Advertise on podcast: Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast

What if the reason you can't get your HRT patch has nothing to do with your pharmacy and everything to do with a 20-year-old mistake? Australia has had a chronic shortage of menopause hormone therapy patches for nearly five years, and the reason will surprise you. Dr Lucy Burns sits down with Johanna Wicks, co-founder of Lorai Health, who got so fed up she decided to build her own pharmaceutical company. This episode is essential listening for every woman in perimenopause or menopause who has ever been told to just wait a little longer. Lorai HealthWebsite: https://www.loraihealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loraihealth/  My Metabolic Action Plan: https://www.rlmedicine.com/map Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/perimenopause-patches-and-problem-solving-with-johanna-wicks  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Lucy Burns sits down with Clio Austin, an exercise physiologist, scientist, and women's health specialist, to talk about what women in midlife actually need to do to protect their bones, build muscle, and stay strong for life. You'll learn why the cardio-and-calorie-cutting approach so many women default to in perimenopause is working against them, and what the science says to do instead. Clio also busts the "I'll get bulky" myth, explains the link between falling oestrogen and all those mysterious aches and pains, and shares why strength training is the single best investment a woman can make in her future health. If you've ever wondered why your body feels different and what to actually do about it, this one's for you. Clio Austin links Website:https://www.clioaustin.com.au/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/menopause_exercisephys/10 simple daily habits to help reduce belly fat in perimenopause https://clio-austin-d5e8.mykajabi.com/daily-habits For more info on My Metabolic Action Plan go to : https://www.rlmedicine.com/map Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/muscles-metabolism-and-menopause-with-clio-austin  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if you could lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease without giving up the foods you love? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson chats with Dr Nelum Dharmapriya, a GP with over 30 years’ experience, who shares how she reversed her own pre-diabetes, regained her energy, and simplified her approach to health after years of doing “all the right things” without results. Dr Nelum shares practical, culturally sensitive strategies you can use straight away, including how to reduce your metabolic risk (especially if you have South Asian heritage), how to enjoy traditional foods without guilt or confusion, and one simple breakfast shift that can kickstart better energy, appetite control, and weight loss. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure what actually works, this episode will give you clarity and a plan you can start today. For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/  Connect with Dr Nelum Dharmapriya  Website: Whole Food Revolution - Holistic Health Coaching for Women 40+ 👉 https://www.wholefoodrevolution.com.au/  Facebook: Whole Food Revolution 👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/1GP8K1fqHr/?mibextid=wwXIfr  YouTube: Whole Food Revolution 👉 https://youtube.com/@wholefoodrevolutionoz?si=w9DF0kfBynksLjmw  Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/from-curry-and-carbs-to-metabolic-health-with-dr-nelum-dharmapriya  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Mary Barson sits down with Dr Louise Phillips, a Queensland GP with over 20 years of experience, to talk about what’s really happening with metabolic health in Australia right now. They break down complex topics like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in plain, simple language, and explain why low-carb eating can be a powerful tool for improving your health. Dr Louise also shares insights into the challenges both patients and doctors face, including burnout, and offers practical advice on how to get the most out of your GP appointments and navigate the healthcare system with confidence. If you want to understand your metabolism, make sense of your health, and pick up tips for feeling your best, this episode is packed with helpful guidance.  Dr Louise website:  https://lowcarbscripts.com/ Dr Louise available for consultation at Albany Creek Brisbane via https://www.radiusmedical.com.au/  For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/  Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/getting-better-care-in-a-busy-health-system-with-dr-louise-phillips  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In part 2 of this gut health deep dive, Dr Mary Barson continues her powerful conversation with gastroenterologist and microbiome expert Dr Paul Froomes. You’ll discover why the carnivore diet can calm symptoms at first but may harm your microbiome long term, how hidden chemicals in processed foods damage your gut lining, and what that means for inflammation, insulin resistance and chronic disease. Dr Paul shares clear, practical steps to start healing your gut, from simple food changes to targeted microbiome testing that can uncover the real cause of long-standing bloating, pain and food intolerances. If you have an irritable bowel, feel confused by conflicting diet advice, or have ever been told “it’s just stress”, this follow-up episode will show you what’s really going on in your gut and what you can do about it.  Website links: Website: themicrobiomeclinic.com.au  Instagram: @dr.paulfroomes  TikTok: @drpaulfroomes  For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/  Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/microbiome-medicine-for-metabolic-health-with-dr-paul-froomes-part-2  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Did you know the trillions of bacteria living in your gut could be contributing to weight gain, bloating, anxiety, and even depression? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson sits down with Melbourne gastroenterologist Dr Paul Froomes — a gut health expert with over 30 years of experience — to unpack the science of the microbiome in plain English. You'll learn why "functional" gut conditions like IBS are very real (not just in your head), how the food you eat directly shapes your gut bacteria, and how a dysbiotic microbiome can make you absorb more calories, crave sugar, and become insulin resistant. This is part one of a two-part conversation you won't want to miss.  Website links:  Website: themicrobiomeclinic.com.au/  Instagram: @dr.paulfroomes TikTok: @drpaulfroomes For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/  Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/microbiome-medicine-for-metabolic-health-with-dr-paul-froomes-part-1  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know your gut and brain are in constant conversation -  and what they say to each other could be driving your cravings, low mood, and brain fog? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns break down the gut-brain axis in plain English: what it is, why it matters, and how poor food choices, chronic stress, and lack of sleep can throw it off balance. Learn how certain gut bacteria send signals that make you crave sugar - and how to starve them out. Plus, discover simple, science-backed ways to calm your nervous system, reduce cravings, lift your mood, and even support your immune system. If stress or food cravings sometimes feel out of control, this episode is for you.  For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/  Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/the-gut-the-brain-and-emotional-eating  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ever wondered what "fibre maxing" actually means — and whether it's helping or harming your gut? