Can you sweat your way out of a bad diet? Not exactly. In this episode, we talk with a bariatric surgeon and nutrition expert Dr. Neil McDevitt to unpack the science behind weight gain, why exercise alone won’t cut it, and what actually works when it comes to long-term health.

From trendy online clinics to “roadside” hormone centers, misinformation about women’s hormones is spreading fast- potentially putting patients at risk. In this episode, [Dr. Christian Cook] explains what hormones actually do, when treatment is truly needed and how to avoid harmful, unregulated products. Learn how to protect your health and make hormone decisions based on science, not sales tactics. 

Learn more about Christian Cook, MD 

GLP-1 medications have quickly become household names for weight loss — but what’s myth and what’s medical breakthrough? Obesity medicine specialist Dr. John Cleek joins us to explain how these drugs work, who they help most and what to know about side effects, access and stigma. If you’ve ever wondered whether GLP-1s could be right for you or someone you love, this episode has the answers.

If your doctor has ordered a stress test, you might be wondering: What is it? Why do I need it? And should I be worried? In this episode, Novant Health cardiologist Dr. Aaron Ford breaks down what a stress test really tells us about your heart, what to expect during the procedure and how it helps guide your care. 

Learn more about Aaron Ford, MD 

From weekend pickleball players to competitive pitchers, overhead athletes put unique stress on their shoulders and elbows, making injuries more common than many realize. In this episode, renowned orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Dr. Michael Kissenberth breaks down the most frequent issues he treats, why overuse can escalate into serious damage and the smart preventive habits that can keep athletes of all ages healthy and performing at their best. 

Learn more about Michael Kissenberth, MD 

Knee injuries are on the rise in young athletes, from ACL tears to patellar issues that can sideline a promising season. Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Marc Haro joins us to break down what’s behind the trend, how to recognize warning signs early and the latest advances that are helping kids return safely to the sports they love.

Obesity is more than a matter of willpower – it's a chronic disease that affects about 40% of Americans and increases the risk of serious health issues like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, joint pain and certain cancers.

In this episode of Meaningful Medicine, Dr. Nik Teppara of the Novant Health Surgical Institute addresses the stigma surrounding bariatric surgery. He shares the most common concerns patients express, explores the realities of weight-loss treatment options, and explains why surgery is not the “easy way out,” but often a life-changing decision toward better health and quality of life. 

Learn more about Nikhil Teppara, MD 

Eric Angermeier, MD, usually sees an uptick in outdoor-related hand and wrist injuries when the weather gets warmer. From dog walking to sports, you may be surprised at the most common injuries he treats.

Join us to explore how preventive measures can lead to significant health improvements. Discover the importance of screenings and early interventions from Dr. Jeffrey Warhaftig. Dr. Warhaftig is medical director of the Physician Quality Partners Accountable Care Organization, which ranked first in the nation for high quality performance in 2024 in the CMS Medicare Shared Savings Program.

Learn more about Jeffrey Warhaftig, MD 

Thinking about knee replacement? You may have more options than you realize. In this episode, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Hoffman breaks down the range of nonsurgical treatments - including injections - that can relieve pain, improve mobility and even delay surgery.