Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast

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 t...

Insulin resistance is common, serious and often missed  and in this episode Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns break it down in plain language so you can actually do something about it. You’ll learn what insulin resistance really is, why “normal” blood sugars can still mean trouble, the everyday signs your body is giving you, and the six simple Ss that help you lower insulin,...

If resolutions worked, you wouldn’t need to make them every year. Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns unpack why most New Year’s resolutions fail and what to do instead in this episode of The Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast. Learn how concepts like the gap and the gain, micro clean slates, and the four-wheel-drive model can help you reset, build momentum, and make change feel achievab...

Ever wondered why weight loss competitions seem like a good idea but might actually be doing more harm than good? In this episode, Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barson break down why these "motivating" challenges are really just diet culture in disguise. You'll learn the red flags to watch out for, why shame doesn't lead to lasting change, and what actually works for long-term health. If you've ever f...

Want to live longer and feel better without wasting money on shiny “biohacks”? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns unpack what real longevity looks like – not just more years, but better years – and share the simple “Six S” foundations that protect your DNA, hormones, brain and metabolism: real food, sleep, strength, stress management, social conne...

Do you really need that post-workout protein shake, or is real food (and simple habits) enough for great health? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns unpack the difference between training for performance and training for health, explain why “gym bro” advice often doesn’t suit everyday women, and show how small, consistent choices like fasting, strength work and low-...

Learn when supplements like chromium and milk thistle might help and when they won’t! Like many supplements, they’re not magic fixes! Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns explain why real food, good sleep and movement matter most for your health and weight loss. You’ll find out what to look out for before spending money on supplements, plus get their easy six steps for success you ca...

Get ready for tips you can use! In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns share simple ways to enjoy Christmas without feeling stressed by food, family, or parties. You’ll learn how to dodge sneaky marketing tricks, handle emotional eating, and pick healthy treats that taste good. Listen for practical steps to stay focused on your health goals while having fun, plus find out about a...

Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barson open up about why diets don’t work - and why being “perfectly thin” isn’t the goal. They share their own real-life struggles with weight and health, bust common myths from diet culture, and explain why being healthy on the inside matters far more than looking a certain way. You’ll also learn simple, science-backed strategies to break f...

Join Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns as they celebrate five years of podcasting and share what they've learned along the way. Discover why low-carb diets aren't the only answer, how diet culture has kept women trapped in guilt and shame, and why being thin doesn't equal being healthy. Learn about the surprising role that trauma plays in weight gain and why the old "eat less, move more" advice set...

Dr Lucy Burns talks with money mindset expert Denise Duffield-Thomas about ADHD, perimenopause, and how women can change their relationship with money. Discover how ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women until perimenopause hits, why getting a diagnosis can be life-changing, and practical ways to stop self-sabotaging behaviours around money. Learn why women's work is often undervalued, how to break...

Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns cut through the confusion around fasting, protein, and what really works for women. You'll learn how to balance intermittent fasting with your protein needs, why you shouldn't worry about hitting protein targets on fasting days but must prioritise them on eating days, and discover common fasting mistakes like going "too fast and furious" before your body is ready....

Wondering how much protein you really need each day? In this episode, Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barson clear up the confusion around protein intake and explain why hitting your protein target matters for your health. You'll learn a simple rule of thumb for calculating your daily protein needs, discover why protein is essential for controlling hunger, managing blood sugar, and preventing muscle los...

This episode tackles a sneaky trap that keeps many people stuck in the dieting cycle: all-or-nothing perfectionism. Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns explain why waiting for the perfect time to start or expecting yourself to be perfect is sabotaging your health goals. Listeners will learn how to break free from the mindset that says you're either doing it perfectly or you're a failure, discover why...

Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns tackle the tricky "holiday mindset" that can sabotage health goals when people go away. Discover why having more time doesn't automatically mean eating better and learn practical strategies to enjoy holidays without throwing your health plans out the window. The doctors share real examples of intentional food choices whilst travelling, from pints of Guinness in Dub...

Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns tackle the deep-rooted belief that you must "clean your plate" because children are starving elsewhere. Discover why this childhood message creates guilt, shame, and disconnects you from hunger signals, plus learn the powerful mantra "my body is not the bin". Get practical strategies like using smaller plates, saving leftovers for later, and changing "I can't eat t...

Have you ever wondered why you make some choices? It feels like you sabotage all your good efforts.  Many people know what they need to do for long-lasting health and weight management, but implementing that knowledge can feel impossible. This is where the mind management comes in.  Dr Mary and Dr Lucy talk about how to handle difficult moments and big feelings without emotional eating....

Struggling to stick with healthy habits? In this episode, Dr Mary and Dr Lucy talk about real life barriers that get in the way of better health, from busy schedules to perfectionism and tiredness. Learn smart, simple ways to keep going, even when it feels tough. You’ll get practical tips for making changes that actually fit your life, plus easy ideas for food and movement. Listen in to find...

Feeling overwhelmed trying to get healthy? Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns share real talk on handling stress, weight, and health without chasing perfection. Learn simple tricks, like easy breakfasts and tiny habits, that make it possible to start feeling better without pressure. Tune in for mindset tips and practical steps anyone can do—even when life gets messy. Find out how to stop feeli...

Dr Lucy sits down with Lifestyle Medicine doctor Jeremy Lim to unpack men’s health, metabolic health, and why lifestyle changes beat quick fixes every time. They chat about the rise of weight loss medications, the role of telehealth in supporting men, and Jeremy’s practical 3 E’s framework—Education, Engagement, and Encircling—a simple but powerful way to take charge...

Struggling with yo-yo dieting and turning to food when stressed? Kate Smith's story will resonate with anyone who's felt trapped in the cycle of binge eating and starting over. In this episode, Kate shares how years of fluctuating between strict training regimes and complete blow-outs left her health suffering, especially during stressful times like university. Discover how attending a low carb ro...

From feeling flat and unwell to thriving with energy, Bronwyn Johnstone shares the simple changes that transformed her health and her life. Dr Mary chats with Bronwyn, a fertility nurse and very busy human—mum of boys, with a husband who’s “not really retired.” After years of struggling with her health, she made gradual, sustainable changes that have completely turned her l...

Kidney disease often develops silently—with no symptoms until you've lost up to 90% of function. But that doesn’t mean it’s irreversible. Dr. Karen Dwyer, a kidney specialist with over 20 years' experience, reveals how most kidney disease, high blood pressure and diabetes share the same root cause: poor metabolic health. You'll learn why the old advice to limit protein with kidne...

Dr. Lucy Burns talks with Helen New, a Melbourne Pilates instructor, about her real menopause journey and how she had to fight for proper care. Helen shares her struggles with exhaustion, mood changes, and joint pain that well-meaning doctors kept getting wrong, plus the tough moment when she sat crying in her GP's office asking for help. You'll learn how to recognise important signs that might be...

Discover how Danielle and Corey transformed their lives and built a successful business by ditching processed foods and embracing real, whole foods. In this eye-opening episode, you'll hear their raw story of struggling with depression, anxiety, and food addiction before finding the energy and mental clarity that changed everything. Learn their simple "if it grows or walks, you can eat it" rule th...