:15 Impact of lifestyle vs. genetics on health outcomes4:06 The science behind actionable genetic insights6:31 Personalizing diet and fitness through genetic testing10:47 How genetic variations influence athletic performance.15:35 The influence of genomics on health and lifestyle18:29 Epigenetics: Unique health paths21:19 Reversing diabetes with personalized medicine and health optimization26:29 Leveraging AI for health insights and prevention31:54 The future of precision medicine with large language models37:50 Why strong relationships are the ultimate longevity hack39:36 OutroEpisode resources:Wild Health PodcastWebsite: wildhealth.com Instagram: @wildhealthmd LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/wildhealth 💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram

Dec 18, 2024 • 19min
How Tinsel the Elf Defeated Doubt with Perfect Form (A Holiday Tale of Strength vs Shadows) | Ep 258
Something sinister lurks in the woods around Strong Point, draining elves of their strength, energy, and most terrifyingly... their ability to train close to failure.When a mysterious Shadow Wraith begins targeting the village's most dedicated lifters, making them doubt their form and forget their 1RM, Tinsel must face his greatest challenge yet. Can perfect technique triumph over supernatural doubt?Join us for this special holiday episode as we return to the magical village of Strong Point, where we discover that true strength isn't just about moving weight - it's about moving it with purpose, even when facing your darkest fears.You'll learn that:True strength comes from facing doubts, not denying themPerfect form isn't just about the weight - it's about mastery of movementCommunity support and proper technique can overcome any challengeEven elves need to trainPlus, discover why Mrs. Claus's protein sugar cookies finally stopped tasting like chalk.For more about building real strength (supernatural or otherwise), join my FREE email list at witsandweights.com/emailTinsel’s Origin Story:The Elf Who Wanted to Improve His Health (and Get Jacked)💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram

Dec 16, 2024 • 27min
The Most UNDERRATED Fat Loss Secret Making You FATTER (and Sabotaging Muscle Gain Too) | Ep 257
Download my free Muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint to structure your nutrition for optimal muscle gain while minimizing fat gain (or go to witsandweights.com/free)—Are you stuck in a cycle of constant cutting without real progress? Could gaining weight be the key to finally achieving a leaner physique? What if embracing the scale going up is the breakthrough you need?Philip (@witsandweights) explores the paradox of weight gain for fat loss in today’s episode. Discover how your fear of gaining weight might be holding you back and why a strategic muscle-building phase is the missing piece in your fitness journey. Learn actionable steps to break free from the constant cutting cycle and transform your body composition for lasting results.Philip shares real client stories, like Jenna, John, and Mark, whose journeys illustrate how building muscle while temporarily gaining weight can lead to a leaner, stronger, and more defined physique. Whether you're frustrated by slow progress, unsure how to manage a surplus, or looking for clarity on this counterintuitive approach, this delivers the mindset shift you need.Today, you’ll learn all about:1:40 The constant cutting trap and metabolic adaptation4:44 Why building muscle is key to fat loss success8:18 Body composition math: How gaining weight leads to leanness11:10 Energy requirements for muscle growth13:52 Step-by-step guide to starting a muscle-gaining phase17:25 Training and tracking strategies during a surplus18:31 Avoiding pitfalls like gaining too fast or cutting phases short22:07 Patience and mindset: Trusting the process for long-term results26:30 OutroEpisode resources:Download my free Muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram

Dec 13, 2024 • 52min
Why Doctors Should Lift Weights (Strength Training for Longevity and Health ft. Dr. Spencer Nadolsky) | Ep 256
Download 8 free workout programs for strength and physique, novice and intermediate, 3 and 4 days, full gym and limited equipment, with exercise videos and substitutions or go to witsandweights.com/free—Do doctors really understand your fitness goals? Why do some medical professionals discourage lifting weights? Can the medical system truly embrace lifestyle changes as part of healthcare?Philip (@witsandweights) gets real with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, a triple board-certified obesity and lipid specialist, former heavyweight wrestler, and co-host of the Docs Who Lift podcast. Dr. Nadolsky brings a refreshing perspective to healthcare by combining evidence-based medicine with real-world fitness expertise. He is a prominent advocate for combating misinformation on social media, often using humor and memes to educate and challenge misconceptions in the medical and fitness communities.Together, they explore why doctors who lift weights and practice a fitness lifestyle could revolutionize healthcare for patients like you.Discover why traditional medical advice often misses the mark for fitness enthusiasts, the myths about weightlifting and health, and actionable ways to find doctors who align with your fitness journey.Today, you’ll learn all about:2:32 When doctors get fitness wrong and handling online criticism11:12 Why lifestyle changes aren’t emphasized and training transforms care20:09 Overcoming stigma: Doctors and lifting25:57 Barriers to meeting physical activity guidelines31:28 The truth about GLP-1 drugs and obesity38:20 Practical, accessible behavior changes42:50 The power of lifting to catalyze lifestyle shifts46:09 Rapid fire: Seed oils, influencers, and fad diets49:20 OutroEpisode resources:Website: drspencer.comInstagram: @drnadolskyThreads: @drnadolskyPodcast: Docs Who Lift💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram

