In this episode of MyHeart.net, cardiologist Dr. Alan Bouchard sits down with Dr. Timothy Garvey, Professor of Medicine in the Department of Nutrition Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to discuss the evolving definition of obesity as a disease. Drawing from The Lancet’s 2025 clinical framework, Dr. Garvey explains when excess adiposity begins to impair organ function, how this redefinition changes patient care, and why understanding obesity as a chronic disease is essential for preventing cardiometabolic complications.

About the Team

Dr. Alain Bouchard is a clinical cardiologist at Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham, AL. He is a native of Quebec, Canada and trained in Internal Medicine at McGill University in Montreal. He continued as a Research Fellow at the Montreal Heart Institute. He did a clinical cardiology fellowship at the University of California in San Francisco. He joined the faculty at the University of Alabama Birmingham from 1986 to 1990. He worked at CardiologyPC and Baptist Medical Center at Princeton from 1990-2019. He is now part of the Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham at UAB Medicine.

Dr. Philip Johnson is originally from Selma, AL. Philip began his studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, where he double majored in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering. After a year in the “real world” working for his father as a machine design engineer, he went to graduate school at UAB in Birmingham, AL, where he completed a Masters and PhD in Biomedical Engineering before becoming a research assistant professor in Biomedical Engineering. After a short stint in academics, he continued his education at UAB in Medical School, Internal Medicine Residency, and is currently a cardiology fellow in training with a special interest in cardiac electrophysiology.

Medical Disclaimer
The contents of the MyHeart.net podcast, including as textual content, graphical content, images, and any other content contained in the Podcast (“Content”) are purely for informational purposes. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on the Podcast!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. MyHeart.net does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Podcast. Reliance on any information provided by MyHeart.net, MyHeart.net employees, others appearing on the Podcast at the invitation of MyHeart.net, or other visitors to the Podcast is solely at your own risk.

The Podcast and the Content are provided on an “as is” basis.

Atrial fibrillation raises stroke risk fivefold. But what if blood thinners are too dangerous after a brain bleed or major fall?

A new monthly injection, abelacimab, may prevent strokes without the bleeding risk of traditional anticoagulants.

Is this the future for AFib patients who can’t take blood thinners? Cardiologist Dr. Alain Bouchard discusses this groundbreaking drug with Dr. Charles V. Pollack, a consultant clinical scientist and professional educator with Novartis, owner of abelacimab.

About the Team

Dr. Alain Bouchard is a clinical cardiologist at Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham, AL. He is a native of Quebec, Canada and trained in Internal Medicine at McGill University in Montreal. He continued as a Research Fellow at the Montreal Heart Institute. He did a clinical cardiology fellowship at the University of California in San Francisco. He joined the faculty at the University of Alabama Birmingham from 1986 to 1990. He worked at CardiologyPC and Baptist Medical Center at Princeton from 1990-2019. He is now part of the Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham at UAB Medicine.

Dr. Philip Johnson is originally from Selma, AL. Philip began his studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, where he double majored in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering. After a year in the “real world” working for his father as a machine design engineer, he went to graduate school at UAB in Birmingham, AL, where he completed a Masters and PhD in Biomedical Engineering before becoming a research assistant professor in Biomedical Engineering. After a short stint in academics, he continued his education at UAB in Medical School, Internal Medicine Residency, and is currently a cardiology fellow in training with a special interest in cardiac electrophysiology.

Medical Disclaimer
The contents of the MyHeart.net podcast, including as textual content, graphical content, images, and any other content contained in the Podcast (“Content”) are purely for informational purposes. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on the Podcast!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. MyHeart.net does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Podcast. Reliance on any information provided by MyHeart.net, MyHeart.net employees, others appearing on the Podcast at the invitation of MyHeart.net, or other visitors to the Podcast is solely at your own risk.

The Podcast and the Content are provided on an “as is” basis.

Are busy lifestyles and convenience foods quietly reshaping our health? Cardiologist Dr. Alain Bouchard talks with dietitian and researcher Dr. Amy Goss about the impact of ultra-processed foods on children, families, and communities. From school lunches to quick weeknight dinners, they share tips for identifying hidden risks on food labels and creating healthier meals...even on a budget.

About the Team

Dr. Alain Bouchard is a clinical cardiologist at Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham, AL. He is a native of Quebec, Canada and trained in Internal Medicine at McGill University in Montreal. He continued as a Research Fellow at the Montreal Heart Institute. He did a clinical cardiology fellowship at the University of California in San Francisco. He joined the faculty at the University of Alabama Birmingham from 1986 to 1990. He worked at CardiologyPC and Baptist Medical Center at Princeton from 1990-2019. He is now part of the Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham at UAB Medicine.

Dr. Philip Johnson is originally from Selma, AL. Philip began his studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, where he double majored in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering. After a year in the “real world” working for his father as a machine design engineer, he went to graduate school at UAB in Birmingham, AL, where he completed a Masters and PhD in Biomedical Engineering before becoming a research assistant professor in Biomedical Engineering. After a short stint in academics, he continued his education at UAB in Medical School, Internal Medicine Residency, and is currently a cardiology fellow in training with a special interest in cardiac electrophysiology.

Medical Disclaimer
The contents of the MyHeart.net podcast, including as textual content, graphical content, images, and any other content contained in the Podcast (“Content”) are purely for informational purposes. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on the Podcast!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. MyHeart.net does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Podcast. Reliance on any information provided by MyHeart.net, MyHeart.net employees, others appearing on the Podcast at the invitation of MyHeart.net, or other visitors to the Podcast is solely at your own risk.

