In this podcast episode, Emma Sutherland speaks with Dr Nick Fuller, Clinical Trials Director at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Endocrinology Department and researcher at the Charles Perkins Centre. Together they unpack the complex physiology behind weight regain, including metabolic adaptation, appetite-hormone shifts, and the evolutionary mechanisms that make long-term weight loss so challenging.

Dr Fuller explains how even small amounts of weight loss can trigger significant biological compensations, why traditional dieting approaches often fail, and how interval-based weight management can help prevent the rebound effect commonly seen in clinical practice. The discussion also explores emotional eating, circadian influences on hunger, and the importance of balanced meals, sleep routines, daily activity, and a whole-foods approach to support metabolic health.

This episode provides practitioners with a grounded, evidence-informed lens for guiding patients through sustainable, long-term weight change.

COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

(01:04) Welcome Dr Nick Fuller

(01:46) The Charles Perkins Centre

(02:52) Prevalence of successful weight loss

(05:59) The evolutionary mismatch

(12:30) Compensatory methods of weight loss

(16:50) Inflammation and obesity

(19:35) Biomarkers

(22:14) Probiotic therapy

(24:51) Weight regain in menopause

(28:25) Matador study

(34:12) Protein recommendation

(38:17) Dopamine hunt

(41:15) Weight loss medications

(44:05) Patterns found in successful weight loss

(49:52) Final remarks

Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-biology-of-sustainable-weight-loss

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Dr Stacy Sims, expert in female physiology and training, collaborates with fx Ambassador Lisa Costa-Bir to discuss the intricate relationship between hormones and physical performance.

Together they explore how the female hormonal cycle introduces unique challenges and opportunities. The follicular phase is the time when women typically excel physically, while the ovulatory phase can bring variations in how one feels during exercise. The mid-luteal phase can be challenging for high-intensity training, and the days leading up to menstruation require tailored adjustments due to mood, heart rate, and performance changes.

Tailored exercise strategies are discussed, with tips for conditions like endometriosis and PCOS. Maintaining muscle mass during peri/menopause through specific exercise approaches is emphasised. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is clarified as not reversing aging but preserving lean muscle mass through exercise.

The podcast also covers injury prevention, nutrition, and hydration strategies, offering women and clinicians an holistic guide to optimise their fitness journey throughout life.

COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

(00:27) Welcoming Dr. Stacy Sims

(01:57) Phases of the menstrual cycle impacting energy and exercise

(08:15) How anovulatory cycles are affected in training

(09:41) Endometriosis and cold water immersion

(11:28) Heat exposure for adaptive stress in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases

(13:14) Training during Menopause and Perimenopause

(18:56) HRT

(21:37) Prevalence of injury in Perimenopause

(24:15) Cycling exercise throughout the menstrual cycle

(27:25) Protein in hormonal production

(31:16) Fasting in Perimenopause

(33:35) Carbohydrates for training

(36:23) True hydration

(38:45) Nutritional supplements for training performance

(43:51) Adaptogenic herbs for training performance

(45:45) Thanking Stacy and closing remarks

Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/exercise-training-the-influence-of-female-sex-hormones-with-lisa-costa-bir-dr-stacy-sims

Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Jane Hutchens, naturopath and reproductive health and human genetics expert, along with fx Medicine ambassador, Emma Sutherland, raise awareness on the importance of understanding cardiovascular health implications during pregnancy and post-partum. This impacts 1 to 4 percent of women in Australia and is under recognized and underreported.

In this discussion the naturopaths discuss the various types of cardiovascular diseases that may impact a pregnant or postpartum woman, the importance of understanding the mental and social impacts this may have on sufferers and some tools to aid practitioners in screening for risk in developing cardiac disease in pregnancy.

COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

(00:54) Welcoming Jane Hutchens

(02:06) Types of cardiac disease in pregnancy

(06:04) The amount of women with cardiovascular disease is dramatically under represented

(08:08) Diagnostic criteria for cardiac disease in pregnancy

(11:38) Some findings from Jane’s research

(16:13) Understanding genetic and general risks

(22:29) Signs and symptoms of cardiac disease during and post-pregnancy

(28:40) How oxidative stress affects the placenta

(31:30) Long-term risks and ongoing struggles

(39:02) Treatment options and support

(42:40) Thanking Jane and final remarks

Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/cardiovascular-health-in-pregnancy-postpartum-with-emma-sutherland-jane-hutchens

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

In part two of our Perspectives podcast, fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassadors Lisa Costa-Bir, Dr Michelle Woolhouse, Mick Alexander and Dr Adrian Lopresti, join host Emma Sutherland to explore practical, evidence-aligned treatment strategies for patients with cardiometabolic dysfunction. The discussion covers GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) including side effect management and dietary and lifestyle support. They also discuss the evolving landscape of new cardiometabolic medications, and the behavioural, psychological, and social factors that shape long-term cardiometabolic outcomes.

The ambassadors break down current evidence, share their clinic insights from their own practice, and examine how practitioners can better support patients through complementary medicine use, behavioural change, and sustained diet and lifestyle modification. A detailed case study illustrates multidisciplinary reasoning across naturopathy, psychology, pharmacy and general practice, highlighting how small, achievable steps can create meaningful momentum for complex patients.

This episode gives practitioners a comprehensive and compassionate roadmap for supporting sustainable cardiometabolic change in everyday clinical practice.

Covered in this episode:?

(01:06) Welcome back

(01:56) GLP-1 receptor agonists - Lisa

(05:44) GLP-1 receptor agonists - Emma

?(08:16) GLP-1 receptor agonists - Mick

(12:43) GLP-1 receptor agonists - Michelle

(17:51) Complex interplay between statins and GLP-1’s

(22:34) Case study - Lisa's case?

(29:06) Case study - Michelle thoughts

(31:13) Case study - Mick thoughts

(33:12) Case study - Adrian thoughts

?(35:20) Case study - Lisa complementary medicines

(37:37) Case study - Michelle complementary medicines

(40:17) Case study - Mick complementary medicines

(41:24) Innovative treatment for cardiometabolic health

?(46:24) Dealing with difficult cases

(51:07) Favourite resources

?(55:50) Final remarks

Find today's transcript and show notes here:

https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/cardiometabolic-rx-part-2-interventions-and-innovations

Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics:

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

In this insightful conversation, naturopathic doctor and bestselling author Lara Briden joins Emma Sutherland to explore androgen physiology, excess, and sensitivity in women. Together they discuss the complexities of diagnosing androgen excess, including polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and adrenal-driven cases, and examine the metabolic consequences of chronically elevated androgens. They discuss the challenging clinical presentation of female pattern hair loss or androgenic hair loss talking about cause and realistic treatments.

Lara shares clinical insights into testing strategies, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) interpretation, and the bidirectional relationship between insulin resistance and androgens. Lara and Emma also discuss evidence-based nutrients such as zinc, inositol, diindolylmethane (DIM), and magnesium, as well as body identical hormones that can assist in restoring hormonal equilibrium.

This episode provides practitioners with practical strategies to address androgen imbalance, interpret lab findings with confidence, and support women with integrative, evidence-informed care.

Covered in this episode:

(01:08) Welcome Lara Briden

(01:35) What are androgens?

(05:00) Androgens and PCOS

(06:48) Causes of elevated androgens

(10:59) Low androgens

(14:32) Androgen sensitivity

(17:23) Perimenopause

(21:14) Female hair loss

(27:36) Treatment options

(32:34) Zinc, vitex and reishi

(36:44) Inositol

(40:20) Licorice and peony

(42:07) DIM

(44:15) Magnesium

(47:38) Emerging research

(49:58) Final remarks

Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/androgens-in-women-from-excess-to-sensitivity

Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Jessica Turton, Accredited Practising Dietitian, joins Dr. Michelle Woolhouse to discuss the use of continuous glucose monitors (CGM) to identify blood glucose dysregulation in non-diabetic patients in our latest podcast.

Together, they discuss the role of the CGM in obtaining key, patient-specific information in terms of the blood glucose regulation of the individual, allowing for greater analysis of dietary, environmental and lifestyle influences on blood glucose regulation for the individual.

Jessica and Michelle discuss the role stress, sleep and inflammation play in blood glucose regulation and share clinically practical advice on the role of magnesium deficiency in patients with blood glucose imbalances.

