It’s no secret that America is facing an obesity crisis. But is there hope on the horizon? The new wave of weight-loss medications — Wegovy and Zepbound  — certainly seem to be game changers. Whereas previous options helped people lose only around 5% of their weight, these new medications can lead to up to 22% weight loss. But you’re not alone if you have questions. In this episode, we discuss everything we know (and don’t yet know) about the new class of weight-loss medications.Expert: Dr. Garth Davis, Weight Loss SurgeonInterviewer: Zach MooreNotable topics covered: How weight-loss medication compares to bariatric surgeryWeight-loss medications vs. supplementsThe many reasons why losing weight often isn’t as simple as diet and exercise How the new wave of weight-loss medications workAll about GLP-1 agonists, including why achieving “the GLP-1 effect” promotes weight lossWho should consider taking these medications? And are they covered by insurance? Just one tool to get weight off: why diet and exercise still matterWill you need to stay on this medication forever?How these medications also benefit heart health, type 2 diabetes management and moreThe potential side effects of weight-loss medicationsIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Statistics show nearly 2 in 5 U.S. adults have high cholesterol, the excess of fat in the blood that can raise the risk of heart disease. For decades, people were told that foods high in cholesterol — eggs and butter, for example — were the major culprits. Now dietary cholesterol is thought to play only a minor role. So what are the real causes of high cholesterol, which lab results are most meaningful and what can you do to improve your numbers? In this episode, we talk to a preventive cardiologist about the revolutionary new thinking regarding cholesterol.Expert: Dr. Khurram Nasir, CardiologistInterviewer: Todd AckermanNotable topics covered:The essential functions cholesterol serves in the human bodyHow too much cholesterol sticks to the arteries and wreaks havocShocking statistics about people's lack of cholesterol awarenessLDL, HDL, triglycerides: what they mean, how important each isAre high levels of so-called good cholesterol actually not good?How often is cholesterol a result of genetics? How much is under your control?New kid on the block: lipoprotein(a) as an emerging risk factorWhat are the best diets for keeping cholesterol in the desired range?The heart scan that tells whether you might not need cholesterol testingStatins: Should more people be on them? Can you ever get off them?If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Running may get all the hype, but walking is Americans’ favorite form of exercise, according to numerous surveys. It’s low-impact, free and easy to get started, and it provides both long-term health benefits and the chance to unwind and recharge. Whether you’re a seasoned walker or just getting started, how much do you really know about the popular form of exercise? In this episode, we learn what matters most when it comes to using walks to better your health.Expert: Jonathan Williams, Fitness CoordinatorInterviewer: Zach Moore                      Notable topics covered: The varied health benefits of walking What makes for a good walk? Why walking posture matters (and what it should look like) Think walking is pretty basic? The way you plant your feet is important Is it better to walk fast or walk far? What type of walk is best for weight loss? Heart health? Mobility? The number of steps per day we should aim to reach Walking shoes: what to consider If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

There’s a lot to consider when deciding what’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Food choices often come down to personal and cultural tastes, our dietary needs and other factors such as time, money and access. And then there’s always the big, looming question: Is this food healthy for me? There’s only one way to find out: reading the food labels, including the Nutrition Facts. We discuss what you should (and shouldn’t) focus on as you debate whether that box of crackers goes into your shopping cart.  Experts: Mag Ayyad, Clinical Exercise DietitianInterviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-WeberNotable topics covered:Why you should turn that food packaging aroundThe top five things to look for when reading the Nutrition FactsHow to use serving size effectivelyMacronutrients:  What you should eat more of and what you should limitIs the “Percent Daily Value” metric helpful or hurtful when evaluating a food?How to tell how natural a product is (or isn’t) and other lessons from the ingredients listYes, front-of-packaging label claims are regulated, but that's not the whole story ...Which grocery aisles are the most deceptive in portraying themselves as healthy?Buying organic: Are the supposed benefits worth the higher cost?Are expiration or best-by dates canon, or just mere suggestions?What to do if you need extra help with your dietIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Achy knees that creep up on you with age. Lower back pain from overdoing it in the gym. Joint pain doesn’t just disrupt your day to day, it can be tricky to course correct. Should you stop exercising