Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast

• Healing Beyond Medicine: Low-Carb Living, Breathwork, and Lifestyle Medicine with Dr. Avi Charlton

  True healing begins not with medicine, but with food, breath, and daily habits. In this episode, Dr. Avi Charlton, a Melbourne-based General Practitioner with over 20 years of experience shares her inspiring journey from being a traditional GP to becoming a passionate advocate for therapeutic carbohydrate reduction and holistic lifestyle medicine. Prompted by a personal wake-up call about her own health, she explored low-carb nutrition, which not only transformed her own body but significantly improved outcomes for her patients, including those with obesity, diabetes, and even mental health conditions. Dr. Arvi discusses the six pillars of her lifestyle approach—nutrition, movement, stress management, sleep and sunlight, community support, and addiction awareness and highlights the profound benefits of prioritizing protein, managing stress through breathwork, and reconnecting with natural circadian rhythms. Through her clinics, courses, and breathwork workshops, she empowers others to heal, thrive, and pursue longevity through practical, sustainable changes. Tune in to discover how simple lifestyle changes—like breathwork, better sleep, and a low-carb diet—can radically transform your health and well-being. Episode Highlights: How Dr. Avi Charlton’s personal weight loss journey led her to discover low-carb nutrition Why she shifted from traditional medicine to a holistic, lifestyle-focused approach How therapeutic carbohydrate reduction can reverse diabetes and reduce medication The six lifestyle pillars Dr. Avi uses Insights into low-carb eating The truth about calorie counting and why it often does more harm than good The critical role of sleep, stress, and sunlight in weight loss and mental health Simple tools for breathwork and why it’s key to managing stress and inflammation How mouth taping and nose breathing improve sleep quality and reduce snoring The connection between adverse childhood experiences and chronic disease Dr. Avi’s passion for teaching breathwork and her new business Practical tips for staying nourished and organized in a busy modern lifestyle Why protein-first is essential for everyone Her vision for preventive care, longevity, and empowering patients to take charge of their health About Our Guest: Dr. Avi Charlton is a Melbourne-based General Practitioner with over 20 years of experience. Her passion for lifestyle medicine stems from her personal journey. A few years ago, feeling overweight, tired, and juggling life with young kids, a patient mistakenly asked if she was pregnant. Determined to make a change, she joined an 8-week body transformation challenge, following a diet prescribed by her personal trainer and incorporating running. This sparked a transformation—she lost weight, regained energy, and embraced a healthier lifestyle. Inspired by her success, Dr. Charlton founded the Melbourne Low Carb Clinic, where she helps patients lose weight, reverse type 2 diabetes, and reduce medications through sustainable nutrition and lifestyle changes. She has seen remarkable improvements in her patients’ health, proving that natural solutions can lead to lasting results. Her interest in breathing techniques led her to become a certified Functional Breathing Instructor with The Oxygen Advantage. She now integrates breathwork into her clinical practice to help patients manage anxiety, stress, and overall well-being. In 2024, she launched Breathe In Health, offering coaching, workshops, and retreats to promote functional breathing. Dr. Charlton also hosts Prescribing Lifestyle, a podcast educating listeners about the importance of lifestyle changes and featuring inspiring interviews. Passionate about empowering others, she is dedicated to helping patients thrive through holistic, practical approaches to health. Connect with Dr. Avi Charlton Website | breatheinhealth.com.au Facebook | www.facebook.com/people/Breathe-In-Health Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/avi-charlton Instagram | @breathe.in.health Youtube | www.youtube.com/@avicharlton See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Fighting for Better Care: The Endometriosis Journey with Donna Ciccia

  Did you know that endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 7 Australian women by age 49, yet diagnosis can still take over six years on average? In this episode, Donna Ciccia, a health advocate and co-founder of Endometriosis Australia shares her powerful journey in founding the organisation and fighting for better outcomes for people with endometriosis. She opens up about the personal challenges that led her to take action, from living with chronic pain to juggling motherhood and managing her health. Donna discusses how a small online community of just 20 people has grown into a nationwide movement that helped launch the National Action Plan for Endometriosis, significantly improving awareness, research funding, and diagnosis timelines. She highlights the urgent need for personalised, interdisciplinary care, greater investment in research including into the microbiome, nutrition, and environmental triggers and improved access to diagnosis and treatment options. With honesty, warmth, and grit, Donna underscores the physical, emotional and financial toll of endo, while offering hope and practical pathways for others to advocate for themselves and build supportive networks. Don’t miss this eye-opening episode where Donna Ciccia shares hard-earned lessons on advocacy, resilience, and how collective action is transforming the future for Australians living with endometriosis. Episode Highlights: How Donna co-founded Endometriosis Australia from a grassroots idea The early challenges of building a community and raising awareness around endometriosis Shocking statistics on endo diagnosis Why personalised, interdisciplinary care is essential for endo patients The impact of endometriosis on work, relationships, and mental health The importance of menstrual health literacy and breaking generational myths How Australia became a global leader in endometriosis research and data Donna’s insights on integrating natural therapies with conventional medicine The role of pelvic physiotherapy and nutrition in managing chronic pain Her advocacy for a subspecialty in complex gynaecology Exciting developments like the Charli app and AI-based ultrasound for endo Donna’s thoughts on future treatments, including GLP-1 medications and microbiome research Practical advice for self-advocacy and finding the right support as a patient Her mission is to empower women and lift up other not-for-profit founders About Our Guest: Donna Ciccia is a dedicated health advocate with over 15 years of experience in non-profit leadership, specialising in women's health and chronic illness. As Deputy Chair and Co-Founder of Endometriosis Australia, Director at Chronic Pain Australia, and Director at Long COVID Australia, she has spearheaded national awareness campaigns, influenced health policy, and secured significant research funding. Passionate about amplifying patient voices, Donna is committed to driving systemic change in healthcare. Connect with Donna Ciccia Website | www.donnaciccia.com.au and endometriosisaustralia.org Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ciccia Facebook | www.facebook.com/donnaciccia Instagram | @donna_ciccia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Healing Beyond the Diagnosis: Fertility, Trauma & the Wisdom of the Body with Nicole Lange