Discussing the impact of certain exercises and alcohol, Jessica answers some of the many often-asked questions around how to best manage blood glucose levels for the non-diabetic patient.

COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

(01:03) Welcoming Dr Jessica Turton

(01:53) What is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)?

(03:40) Using data from CGM to measure inflammation and blood glucose dysregulation

(09:11) Optimal blood sugar targets throughout the day

(13:45) The effects of high impact workouts on blood glucose

(18:20) Hypoglycaemia vs reactive hypoglycaemia

(24:30) Glucose metabolism, sleep apnea and magnesium wastage

(28:06) Stress, exercise and glucose metabolism

(32:34) Alcohol’s effects on blood sugar

(36:29) Patients’ views on CGM

(40:56) Thanking Jessica and final remarks

Find today's transcript and show notes here:

https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/continuous-glucose-monitoring-with-dr-michelle-woolhouse-jessica-turton

Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on FX Medicine is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

In part 1 of the Cardiometabolic Rx podcast, host Emma Sutherland is joined by Dr Adrian Lopresti, Dr Michelle Woolhouse, Lisa Costa-Bir, and Mick Alexander for a wide-ranging discussion on the foundations of cardiometabolic health.

Together, they explore how individualised nutrition, hormonal balance, stress adaptation, and muscle and bone integrity as well as kidney health influence metabolic outcomes, emphasising why truly integrative care must extend beyond BMI, cholesterol and blood pressure checks. The panel shares the latest evidence on emerging assessment tools - including continuous glucose monitoring, homocysteine and trimethyl amine and oxide (TMAO) testing, and the body roundness index and how these measures can reveal early signs of dysfunction before overt disease develops.

In an engaging exchange of clinical perspectives, the ambassadors uncover the “silent hijackers” of cardiometabolic health such as poor sleep, loneliness, medications, and gut dysbiosis. This thought-provoking discussion challenges long-held assumptions and equips practitioners with practical, evidence-based strategies to assess and address cardiometabolic risk at every stage of patient care.

COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

(1:07) Welcome – fx Medicine ambassadors

(2:42) Cardiometabolic myth 1: “there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to diet”

(4:57) Cardiometabolic myth 2: – “I’ve got big bones”

(7:23) Cardiometabolic myth 3: – Cardiometabolic disease is an old person’s disease

(10:21) Cardiometabolic myth 4: – If your BMI is normal, then your metabolic health is fine

(11:19) Cardiometabolic myth 5: – People with a heart condition should avoid exercise

(15:16) Cardiometabolic disease drivers – Stress and cardiovascular disease

(18:07) Cardiometabolic disease driver – Complex interplay of conditions

(20:10) Cardiometabolic disease driver – Muscles and bones

(21:56) Cardiometabolic disease driver – Chronic kidney disease

(25:20) Cardiometabolic disease driver – Lifestyle factors

(35:06) Assessment tools – Waist measurement

(37:29) Assessment tools – Continuous glucose monitoring

(41:49) Assessment tools – Blood tests

(44:12) Assessment tools – Pharmacy screening

(49:33) Assessment tools – Cortisol testing

(53:44) Cardiometabolic hijacker – Early childhood trauma

(58:19) Cardiometabolic hijacker – Relationship between cardiometabolic and mental health

(1:01:04) Cardiometabolic hijacker – Common medications

(1:03:50) Cardiometabolic hijacker – Gut bacteria

(1:06:52) Final remarks

Find today's transcript and show notes here:

https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-cardiometabolic-rx-part-1-metabolic-fundamentals-and-myths

Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics:

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Join the fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassadors, Emma Sutherland, Lisa Costa-Bir and Mick Alexander, hosted by Dr Adrian Lopresti, face-to-face, for an intimate discussion.

Hosted by Dr Adrian Lopresti, clinical psychologist and researcher, this panel will explore the key elements of optimal brain health - going beyond theory into practical insights you can apply in clinic straight away.

Our ambassadors bring decades of front-line experience and will share their top clinical pearls on brain health from multiple, integrative perspectives:

- Lisa Costa-Bir (naturopath, nutritionist & women’s health expert) explores movement as “brain medicine” to slow cognitive decline, while referring to Dr Helena Popovic's work on "Adventure prevents dementia".

