Mountaineer Russell Cunningham joins hosts Dr. Emily Cooper, Andrea Taylor, and Mark Wright on this episode of Fat Science, exploring the dark side of athletics. Russell opens up about his battle with metabolic damage from severe undernourishment and disordered eating, recounting a harrowing story where intensive activity eclipsed healthy fueling. 

Discover how dietary misconceptions and extreme exercise nearly shattered Cunningham's health, and learn why he warns athletes against the dangerous allure of looking fit at the expense of being healthy. Dr. Cooper unravels the twisted science that leads athletes down this path, emphasizing the critical need for proper nourishment for peak performance and longevity in sports. 

Together, the hosts and Cunningham debunk the myth of athlete immunity to metabolic issues, stressing the importance of balanced training and robust nutrition strategies. This episode is a must-listen for athletes, coaches, and anyone enticed by the misleading promises of under-fueling for a lean physique. 

Resources from the episode:

Fat Science is a podcast on a mission to explain where our fat really comes from and why it won’t go (and stay!) away. In each episode, we share little-known facts and personal experiences to dispel misconceptions, reduce stigma, and instill hope. Fat Science is committed to creating a world where people are empowered with accurate information about metabolism and recognize that fat isn’t a failure. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. 

If you have a show idea, feedback, or just want to connect, email Mark Wright at [email protected].