  When you help, you see life as weak; when you fix, you see life as broken—but when you're in service, you see life as whole and beautiful. In this episode, Nicole Lange, a fertility and trauma-focused acupuncturist and founder of Life Healing Life, discusses her holistic approach to women’s health. Drawing from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Nicole explains how she integrates acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle support to help women navigate fertility challenges, trauma, and obesity. She shares how her practice focuses on identifying and treating patterns of imbalance rather than just symptoms, emphasizing a collaborative, person-centered model of healing. Nicole discusses the profound mind-body connection, the significance of trauma in health outcomes, and how Eastern and Western approaches can complement each other. Her analogies, like the "fire under the kettle," illustrate how digestion, emotions, and trauma are interlinked. She also highlights the importance of self-awareness, seasonal eating, and patient empowerment in achieving sustainable health outcomes. Tune in to hear Nicole Lange share powerful insights on healing fertility, trauma, and women's health through the lens of Chinese medicine and holistic care. Episode Highlights: How Nicole Lange developed her holistic, service-based approach to healing The philosophy behind “Life Healing Life” and why healing isn't about fixing The connection between trauma, fertility struggles, and women’s health Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine with evidence-based Western practices Explanation of how the “kettle” analogy represents digestion, stress, and imbalance The impact of chronic stress and complex trauma on fertility and weight Importance of addressing each patient’s unique constitution and pattern of imbalance How acupuncture supports fertility, digestion, emotional health, and trauma healing The role of seasonal eating and thought patterns in TCM dietary guidance Real-life outcomes from combining holistic treatment with IVF or weight loss journeys Why understanding and trusting your body is key to long-term healing Nicole’s online offerings to help patients understand and heal their own patterns About Our Guest: Nicole Lange is an acupuncturist, educator, and thought leader who has specialized exclusively in fertility, trauma, pregnancy, and post-infertility care in Minneapolis Minnesota. Through her personal healing journey and two decades of clinical practice, she has developed a groundbreaking approach that integrates cutting-edge science with Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. Her revolutionary clinical method emphasizes: Deep listening and personalized care Nuanced, science-backed education Trauma-informed practices that enhance nervous system regulation TCM techniques applied with modern understanding True integration of body, mind, and life circumstances Show note links: Nicole’s online education — programs, mini-courses, blog, youtube channel can all be found at: https://www.lifehealinglife.com/online-fertility-education Fertility Freebies! https://www.lifehealinglife.com/fertility-freebies Code for $10 off any of Nicole’s online program for podcast listeners: LHLPOD10 Connect with Nicole Lange Website | www.lifehealinglife.com Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-lange Instagram | @notafixer Youtube | www.youtube.com/@thebabyyouwant See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Unlocking Hormones, Health & Happiness in Midlife with Dr. Lucy Burns