for a few days? Modify your workouts until the pain resolves? Could extra stretching and foam rolling do the trick? And when is it time to see a physical therapist? In this episode, we discuss all things joint pain, including effective strategies for relieving and preventing it. Experts: Dr. Scott Rand, Sports Medicine Physician Corbin Hedt, Physical Therapist Interviewer: Katie McCallumNotable topics covered: Muscle soreness vs. joint pain vs. injury: How to tell the difference The most common reasons we develop joint pain Could the cause of your knee pain be hiding in your hips? More examples of how joint pain often isn’t as simple as the area in question Can you be genetically predisposed to joint pain? Everything you need to know about physical therapy “Your muscles aren’t tight, they’re weak.” Are foam rollers and massage guns worthwhile? The surprising percentage of people who have back pain Workout rule No. 1: Don’t neglect the basics If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

It’s Halloween, which caps a month of people watching their favorite scary movies, braving haunted houses and generally celebrating all things spooky. Is it normal to seek out things that frighten us? Aren’t we wired to avoid them instead? The mix of chemicals the brain releases is no different whether the fear is real or fictitious so what accounts for the difference between getting a rush and feeling terrorized? In this episode, we talk to a neuroscientist and Halloween enthusiast about what happens in the brain when we’re scared, the many distinct types of fear and why people either love or loathe the horror genre.  Expert: Dr. Philip Horner, Neuroscientist Interviewer: Todd Ackerman Notable topics covered: The appeal of a holiday dedicated to curdling blood and tingling spines Horror’s function: distraction, adrenaline release, overcoming fears Safety in numbers: Why we like watching a scary movie in a crowded theater Why humans, uniquely among species, are afraid of the dark Common phobias: From heights to public speaking to spiders to needles Children’s literature: Why many classic fairy tales are so dark Fear’s physical manifestations: Is it unhealthy to be terrified? What fight or flight situations and existential anxiety have in common   Some classic scientific studies of fear Is that seemingly universal fear innate or learned? The woman whose brain condition has made her fearless. Literally. Nightmares: Why things that didn’t scare us in life do in our dreams  If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

An estimated 80% of moms experience “mom brain,” the forgetfulness and concentration difficulties that come with pregnancy and motherhood. Ask a mom to describe the condition and she might mention anything from having a hard time finding words and engaging in conversation to lapses in judgment, missed appointments and emotional breakdowns. Science hasn’t quite caught up with how impactful mom brain can be on a woman’s work-life balance … yet. To understand what we know and what we’re still learning about mom brain, we talk to a clinical psychologist who is also a mom to two young girls.  Expert: Dr. Jessica Rohr, Clinical Psychologist, Director of Women’s Mental Health Interviewer: Melissa Schafer  Notable topics covered: Mom brain isn’t just a colloquialism: How the brain changes during pregnancy Why objective research findings don’t always match the subjective experiences of moms Why mom brain research is in its infancy: A deep dive into the historical exclusion of women in medical studies Whether “dad brain” also exists Neuroplasticity: One of the benefits that comes with the cognitive changes in motherhood Does mom brain ever go away? Navigating the shift from seeking perfection to simply being a good person and mother What spouses, loved ones and friends can do to support a new mother How to reframe conversations like, “I want you to want to do the dishes.” Tips, tools and workarounds for overcoming the challenges of mom brain If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

There's a reason headache is considered slang for "nuisance" or "annoyance." Simply put, they can wreak havoc on your day — or life, if you get them often. We're all bound to experience a headache at some point, but some people — 1 in 7 globally — suffer from migraine, the usually recurrent, particularly throbbing version. Migraine is considered the third most common condition in the world, but it remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. So how do you know if that nagging headache is actually a migraine — and what you can do about it? In this episode, we learn when it's time to get help as we talk all things migraine with a neurologist.Expert: Dr. Julia Jones, NeurologistInterviewer: Kim Rivera Huston-WeberNotable topics covered:What is a headache, what is a migraine, and where is there overlap? Which headache types are most often confused with migraine Migraine causes compared to other headache types The most common (and not-so-common) migraine triggers Do other conditions make people think they have migraines when they don't? When to seek care for headache or migraine What home remedies work for managing a migraine Migraine treatments — both for active migraines and preventive