Unbiased Science

This week on the pod, we are joined by Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, a board certified obesity and lipid specialist physician, to tackle the topic of obesity. We kick things off with some population-level data on the prevalence of obesity in the US population, noting some disparities among certain demographic groups. We shift gears to talk about one of the more universal methods of assessing obesity: BMI. We chat about the accuracy of BMI, the limitations, and some clinical considerations that should be made when treating patients. We discuss the societal stigma of obesity as a medical issue, and how that can lead to disparities in treatment and medical care. We then cover some of the real health risks associated with obesity and why, although there is a spectrum of healthy sizes, we cannot overlook the implications of excess adiposity and metabolic changes that occur as a result. We wrap things up by covering current methods to manage obesity, including medications such as GLP-1 inhibitors and bariatric procedures. You won’t want to miss this!Check us out on Substack and Instagram:www.theunbiasedscipod.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipodPLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of the pod, we tackle the topic of prevention and health screenings! We set the stage by discussing the different types of prevention, and how it is harder to measure the absence of disease than the presence of disease. We talk about the way that prevention and screening recommendations are made in the US, specifically, and different governing bodies involved in the decision-making process. We give some specific examples of recommendations, starting with cervical cancer screening (Pap smears) and the impact that prevention has made on incidence of cervical cancer. We also discuss the reasons why recommendations have changed over time. Next, we discuss vitamin K shots for infants and their importance for prevention of bleeding issues. We shift gears and talk about well checks, bloodwork, and recommended adult vaccines. We close things out with a discussion of colonoscopies and colorectal cancer screening. We covered a lot of ground-- you don't want to miss this one!Check us out on Substack and Instagram:www.theunbiasedscipod.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipodPLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of the pod, we continue our conversation with Dr. Dina DiMaggio (Pediatrician) and Dr. Anthony Porto (Pediatric Gastroenterologist) on all things related to infant feeding. We kick things off with a discussion of our guests' recent study on infant feeding trends and the use of unregulated feeding practices. Before getting into the thick of it, we set the stage with a discussion of the Infant Formula Act and associated regulations and policies. We then shift gears to discuss European infant formulas (with a distinction between illegal importation from 3rd party vendors and those imported legally through Operation Fly). Next, we discuss unregulated donor breast milk and the risks associated with informal milk sharing such as bacterial and viral contamination and improper storage. We discuss safer alternatives to this practice such as seeking breastmilk from regulated milk banks. We also discuss homemade infant formulas and reports of infant hospitalization and death as a result of this practice. Throughout the episode, we acknowledge and discuss the implications of the food formula shortage which understandably led many parents to seek out alternatives. You do not want to miss this!Disclosure: This episode is brought to you in partnership with BobbieLabs, the scientific research arm of Bobbie, but is unpaid and not sponsored. The goal of this episode is to provide you with the latest science on infant nutrition; we do not discuss or endorse specific products (including Bobbie). As with any and all of our content, we have complete and independent control over what we are presenting. The goal of this episode is to provide expert information on infant feeding, generally.Check us out on Substack and Instagram:www.theunbiasedscipod.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipodPLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of the pod, we were joined by two peds (specifically, a pediatrician and a pediatric gastroenterologist) to talk all about infant feeding!We kicked things off with some statistics on infant feeding in the US and a discussion of current AAP and WHO recommendations. We spent a lot of time digging into breastfeeding-- the short- and long-term benefits of breastfeeding for infants and mothers, rare contraindications, tongue ties and frenotomies, and ways to boost breast milk supply. Next, we dug into studies that compare outcomes for babies who are breastfed versus formula-fed, focusing on allergies, immune function, and IQ. Then we switched gears and talked all about formula and its composition (including macronutrients, carbohydrates, fats, micronutrients, vitamin D, and more). We also discussed some new ingredients such as MGFM, lactoferrin, and HMOs. We close with a conversation about "organic" formulas and some common misconceptions. You don't want to miss this!Disclosure: This episode is brought to you in partnership with BobbieLabs, the scientific research arm of Bobbie, but is unpaid and not sponsored. The goal of this episode is to provide you with the latest science on infant nutrition; we do not discuss or endorse specific products (including Bobbie). As with any and all of our content, we have complete and independent control over what we are presenting. The goal of this episode is to provide expert information on infant feeding, generally.Check us out on Substack and Instagram:www.theunbiasedscipod.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipodPLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Meghann Featherstun, a board-certified sports dietitian who advises endurance athletes, joins to dissect intermittent fasting. She outlines common IF methods and reviews the clinical evidence. They discuss risks like bingeing, sex-specific harms, adherence problems, and who should avoid fasting. Practical personalization and alternatives for midlife women and athletes are highlighted.