  Did you know that declining oestrogen levels during perimenopause can significantly impact not just mood and memory, but also increase the risk of metabolic conditions like insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease? In this episode, Dr. Lucy Burns, a GP with extensive experience in metabolic health, mental health, and menopause, discusses the intricate connections between hormonal changes, ADHD, binge eating, and metabolic dysfunction in midlife women. She explains how fluctuating oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can exacerbate cognitive issues, emotional regulation, and insulin resistance, often triggering a cascade of physical and mental health challenges. Dr. Burns highlights the need for individualized, holistic care that considers the complex interplay of sleep, nutrition, stress, and strength training, emphasizing that weight management is about chemistry—not just calories. She shares insights from her work with Real Life Medicine and RLM Telehealth, offering wraparound care tailored to each woman’s unique needs, and encourages listeners to take proactive steps to support their long-term health and vitality. Tune in to discover how understanding the connection between hormones, mental health, and metabolism can transform your midlife health journey. Episode Highlights: How Lucy expanded from general practice into metabolic health, mental health, and menopause The impact of perimenopause and menopause on metabolic and emotional health The link between ADHD, binge eating disorder, and hormonal changes Why estrogen is critical for brain function, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation control The role of strength training and nutrition in managing midlife weight and metabolic health How sleep deprivation sabotages metabolic and emotional well-being Importance of individualized care and uncovering the root causes of health issues Lucy’s approach to wraparound care through her Real Life Medicine and RLM Telehealth clinics How lifestyle medicine and mindset shifts can reduce reliance on medication The value of proactive hormone therapy in managing menopause symptoms and long-term health About Our Guest: Dr Lucy Burns is passionate about health. She helps women who have tried every diet under the sun optimise their health and achieve long lasting weight loss by improving metabolism and managing mindset so they can reduce the effects of chronic disease, have more energy and confidence and stop living life on the sidelines. Her passion is lifestyle medicine and using it with traditional medicine to improve patient outcomes. Her mantra with medication is always to use the lowest effective dose and optimising lifestyle allows that to happen. She was an “expert dieter” and an “expert emotional eater”. During perimenopause, she developed obesity, fatty liver and pre-diabetes. As a medical doctor, this was mortifying. She has completely abandoned traditional dieting and embraces a real food lifestyle. Dr Lucy is a medical doctor, an accredited mental health GP and a certified lifestyle medicine physician. She has additional training in various facets of medical care, including metabolic health, menopause care, psychological medicine, and hypnotherapy. She runs online holistic health and weight programs with her colleague Dr Mary Barson. They have now helped thousands of women reclaim their health. They are both very real and relatable and embody their company name - Real Life Medicine. www.rlmedicine.com She is also the founder of RLM telehealth and has a small team of doctors who are passionate about providing collaborative care Australia-wide www.rlmtelehealth.com Connect with Lillian Dino Website | www.rlmedicine.com and www.rlmtelehealth.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/reallifemedicine Instagram | @real_life_medicine Join their online programs! The 4 week Body Rebalance - https://www.rlmedicine.com/4wbrThe 12 week program - www.rlmedicine.com/12WMBR Click here for free resources! The Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast Free Ebook Weight Loss is all about Hormones 👉 https://www.rlmedicine.com/weightloss-ebook Menopause Checklist 👉 https://www.rlmedicine.com/checklistSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• The Truth About GLP-1s: What No One Tells You with Ana Reisdorf

  Over 80% of people regain weight within a year after stopping GLP-1 medications—yet few receive the guidance needed to prevent it. In this episode, Ana Reisdorf, a seasoned registered dietitian from the U.S. and founder of RWS Content and Strategy, shares her personal and professional journey with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for weight management. Drawing on her background in bariatrics and health writing, Ana reflects on the initial excitement and misconceptions she had about the medication, the rapid weight loss she experienced, and the challenges of maintaining that weight after stopping treatment. She discusses the critical need for nutritional education, muscle preservation, and holistic support for patients using these medications long-term. She also emphasizes the importance of proper medical guidance, the risk of misinformation, especially in online spaces and the evolving role of healthcare professionals, including dietitians, in the obesity and metabolic health landscape. Tune in to hear a registered dietitian’s candid journey with GLP-1 medications—and the crucial insights every user needs but rarely gets. Episode Highlights: How Ana first heard about and began using GLP-1 medications after struggling with post-pregnancy weight Her initial misconceptions about the medication's purpose and long-term use The shift from personal use to professional advocacy and education in the GLP-1 space Common pitfalls users face, including nutrient deficiencies and muscle loss due to inadequate dietary support The emotional and psychological impact of reduced “food noise” and self-talk while on GLP-1s Comparisons between GLP-1s and bariatric surgery in terms of responsibility, lifestyle changes, and long-term outcomes The dangers of misinformation online and the lack of regulation in accessing GLP-1s digitally Why resistance training, balanced nutrition, and realistic expectations are vital for sustainable success The stigma and secrecy surrounding GLP-1 use, and how that shapes patient behavior Ana’s creation of the GLP-1 Hub and her mission to bring evidence-based, empathetic guidance to this fast-evolving field About Our Guest: Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD is a registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience, specializing in nutrition, wellness content, and digital marketing. She is the founder of RWS: Content + Strategy, an agency dedicated to creating evidence-based SEO content for health and wellness brands. Ana also hosts the GLP-1 Hub podcast and manages thriving online communities, helping dietitians and consumers achieve their health and business goals through practical, engaging resources. Connect with Ana Reisdorf Website | www.anareisdorf.com and www.glp-1hub.com Linked In | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-reisdorf-content-strategist Facebook | www.facebook.com/rws.content.strategy Instagram | @active_to_passive and @glp1hub Youtube | www.youtube.com/@GLP-1hub You can also listen to her podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2455627See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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