- Mick Alexander (integrative pharmacist & naturopath) breaks down the gut-brain and HPA axis plus overlooked medication nutrient depletions.

- Emma Sutherland (naturopath & women’s health expert) discusses hormones, “meno brain” and her top therapeutics.

Enjoy the recording which our live audience described as "not only informative but joyful to watch", very insightful information backed by studies, gave real life examples", and "clinically relevant and practical".

Don't miss out on our first ever live panel discussion. Held in collaboration with @ATMS.

Covered in this episode

(01:57) Key elements of optimal brain health:

An overview of what makes a healthy brain? (Dr Adrian Lopresti)

(10:30) Adventure prevents dementia:

Practical strategies to add to you toolkit - novel activities, grip strength, tongue exercises to increase brain size (Lisa Costa-Bir)

(35:00) Pharmaceutical drugs & the impact to the gut-brain axis:

The significant impacts and potential therapies to maintain the gut-brain connection (Mick Alexander)

(58:20) Hormones & brain function:

Optimise women's brain health in perimenopause and menopause (Emma Sutherland)

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided on this site is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you have read here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Menopause is far more than a hormonal shift; it is a complex biopsychosocial transition that impacts every aspect of a woman’s life. In this episode, Dr Adrian Lopresti speaks with UK clinical psychologist Dr Melanie Smith, a leading researcher in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for menopause. Together, they explore how CBT, an evidence-based lifestyle intervention, can help women better manage stress and significantly reduce menopausal symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms.

Dr Smith explains the science behind the narrowed thermoneutral zone and how educating women about this physiology can reduce anxiety and improve day-to-day function. Listeners will gain insights into stress management, paced breathing, cognitive reframing, and sleep strategies that enhance wellbeing and quality of life.

Evidence-based and endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and featured in the International Menopause Society 2025 white paper, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) offers practitioners a valuable, non-pharmacological lifestyle medicine approach. It provides an effective option for women who are unable or choose not to use menopause hormone therapy (MHT), and also complements MHT for those who do. By integrating CBT into menopause care, health professionals can empower women with personalised, compassionate, and holistic support throughout the menopause transition and beyond.

Covered in this episode:

(01:50) Welcome Dr Melanie Smith

(02:54) Symptoms transitioning in to menopause

(04:34) Mood related problems

(09:06) Sleep disturbance

(11:39) Night sweats

(16:08) Hot flushes and blushing

(19:38) Cognitive behavioural therapy and menopause

(26:21) Stress management

(32:18) Lifestyle factors

(39:27) Managing symptoms

(44:35) Learn more about CBT

(47:27) Final remarks

Find today's transcript and show notes here:

https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/managing-hot-flushes-with-cognitive-behavioural-therapy

Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics:

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DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

This high-energy conversation features renowned preventative cardiologist Dr Ross Walker and fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassador Dr Michelle Woolhouse. Drawing on 45 years of clinical experience, Dr Walker makes the specialist field of preventative cardiology accessible through clear explanations and practical analogies.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and its active form ubiquinol take centre stage as the pair explore emerging evidence and clinical observations on their potential role in supporting cardiovascular function, their relationship with statin therapy, and studies investigating associations with health outcomes.

The discussion also delves into the importance of calcium coronary artery scoring in cardiovascular risk assessment, lipoprotein(a) protocols, the growing challenge of diabesity and insulin resistance, and Dr Walker’s five key strategies for optimising heart health through lifestyle and nutrition.

Listeners will gain valuable clinical insights into assessment approaches, lifestyle modification, and integrative considerations for supporting cardiovascular wellbeing in practice.

Covered in this episode:

(00:57) Welcoming Dr Ross Walker

(02:24) CoQ10’s role in the body

(04:21) The difference between ubiquinol and ubiquinone

(06:23) When to use ubiquinol as supplementation

(09:33) The role of ubiquinol in skin ageing

(11:29) Testing of ubiquinol and other metabolic markers

(15:41) Supplementation

(18:28) CoQ10 for cognition and brain health

(21:40) Oxidative stress and antioxidant support

(27:50) Statins and the power of lifestyle medicine

(42:35) Final remarks

Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/ubiquinol-s-role-in-heart-health-with-dr-michelle-woolhouse-and-dr-ross-walker

Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/

DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.