Few health topics get more oversimplified than weight gain and weight loss. Poor diet and lack of exercise take the brunt of the blame — and while these can of course contribute to weight gain or sabotage weight loss, the reality is far more complex. In this episode, we unpack the assortment of factors that influence weight — from metabolism and genetics to mood and sleep. We also challenge conventional wisdom around weight loss goals and discuss why a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for most people.

Expert: Kimberly Gallien, Licensed Social Worker, Houston Methodist Center for Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery

Notable topics covered:

• Think weight loss is just about losing weight? Think again.
• The myth of “just get off the couch” — why it’s not that simple
• How focusing on an end-goal weight can actually derail weight loss
• Why “planning power” is for more effective than willpower
• The importance of consistent micro-adjustments to your routine
• Movement vs. exercise — and why both matter
• When BMI is helpful and when it’s not
• Why a healthy weight range is more realistic than a single number
• Weight management strategies should evolve over time
• Taking action: Making the shift from knowing to doing
• Embracing the idea that health is a journey, not a destination

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Wireless headphones and earbuds have become a part of everyday life: commuting, gym workouts, video calls, even sleep aids. But while they’ve made listening more personal and portable, that convenience comes with a risk. Audiologists are reporting a rise in noise-induced hearing loss linked to unsafe listening practices, particularly among younger people. So how much sound can your ears really handle? Is noise-induced hearing damage ever reversible? And what habits will protect your hearing so you don’t have to stop using your headphones? In this episode, we break down the dangers and share expert advice on listening safely.

Expert: Dr. Kelsey Roy, Audiologist

Notable topics covered:

• A primer on the different types of personal listening devices
• Statistics on noise-induced hearing loss in the wireless headphone era
• Are earbuds more dangerous because they go directly in the ear canal?
• How loud, how long: The lowdown on boundaries for listening to headphones safely
• Podcasts and audio books can’t cause as much damage as music, can they?
• Why noise-cancelling headphones are a good way to go
• Is falling asleep listening to earbuds dangerous?
• The cumulative effect of decades of listening to headphones
• The early warning signs your headphones are hurting your hearing
• Does headphone overuse exhaust and put pressure on the brain?

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“Eat in moderation.” It’s a phrase that’s often tossed around but rarely defined — leaving each of us to interpret this vague guideline on our own. In this episode, we dig into the meaning behind the mantra. From portion sizing and balancing macronutrients to figuring out how many “cheat meals” per week is too many, we explore how moderation should play out in real life.

Expert: Kristen Wright, Registered Dietitian

Notable topics covered:

• Why moderation isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach
• The power of balancing fun foods with fuel foods
• Where do calories fit in the moderation equation?
• How to tackle today’s enormous portion sizes
• Tips for analyzing food noise and becoming an intuitive eater
• How to build a balanced plate at mealtime and snack time
• The consequences of restricting (or overemphasizing) certain macronutrients
• The truth about cheat meals
• Food psychology: The problem with restricting foods we’re craving
• Why a healthy diet is just consistency over time

If you enjoy these kinds of conversations, be sure to subscribe. And for more topics like this, visit our blog at houstonmethodist.org/blog.