Dec 11, 2024 • 18min
My Experiment with Peptides (BPC-157) for Shoulder Recovery (Confounding Variables) | Ep 255
Follow Nutrition Science Daily, our new 5-minute weekday morning podcast delivering the latest in nutrition, fat loss, and health science... plus simple tips to help you optimize your diet, build muscle, and improve your health—all before your high-protein breakfast!—If you've experimented with supplements or recovery protocols and struggled to determine what's actually working versus what's just wishful thinking...Learn how the engineering concept of Confounding Variables reveals why most self-experiments fail to give clear answers – and how to design better ones.Using my real experience with BPC-157 for shoulder recovery as a case study, discover why changing multiple factors at once creates a "messy dataset" that can mask or amplify results.Whether you're evaluating a supplement, modifying your training, or testing any health intervention, understanding this framework will transform how you approach self-experimentation.Main Takeaways:Why controlling variables matters for supplement evaluationHow diet changes can mask or amplify recovery resultsThe hidden benefit of "messy" real-world experimentsA systematic approach to learning from imperfect dataEpisodes Mentioned:Testosterone, Hormone Therapy, and Peptides for Health and Longevity with Dr. Rand McClainPeptides, Hormone Therapy, Medical Aesthetics, and Personalized Wellness with Kristin Gemme→ Follow Nutrition Science Daily, our new 5-minute weekday morning podcast!💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram

Dec 9, 2024 • 25min
10 Intermittent Fasting Myths Hurting Your Fat Loss | Ep 254
Download my free Nutrition for Body Composition guide to setup your nutrition for fat loss without intermittent fasting. Discover how to master your macros, optimize your workout nutrition, and develop sustainable habits. --Philip (@witsandweights) dives into the top 10 myths surrounding intermittent fasting (IF) that continue to dominate the fitness world. From the claims of fat-burning magic to boosting metabolism and enhancing cognitive function, Philip reveals what the science actually says.This isn’t about bashing IF—it is about helping you decide if fasting aligns with your goals or if there’s a better way to achieve sustainable progress. Philip also shares his personal experience with fasting and why he no longer follows rigid eating patterns.Today, you’ll learn all about:4:35 #1 - Fat burning and weight loss5:33 #2 - Metabolism7:25 #3 - Insulin sensitivity 8:35 #4 - Hormones 10:00 #5 - Autophagy 11:10 #6 - Longevity 12:30 #7 - Food choices 15:10 #8 - Detox 16:21 #9 - Cognitive and mental function 17:29 #10 - Universal solution 19:05 Bonus myth - Fasted training23:10 OutroEpisode resources:Download my free Nutrition for Body Composition guideMeta-analysis from 2024 showing no advantage for IF with weight loss OR long-term health vs. continuous calorie restriction💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram

Dec 7, 2024 • 1min
Introducing: Nutrition Science Daily
Follow Nutrition Science Daily, our brand new 5-minute daily morning podcast delivering you the latest in nutrition, fat loss, and health science. Available every weekday by 6 a.m. ET.The first 5 episodes are already out!--Catch up on the first 5 episodes:Is maple syrup the ultimate sweetener?Can vitamin D and calcium lower blood pressure in older adults?Can omega-3 and omega-6 fats lower cancer risk?Why beans are the trendy new proteinDoes an 8 hour eating window (intermittent fasting) increase weight loss?Follow and listen to Nutrition Science Daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.💪 Join Eat More Lift Heavy - A 6-month coaching program for lifters over 40 who are done collecting information and ready to have real human coaches watch their data and know what to focus on each week.📱 Get Fitness Lab (exclusive 20% off) - The #1 adaptive fitness and nutrition app. Daily coaching, workouts, and biofeedback-based guidance to help you build muscle and lose fat over 40.👥 Join our Facebook community - For adults over 40 who want to build muscle, lose fat, and stop following bad advice. Weekly Q&A threads, coaching insights, and real chat with other lifters.👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram