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns cut through the 2026 social media hype to give you the real science on gut health. You'll learn why not all fibre is equal, how the processed food industry is health-washing its products, and what's actually damaging your gut lining without you knowing. Plus, you'll walk away with simple, practical steps you can take from your very next shopping trip to start building a healthier, happier gut. For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/  Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/how-to-improve-your-gut-health  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Having personally seen how changing food transformed her depressed husband’s and anxious daughter’s lives, speaker, researcher and author Belinda Smith is on a mission to show that nutrition sits at the heart of our physical and mental health. In this episode, Dr Lucy Burns talks with Bel, one of Australia’s leading independent voices for children’s health, author of The Lunchbox Effect and founder of The Root Cause. You’ll hear how our kids’ lunchboxes became a snacking trap, how ultra-processed foods affect mood, learning and behaviour, and the simple changes that can protect your child’s mental health without making food a battleground. The Root CauseWebsite: therootcause.com.au Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRootCauseAU/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseau/ For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/what-should-i-feed-my-kids-with-belinda-smith  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you worried that holidays will ruin your health progress? In this episode, Dr Mary shares her real-life experience of travelling to Japan with kids and how she stayed on track without being perfect. You'll learn how to enjoy holidays without the "all or nothing" mindset that leads to weight gain and regret. Discover practical tips for handling plane food, navigating buffet breakfasts, and making smart choices in unfamiliar food environments. Dr Mary and Dr Lucy bust the myth that you need to choose between having fun on holidays or maintaining your metabolic health. You'll find out how to use a flexible framework that works anywhere in the world, so you can come home without needing a reset or feeling guilty. This episode will help you enjoy your next holiday whilst protecting your health goals. For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/stay-healthy-on-holidays-without-missing-out  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At 70, Maria thought weight gain, joint pain and exhaustion were just “old age” – until her cardiologist referred her to Real Life Medicine and she discovered powerful hormonal drivers like insulin and leptin resistance were behind her constant hunger and weight struggles, not a lack of willpower. In this episode, you’ll hear how a simple “metabolic reset”, by changing what she ate combined with practical mindset tools helped her lose weight and improve her metabolic hormones. This resulted in switching off the constant food noise, calm her IBS and inflammation, and gain the energy to run around with her grandchildren again. If you feel stuck, scared of “giving up carbs”, or worried it’s too late to change, Maria’s story shows how small doable steps, powerful education and the right support can transform your health and your future at any age.​  Start where you are. Take the next small step. My Metabolic Action Plan (MyMAP) begins February 14, and doors are closing soon. 👉 Save your spot today  For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/  Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/its-never-too-late-to-get-healthy  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I know what to do, I just don’t do it.” If that sounds like you, this episode is for you. Dr Mary and Dr Lucy unpack the “knowing–doing gap” in simple, practical language, so you can finally understand why you get stuck and stop calling yourself lazy or weak. You will learn why your brain clings to old habits, why pushing yourself with “a good kick up the pants” backfires, and what actually works instead. Tune in to pick up easy tools to lower overwhelm, work with your brain, and start doing the healthy things you already know you should be doing, in real life, for the long term. Our My Metabolic Action Plan (MyMAP) is your chance to finally turn knowing into doing. It's time to build real health and lasting weight loss. Program starts February 14 — enrol now before the bonuses disappear in 2 days! 👉 www.rlmedicine.com/map For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/  Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/the-knowing-doing-gap  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Can I ever eat sugar again?” Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns unpack sugar and processed food addiction in a simple, hopeful way, so you can finally understand why you feel out of control around certain foods and what to do about it. You will learn Dr Lucy’s “three bucket” model of addiction, how food companies design products to hijack your brain, and why short “detox” breaks from ultra-processed food can calm cravings without focusing on dieting or willpower. Dr Mary shares practical “hot tools” for in-the-moment cravings and “cool tools” to build long-term emotional resilience, helping you move from feeling obsessed with sugar to feeling calm and in charge, while still leaving room for flexibility in the future.  If you want real health and long lasting weight loss, you can start right now My Metabolic Action Plan is now available. 👉 www.rlmedicine.com/map For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/  Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/can-i-ever-eat-sugar-again  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Mary and Dr Lucy lift the lid on your brain and reveal why you keep doing the things you don’t want to do, like eating when stressed, lonely, angry or bored. You’ll learn the two main jobs your brain has, why it clings to safety and quick rewards, and how this secretly sabotages your metabolic health and weight loss. They share simple tools like the SLAB acronym and tiny doable steps, plus powerful mindset strategies used in therapy, so you can soothe emotions without food and finally make changes that last. If you “know what to do” but still don’t do it, this episode will help you work with your beautiful brain, not against it.  We’re excited to share that a brand-new program is launching in February 2026.  It’s your complete MAP to metabolic health — and you can join the waitlist now.  ➡️ www.rlmedicine.com/map  For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/  Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/our-brain-has-2-jobs  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is it hard to change your mind, even when you know something isn’t working for your health? In this episode, Dr Mary and Dr Lucy share why changing your mind is not a weakness but a powerful skill that can transform your weight, your metabolic health, and your life. Hear how science itself changes over time, why low carb went from “fringe” to guideline-backed, and what they now think about sweeteners as the evidence evolves. You will learn simple mindset tools to let go of old rules, reduce guilt, and make calm, confident choices that actually move you towards the life and body you want.  Ready for your next step? Learn more about our Metabolic Action Plan here →  www.rlmedicine.com/map  For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/  Episode, show notes & transcript https://www.rlmedicine.com/its-okay-to-change-your-mind  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.