treatments What can people do to prevent migraines? Can someone be "cured" of migraines? If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Almost half of adults have high blood pressure — the “silent killer” — so you’re not alone if you’re concerned yours isn’t in a healthy range. Medication might seem the obvious course of action, but it’s not the only way to lower your numbers, whether they’re already in the dangerous zone or just starting to creep up. In fact, there’s a lot you can do to prevent and lower high blood pressure — and even get off medication if that’s your goal. In this episode, a preventive cardiologist explains how the choices you make every day affect your blood pressure and offers strategies for maintaining healthy numbers.Expert: Dr. Sadeer Al-Kindi, Preventive Cardiologist Interviewer: Katie McCallum Notable topics covered: How high blood pressure’s effect on arteries resembles pipe corrosion in the oil industry It’s not just stroke and heart disease – high blood pressure can also affect the kidneys and brain The lifestyle factors that help prevent and lower high blood pressure It’s never too late to reverse high blood pressure The single best thing you can do to lower your blood pressure Whether behavior changes are enough to help avoid or get off blood pressure medication Is vaping as bad for blood pressure as smoking? You may not think you’re getting that much salt, but are you reading food labels? How much you can expect your blood pressure to drop if you get down to a healthy weight Actionable ways to achieve the lifestyle needed to maintain a healthy blood pressure If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Most everyone knows acute inflammation, that short-lived redness and swelling that characterizes the healing process in response to injury or infection. But you may not be so familiar with chronic inflammation, a low-grade, insidious condition linked to the biggest killers of Western world, including heart disease, stroke, cancer and Alzheimer's disease. A constant state of immune system overactivity, chronic inflammation is all but invisible, meaning people typically don't know they have it until disease has developed. Are there telltale signs? And what can you do to prevent it? In this episode, we learn about the condition the World Health Organization ranks as the greatest threat to human health.Expert: Dr. Joshua Septimus, Primary Care PhysicianInterviewer: Todd AckermanNotable topics covered:What we know about how chronic inflammation causes disease Why it took so long for low-grade inflammation to come into the chronic disease spotlight Do the "-itises" (sinusitis, colitis, tendonitis) have anything to do with chronic inflammation? The link between processed food and the risk of low-grade inflammation The best test to determine if you have chronic inflammation Are there pharmaceutical treatments targeted at chronic inflammation? It's not just what you eat — the other factors that can promote low-grade inflammation Does being significantly overweight always predispose a person to chronic inflammation? The best dietary approach to prevent chronic inflammationIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Hosts Zach Moore, Katie McCallum, Todd Ackerman and Kim Rivera Huston-Weber kick off the new season of On Health with Houston Methodist. Each week, we'll be joined by a Houston Methodist expert to explore an everyday wellness trend or significant health topic. Stay tuned for episodes on everything from whether it's better to walk fast or walk far to how to tell a headache from a migraine to what to do when your joints start aching. Also on the schedule: tips for reading food labels and a Halloween special on the science of fear. Episodes drop every Tuesday morning for the next 10 weeks.If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Christen Press, Catarina Macario, Vivianne Miedema, Leah Williamson, Beth Mead, Janine Beckie — some of the biggest names in soccer will be missing the 2023 Women’s World Cup due to ACL injuries alone. The frequency of the injury in women’s soccer has been talked about for decades, but are ACL tears on the rise? And why is this devastating injury so prevalent in the women’s game specifically? In this episode, we ask a physical therapist and former women’s professional soccer player for her perspective on the issue and path moving forward.  Hosts: Katie McCallum (interviewer), John Dabkowski Expert: Jordan Jackson, Physical Therapist and Former Professional Soccer Player Notable topics covered: From youth to club to pro soccer, Jordan weighs in on how she's seen injury shape careers Jordan never tore her ACL, but she also had a unique training experience growing up Are ACL tears in women’s soccer on the rise, or are we just hearing about them more now? Women are more likely to tear (and re-tear) their ACLs, but why? Moving beyond the conversation about women’s wider hips, knee valgus and quad/hamstring ratio Is wider adoption of movement training the key to reducing injuries? What the research says about menstrual cycles and injuries Why prevention and rehab strategies will need to be personalized Studying the benefit of movement training in girls’ youth sports The research says it all — now it’s time for