The Podcast and the Content are provided on an “as is” basis.

Dr. Vera Bittner, Section Head of General Cardiology, Prevention, and Imaging and Medical Director of the Coronary Care Unit at UAB, discusses the risks associated with elevated triglycerides and how to combat this potentially dangerous condition.

About the Team

Dr. Alain Bouchard is a clinical cardiologist at Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham, AL. He is a native of Quebec, Canada and trained in Internal Medicine at McGill University in Montreal. He continued as a Research Fellow at the Montreal Heart Institute. He did a clinical cardiology fellowship at the University of California in San Francisco. He joined the faculty at the University of Alabama Birmingham from 1986 to 1990. He worked at CardiologyPC and Baptist Medical Center at Princeton from 1990-2019. He is now part of the Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham at UAB Medicine.

Dr. Philip Johnson is originally from Selma, AL. Philip began his studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, where he double majored in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering. After a year in the “real world” working for his father as a machine design engineer, he went to graduate school at UAB in Birmingham, AL, where he completed a Masters and PhD in Biomedical Engineering before becoming a research assistant professor in Biomedical Engineering. After a short stint in academics, he continued his education at UAB in Medical School, Internal Medicine Residency, and is currently a cardiology fellow in training with a special interest in cardiac electrophysiology.

Medical Disclaimer
The contents of the MyHeart.net podcast, including as textual content, graphical content, images, and any other content contained in the Podcast (“Content”) are purely for informational purposes. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on the Podcast!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. MyHeart.net does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Podcast. Reliance on any information provided by MyHeart.net, MyHeart.net employees, others appearing on the Podcast at the invitation of MyHeart.net, or other visitors to the Podcast is solely at your own risk.

The Podcast and the Content are provided on an “as is” basis.

Is there hope for a better quality of life when amyloidosis is a part of it? Dr. Alain Bouchard is joined by Dr. Pankaj Arora, Director of the Cardiogenomics Clinic Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, to discuss amyloidosis's causes, symptoms, and, most importantly, emerging treatments.

About the Team

Dr. Alain Bouchard is a clinical cardiologist at Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham, AL. He is a native of Quebec, Canada and trained in Internal Medicine at McGill University in Montreal. He continued as a Research Fellow at the Montreal Heart Institute. He did a clinical cardiology fellowship at the University of California in San Francisco. He joined the faculty at the University of Alabama Birmingham from 1986 to 1990. He worked at CardiologyPC and Baptist Medical Center at Princeton from 1990-2019. He is now part of the Cardiology Specialists of Birmingham at UAB Medicine.

Dr. Philip Johnson is originally from Selma, AL. Philip began his studies at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN, where he double majored in Biomedical and Electrical Engineering. After a year in the “real world” working for his father as a machine design engineer, he went to graduate school at UAB in Birmingham, AL, where he completed a Masters and PhD in Biomedical Engineering before becoming a research assistant professor in Biomedical Engineering. After a short stint in academics, he continued his education at UAB in Medical School, Internal Medicine Residency, and is currently a cardiology fellow in training with a special interest in cardiac electrophysiology.

Medical Disclaimer
The contents of the MyHeart.net podcast, including as textual content, graphical content, images, and any other content contained in the Podcast (“Content”) are purely for informational purposes. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or heard on the Podcast!

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately. MyHeart.net does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the Podcast. Reliance on any information provided by MyHeart.net, MyHeart.net employees, others appearing on the Podcast at the invitation of MyHeart.net, or other visitors to the Podcast is solely at your own risk.

The Podcast and the Content are provided on an “as is” basis.

 While a certain level of stress can serve as a motivator, chronic and excessive stress can take a toll on both our physical and mental well-being. It's essential to recognize the detrimental effects stress can have on our bodies, particularly its role in triggering an increase in stress hormones and inflammatory chemicals. Dr Alain Bouchard, MD discusses with Dr. Martha Gulati, Director of Prevention & Associate Director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center, and the President-Elect of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology.

Alcohol – it's a ubiquitous part of social gatherings, celebrations, and even daily routines for many. Yet, amidst the conviviality, it's crucial to understand the delicate balance between indulgence and moderation when it comes to alcohol consumption. Dr Alain Bouchard, MD discusses with Dr. Martha Gulati, Director of Prevention & Associate Director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center, and the President-Elect of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology.

In today's fast-paced world, where stress levels are soaring and lifestyles are increasingly sedentary, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine is not just about achieving a certain physique; it's about nurturing your body, mind, and overall well-being. Dr Alain Bouchard, MD discusses with Dr. Martha Gulati, Director of Prevention & Associate Director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center, and the President-Elect of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology.

In a world where dietary choices abound, understanding what constitutes a truly healthy diet can be challenging. However, several well-researched dietary patterns have emerged as effective frameworks for promoting overall health and well-being. Dr Alain Bouchard, MD discusses with Dr. Martha Gulati, Director of Prevention & Associate Director of the Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center, and the President-Elect of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology.

In today's fast-paced world, where convenience often takes precedence over health, maintaining an optimal weight can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. However, understanding the importance of weight management as a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle is paramount. Dr Alain Bouchard, MD discusses with Dr. Martha Gulati, Director of Prevention & Associate Director of the Barbra Streisand Women's Heart Center, and the President-Elect of the American Society for Preventive Cardiology.