On this week's episode of the pod, we discuss a very important topic: body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). We invite a special guest, Robyn Stern (an LCSW specializing in treating BDD) who has personal experience navigating this disorder and openly shares her story. We kick things off with a discussion of prevalence and incidence of BDD and how it is likely underreported. We dive into the definition of BDD and how it is, in fact, a mental health condition and discuss some recent studies investigating predictors of BDD. We discuss some common signs and symptoms, diagnosis of BDD, clinical impact, and management and treatment. We disentangle BDD from disordered eating, from which it is entirely distinct, and from dysmorphia (including subsets of dysmorphia such as Zoom dysmorphia). We wrap things up with a discussion of the impact of social media and current trends in BDD diagnoses. You don't want to miss this episode!Check us out on Substack and Instagram:www.theunbiasedscipod.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipodPLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of the pod, we kick off the new year with a topic that is near and dear to our hearts-- our pets! (More specifically, fad pet diets.) We all want what's best for our furry friends, so we dig into the available evidence (or lack thereof) behind several very pup-ular diets including grain-free diets, raw food, vegan and vegetarian diets, human food as treats, and more. We dig into the pet food industry and safety standards for pet foods. We discuss differences in dietary needs for cats versus dogs and how certain diets put them at risk for potentially life-threatening deficiencies and health issues. We were joined by an expert on this topic, a doctor of veterinary medicine, to weigh in. You don't want to miss this!Check us out on Substack and Instagram:www.theunbiasedscipod.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipodPLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s episode of the pod, Andrea and Jess present 12 days of science! That’s right— a holiday-themed episode. We share a dozen science facts that we wish everyone knew; ranging from facts about the microbiome and the over-use (and often incorrect use) of the word “inflammation”, to marketing ploys related to organic foods, non-GMOs, and clean beauty. This will be the last pod of 2022, so you don’t want to miss it! The Unbiased Science team wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season!Check us out on Substack and Instagram:www.theunbiasedscipod.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipodPLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of the pod, we tackle two techniques that are growing in popularity: dry needling and cupping. We kick things off with a discussion of the difference between acupuncture and dry needling. We discuss the specifics of dry needling and its purported benefits and uses. Then, you guessed it, we turn to the data and critically appraise the quality of studies on this topic. We next discuss the potential side effects and risks of dry needling, though rare, as well as the training (or lack thereof) that is required of practitioners of this technique. Next, we dive into cupping! We discuss its history and roots in early Egyptian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern medical practices and cultures. We discuss dry cupping versus wet cupping (which sounds a lot like bloodletting) as well and their purported benefits. We spend some time talking about the popularization of cupping in pop culture and its impact on societal acceptance of this practice. We dig into the data and available studies on cupping and theories about cupping's mechanism of action (most of which have no evidence to support them). We discuss the risks of cupping, costs of getting cupping done, and training for cupping practitioners. We wrap things up with a bit of a philosophical reflection on the dangers of accepting these fringe alternative practices on general distrust of science. You don't want to miss this!Check us out on Substack and Instagram:www.theunbiasedscipod.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipodPLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week's episode of the pod, we tackle acupuncture!We kick things off with a discussion of the practice of acupuncture and its roots in Traditional Chinese medicine. We discuss the growing industry of acupuncture in the US, specifically, and some related practices such as cupping, acupressure, and more. We shift the conversation over to health policies and public and private insurance coverage of acupuncture. Next, we chat about the conditions that are purported to be addressed by acupuncture and-- you guessed it-- the available evidence (or lack thereof) supporting these claims. We chat about some of the limitations of existing research on this topic, including difficulty creating appropriate control groups for comparison. We then discuss some potential risks of acupuncture and the importance of chatting with your clinician before deciding to book an appointment! We wrap things up with a brief discussion of the potential overlap between acupuncture and falling prey to pseudoscience and fringe treatments that don't have evidence to support them. You don't want to miss this!Check us out on Substack and Instagram:www.theunbiasedscipod.substack.comhttps://www.instagram.com/unbiasedscipodPLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals. Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual. As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional. If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional.Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.