meaningful change If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Heat, exercise, anxiety. There are a few things that make people sweat — more than we likely want, given how uncomfortable and embarrassing sweat can sometimes be. But what do you actually know about it? In this episode, we discuss everything from the important role sweating plays in your body to whether someone can sweat "too much" and everything in between. Hosts: Katie McCallum, John Dabkowski (interviewer) Expert: Mag Ayyad, Exercise Dietitian Notable topics covered: Why we sweat when we’re hot — and when we’re not Genetics, geography, activity level: What determines how much you sweat? The actual composition of sweat might surprise you Once you start sweating, how do you stop? Sweat and body odor: It’s not your sweat — per se — that smells How hygiene products can affect your sweat Everyone sweats. Or do they? Mag’s tips for heavy sweaters John and Katie do sweat tests (and share their results) If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Hot dogs are a classic summer cuisine. In fact, Americans will eat 150 million of them on the Fourth of July alone. But hot dogs, as well as other types of processed meat, have a dark side — they’re classified by the World Health Organization as a Group 1 carcinogen and linked to stomach and colorectal cancers, heart disease and more. If this is news to you, you're not alone. In this episode, we discuss everything from how processed meat affects the body to how much we can eat without taking on health risks. Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer) Expert: Dr. Valentine Millien, Gastroenterologist Notable topics covered: What counts as processed meat Why processed meat is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen What's in processed meat that makes it so bad for us? It's more than digestive issues — processed meat leads to inflammation throughout the body It's not a bad idea to let your doctor know if you've eaten a lot of it in your lifetime Deli meat, charcuterie, beef jerky: Are some types of processed meat less harmful? The truth about "nitrate-free" deli meat You don't have to stop eating processed meat, but how much is too much? Whether the deli meat sliced behind the counter is better than pre-packaged options Dr. Millien's recommendations for healthy swaps The importance of following colorectal cancer screening guidelines  If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

We all have go-to workout songs — ones you can always count on to help you get the darn thing done, no matter how unmotivated you are to exercise or how hard your workout gets. What is it about the connection between music and exercise? Is it just a way to distract us from the task at hand and make working out more bearable? Or does a song's tempo have a way of improving our physical performance? In this episode, we explore the effect music has on the brain and whether what we listen to can make for a more effective workout.Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallumExpert: Maegan Morrow, Senior Music TherapistNotable topics covered: How the brain senses and responds to music Beats per minute: How both heart rate and musical tempo are measured Why synchronizing your heart rate to a song's tempo makes for effective exercise How Maegan uses these principles to help rehabilitate brain injury patients in the ICU Whether the volume of what you listen to matters during a workout Tips for building the perfect workout playlist Ways to determine the beats per minute of your favorite songs Running vs. weightlifting vs. HIIT: Do you need different playlists for different types of exercise? Why your workout playlists need more than high tempo songs TV shows, audiobooks, podcasts: Does it matter if you don't listen to music?Links:On Health with Houston Methodist Workout PlaylistIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Dementia is older Americans' most feared diagnosis, according to surveys. This is understandable given that, by 2050, such diseases are projected to rob nearly 14 million people — more than twice the current number — of their memories, personalities, ability to function. Is it just fate or can you do anything to prevent dementia? In this episode, we explore the risk factors for dementia, lifestyle strategies and interventions to keep your brain healthy and whether cognitive impairment is inevitable if you live long enough. Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interviewer) Expert: Dr. Gustavo Román, Neurologist Notable topics covered: Alzheimer's and other types of dementia: The differences How much age related mental decline is to be expected? Blood flow: Its role in the development of dementia How much of dementia is determined by genetics When's a good age to implement prevention strategies? Should you get tested to see if you're at risk? The connection between hearing loss and dementia Can vitamins prevent or delay dementia symptoms? The best brain exercises aren't crosswords or word puzzles Research to develop statin-like drugs for the brainIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Ice cream is one of America's favorite desserts, but all those calories and sugars and fats have lots of people considering alternatives — keto ice cream, plant-based ice cream, frozen yogurt, gelato, sorbet, sherbet, their own homemade ice cream. But are any really healthier? And what's the taste trade-off? In this episode, we talk with a dietitian about how we're biologically wired to like ice cream, the secret ingredients in the alternatives and what's a healthy framework for enjoying dessert. Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallum Expert: Amanda Beaver, MS, RDN, LD, Wellness Dietitian Notable topics covered:The feel-good neurotransmitters that ice cream triggers in the brain Is there such a thing as a "healthy" amount of ice cream? Ice cream parlors vs. store-bought ice cream: Yes, there's a difference Sugar-free, keto, vegan: The new wave of "healthier" ice creams Ingredients substituted for sugar and fat and their potential downsides DIY: How to make healthier ice cream at home Gelato, froyo, soft serve, sorbet: Better choices than traditional ice cream? Ever heard of banana nice cream? Frozen chocolate-covered bananas? How to build a well-balanced smoothie Beaver's tips for getting satisfaction out of dessert without overdoing it If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Rainy day doldrums, sunny dispositions, winter blues — plenty of phrases suggest a link between weather and a person's mood. But how real is the connection? Can unpleasant conditions put you in a bad mood, a beautiful day in a good one? Why are some people more sensitive to the elements? And can past experiences with severe weather cause a kind of PTSD? We've got a jam-packed episode this week, covering everything from a psychologist's viewpoint on weather and mood to a high-profile weather expert's tips for preparing for hurricanes, flash-flooding and more.Hosts: Zach Moore, Katie McCallum (interviewer)Experts:Dr. William Orme, PsychologistEric Berger, Founder of Space City WeatherNotable topics covered:What research says about weather’s effect on a person’s disposition The complexities of mood and why it’s rarely as simple as one thing Berger’s take on the worst weather month in Houston  Seasonal affective disorder: When mood is definitely affected by the weather Can seasonal affective disorder happen in the summer? Dr. Orme’s tips for handling months of humidity and heat or cold and darkness The impact severe weather can have on mental health Tips for handling the stress and anxiety of severe weather Hurricane, flash-flooding, tornado, freeze: How to prepare in advance for a severe weather event Links:Space City Weather: https://spacecityweather.com/If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

Few diets have generated as much buzz as intermittent fasting, a way of eating that involves abstaining from food consumption on a regular schedule. Touted as about when you eat rather than what, it's gained great popularity as a means of weight loss. But its value beyond losing weight may be its promise of a host of other benefits — better heart health, improved cognitive function, blood sugar control, reduced inflammation, to name a few. Can not eating over fixed blocks of time really effect such wholesale improvements? In today's episode, we learn about the metabolic science of intermittent fasting and what it means for your body.Hosts: Zach Moore, Todd Ackerman (interviewer)Expert: Dr. Philip Horner, NeuroscientistNotable topics covered:Intermittent fasting: Is it really just a form of caloric restriction?The benefits of burning ketones (fats) instead of glucose (sugars)The changes that occur in your brain and throughout your body when you fastSpinal cord regeneration: The intermittent fasting research that got neuroscientists interestedThe evidence that intermittent fasting improves growth and repair states in multiple tissue types16/8, eat-stop-eat, 5/2: The primary types of intermittent fastingContrary to the hype, the quality of what you eat when fasting mattersTips for making intermittent fasting successfulWho shouldn't take on intermittent fastingHow intermittent fasting appears to improve gut bacteriaIf you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.

How do you know if you have sleep apnea? It’s common, with estimates suggesting that more than 20% of adults suffer from this sleep-related breathing disorder. Snoring is often assumed to be the primary sleep apnea symptom. But if you don’t snore, does that mean you’re in the clear? In today’s episode, we cover the most common signs of sleep apnea, why it leads to more than just bad sleep and how sleep apnea is diagnosed and treated.Hosts: Zach Moore (interviewer), Katie McCallumExpert: Dr. Philip Pirtle, Pulmonologist and Sleep Medicine SpecialistNotable topics covered:There’s more to sleep apnea than just snoring The other (potentially more common) sleep apnea symptoms How sleep apnea strains the heart, lungs and more Whether there’s a hereditary component to sleep apnea Sleep studies: What to expect and how they aid in sleep apnea diagnosis How the severity of sleep apnea is determined  High blood pressure, heart attack, stroke: The consequences of not treating sleep apnea All about CPAP machines, the best way to treat sleep apnea Dr. Pirtle’s other tips for alleviating the symptoms of sleep apnea If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.