Australian Weight Loss Surgery Podcast

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

  Did you know that declining estrogen 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 estrogen 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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• Breaking the Weight of Stigma: Real Voices from the Weight Issues Network

  Obesity isn’t just about weight, it's about stigma, access to care, and the power of lived experience to drive real change. In this episode, Andrew Wilson and Theresa Thompson from WIN (Weight Issues Network), an Australian organisation led by individuals with lived experience of obesity, share WIN's mission to challenge weight stigma, improve healthcare equity, and advocate for holistic and accessible treatment options. Andrew and Theresa share insights on the systemic issues surrounding obesity care, including the damaging effects of stigma, the lack of multidisciplinary support, and the eight-year average delay before people seek professional help. They also highlight WIN’s initiatives, such as peer support groups, leadership development, advocacy training, and digital outreach, all aimed at empowering individuals and shifting public and medical perceptions. This will emphasise the power of storytelling and community in creating change and fostering understanding in both healthcare and society at large. Tune in to hear how real stories and advocacy from the Weight Issues Network are reshaping the conversation around obesity and healthcare in Australia. Episode Highlights: Introduction to WIN (Weight Issues Network) and its origins The role of lived experience in combating weight stigma and misinformation Staggering average delay of 8 years before individuals seek professional help for obesity How stigma—both internal and external—is the biggest barrier to care The need for a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to obesity treatment Challenges accessing weight loss treatments like pharmacotherapy and surgery in public healthcare WIN’s advocacy work in policy, media representation, and health professional training The psychological toll of weight cycling and internalised shame Importance of storytelling and lived experience in healthcare reform Overview of WIN’s support programs, including monthly meetups and leadership groups Emphasis on safe spaces and empowering people to share their stories The impact of media and public perception on those living in larger bodies Discussion on the lack of funding and services tailored for people with obesity Call for systemic change and more inclusive, compassionate healthcare solutions How to join WIN and the supportive, cost-free community they provide About Our Guest: Weight Issues Network (WIN) champions the lived experience voice of people who have experienced living in a larger body. They advocate for imperative, effective changes in all systems, particularly healthcare; to ensure obesity is stigma-free and treated appropriately. Andrew Wilson has been involved with WIN since its inception, and has been pivotal in its successes to date. He is a natural advocate and supporter of equality; who's story has influenced many important change-makers already. Theresa Thompson is a business-savvy advocate for equality who's lived experience and leadership skills are helping scale WIN to become an essential tool in not only policy-change, but for the community as a whole. Connect with WIN Website | weightissuesnetwork.org Facebook | www.facebook.com/WeightIssuesNetwork Instagram | @weightissuesnetwork Linked In | www.linkedin.com/company/weight-issues-network See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• When Bariatric Surgery Becomes the Only Option: Jess Unsworth Patient Story

  What really happens when someone chooses weight loss surgery? Is it a quick fix or the result of years of trying everything else first? In this episode, Jess Unsworth shares her honest journey through weight struggles, medical challenges, and finally, her decision to have bariatric surgery. Jess talks about her work in emergency services, the toll it took on her body, and the frustration of dealing with PCOS and insulin resistance. She opens up about the emotional weight of feeling like she had run out of options after years of trying diets and even experiencing severe side effects from Ozempic. With her husband having undergone the same surgery, Jess had a close-up look at both the benefits and difficulties. Jess breaks down common misconceptions about bariatric surgery, explores what recovery looks like, and talks about the ongoing emotional and physical work involved in healing, eating, and maintaining balance post-op. Jess also discusses the unexpected changes to taste, food tolerance, and her evolving relationship with food after surgery. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to go through weight loss surgery or are considering it yourself, this episode will give you a real-world view—without sugarcoating it. Episode Highlights: Jess’s medical background and reasons for surgery The impact of PCOS and insulin resistance on weight Side effects and hospital stay after Ozempic Emotional journey to accepting surgery as a final option Public misconceptions about weight loss surgery Differences in post-op food tolerance and cravings Long-term mental and physical adjustments after surgery How Jess maintains her health and food mindset now The importance of community and shared patient stories How weight and conditions like PCOS and endometriosis affect fertility. Jess expressed the mixed emotions around receiving compliments post-surgery Setting boundaries around food, like stopping when full About Our Guest: Jess Unsworth is an experienced emergency management professional with over 13 years of service across prevention, preparedness, and response roles in the emergency services sector. She brings a deep sense of purpose to her work, finding meaning in supporting communities during crises and helping smooth the path back to normality after major events. As recognition of her contributions, she received the National Emergency Medal for her work during the 2019–2020 Bushfires. She has a strong background in leadership and team management, with proven expertise in stakeholder engagement, policy and procedure development, and operational response. Among her notable achievements are training staff in the activation of Community Fire Refuges following the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, and leading efforts to streamline processes within the State Control Centre to ensure timely delivery of critical information. Connect with Jess Unsworth Instagram | @its_jessunsworth See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Breaking the Fertility-Obesity Cycle with Dr. Toby Angstmann

  Obesity is one of the risk factors affecting fertility—and tackling it together as a couple can make all the difference. In this episode, Dr Toby Angstmann, an experienced fertility specialist at Flinders Fertility, explores the intricate relationship between obesity and fertility. Dr. Angstmann discusses how factors like age, PCOS, and hormonal disruption linked to obesity can significantly impact reproductive health, with both female and male fertility facing notable challenges. He emphasises the importance of tailored medical advice, collaborative weight loss efforts among partners, and the critical role of nutrition and metabolic health in pregnancy preparation. Dr. Angstmann also highlights bariatric surgery's potential to reverse fertility complications, the importance of fertility preservation strategies, including egg freezing, and the collaborative approach involving various healthcare providers to support individuals on their fertility journeys. Listen now to learn how to navigate the journey to parenthood with confidence and get the expert advice you need from Dr. Toby Angstmann, a leading fertility specialist. Episode Highlights: About Dr Toby Angstmann Obesity and fertility challenges Medical consequences of obesity on fertility Treatment approaches and support on fertility in obesity Nutrition and pregnancy preparation About bariatric surgery and pregnancy Fertility preservation and future planning About Our Guest: Dr Toby Angstmann is an experienced fertility specialist at Flinders Fertility, Adelaide, SA. His interests are in metabolic fertility disorders, male factor subfertility, endometriosis and complex infertility. After time in the Defence Forces, he gained his medical degree at the University of Sydney and holds a Master's in Reproductive Medicine from the UNSW. Something of a polymath, he also has qualifications in forensic medicine and clinical ultrasound. In addition to his medical pursuits, he also set up an award-winning gin and vodka distillery! Toby follows the latest science and techniques around IVF and firmly supports complementary therapies for wellbeing. Connect with Dr Toby Angstmann Website | flindersfertility.com.au Instagram | @doctor.tobyangstmann Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/tobias-angstmann See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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