Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast

Did you know women are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's disease as men, and oestrogen may be a key reason why? In this episode, Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barson break down the real science behind oestrogen's role in brain health and dementia prevention, why the infamous 2003 WHI study sent doctors running scared for decades, and what the latest evidence actually means for women in midlife. If MHT is not right for you, don't worry, protecting your brain is never a one-trick pony. This is the episode every woman in midlife needs to hear. 

Research mentioned in this episode: 

• Paganini-Hill A, Henderson VW. Archives of Internal Medicine. 1996 
• Kim YJ et al. Alzheimer's & Dementia. 2021 
• Nerattini M et al. Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. 2023 
• Cipriano GL et al. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2024 
• Melville NA et al. The Lancet Healthy Longevity. 2025 

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/can-hrt-prevent-dementia 

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Did you know dementia is now the leading cause of death in women in Australia, and your metabolic health plays a huge role? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns break down the different types of dementia, including why Alzheimer's is sometimes called "type 3 diabetes", and how insulin resistance, inflammation, and poor sleep can quietly damage your brain for decades before any symptoms show up. You'll learn what you can actually do, from food and sleep to stress management and movement, to protect your brain starting right now. This one could change your life. 

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers:  https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript 
https://www.rlmedicine.com/how-to-prevent-dementia 

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You know metabolic health matters, but what can you actually do about it? In this episode, Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barson break down the key levers you can pull to improve your metabolic health, and none of them require calorie counting or hours in the gym. You'll learn why just 10 minutes of movement after a meal can lower your blood sugar, how even five minutes of exercise improves your sleep, why chronic stress silently drives insulin resistance, and why going to bed on time might be the most powerful health tool you're not using. Simple, practical, and backed by science, this one is worth your time.

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/how-to-fix-metabolic-health 

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Do you feel tired, hungry, and like your body is working against you? Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barson break down exactly what metabolic health is and why it matters far more than just the number on the scales. In this episode, you'll learn how your body converts food into energy, why high insulin can lock your stored fat away like cash in a term deposit you cannot access, and how conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease and dementia are all rooted in the same metabolic imbalance.

The best part is that your metabolic health is not fixed and it can start to change in weeks, not years. Tune in to understand what is really going on in your body and why simple, real food changes can make a profound difference.

Website links: 

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/what-is-metabolic-health 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What if the reason you can't get your HRT patch has nothing to do with your pharmacy and everything to do with a 20-year-old mistake? Australia has had a chronic shortage of menopause hormone therapy patches for nearly five years, and the reason will surprise you. Dr Lucy Burns sits down with Johanna Wicks, co-founder of Lorai Health, who got so fed up she decided to build her own pharmaceutical company. This episode is essential listening for every woman in perimenopause or menopause who has ever been told to just wait a little longer.

Lorai Health
Website: https://www.loraihealth.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loraihealth/ 

My Metabolic Action Plan: https://www.rlmedicine.com/map

Episode, show notes & transcript 
https://www.rlmedicine.com/perimenopause-patches-and-problem-solving-with-johanna-wicks 

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Dr Lucy Burns sits down with Clio Austin, an exercise physiologist, scientist, and women's health specialist, to talk about what women in midlife actually need to do to protect their bones, build muscle, and stay strong for life. You'll learn why the cardio-and-calorie-cutting approach so many women default to in perimenopause is working against them, and what the science says to do instead. Clio also busts the "I'll get bulky" myth, explains the link between falling oestrogen and all those mysterious aches and pains, and shares why strength training is the single best investment a woman can make in her future health. If you've ever wondered why your body feels different and what to actually do about it, this one's for you.

Clio Austin links

Website:
https://www.clioaustin.com.au/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/menopause_exercisephys/
10 simple daily habits to help reduce belly fat in perimenopause 
https://clio-austin-d5e8.mykajabi.com/daily-habits

For more info on My Metabolic Action Plan go to : https://www.rlmedicine.com/map

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/muscles-metabolism-and-menopause-with-clio-austin 

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What if you could lower your risk of diabetes and heart disease without giving up the foods you love? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson chats with Dr Nelum Dharmapriya, a GP with over 30 years’ experience, who shares how she reversed her own pre-diabetes, regained her energy, and simplified her approach to health after years of doing “all the right things” without results. Dr Nelum shares practical, culturally sensitive strategies you can use straight away, including how to reduce your metabolic risk (especially if you have South Asian heritage), how to enjoy traditional foods without guilt or confusion, and one simple breakfast shift that can kickstart better energy, appetite control, and weight loss. If you’ve ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure what actually works, this episode will give you clarity and a plan you can start today.

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Connect with Dr Nelum Dharmapriya

 Website: Whole Food Revolution - Holistic Health Coaching for Women 40+ 
👉 https://www.wholefoodrevolution.com.au/ 

Facebook: Whole Food Revolution 
👉 https://www.facebook.com/share/1GP8K1fqHr/?mibextid=wwXIfr 

YouTube: Whole Food Revolution 
👉 https://youtube.com/@wholefoodrevolutionoz?si=w9DF0kfBynksLjmw 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/from-curry-and-carbs-to-metabolic-health-with-dr-nelum-dharmapriya 

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Dr Mary Barson sits down with Dr Louise Phillips, a Queensland GP with over 20 years of experience, to talk about what’s really happening with metabolic health in Australia right now. They break down complex topics like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in plain, simple language, and explain why low-carb eating can be a powerful tool for improving your health. Dr Louise also shares insights into the challenges both patients and doctors face, including burnout, and offers practical advice on how to get the most out of your GP appointments and navigate the healthcare system with confidence. If you want to understand your metabolism, make sense of your health, and pick up tips for feeling your best, this episode is packed with helpful guidance. 

Dr Louise website:  https://lowcarbscripts.com/
Dr Louise available for consultation at Albany Creek Brisbane via https://www.radiusmedical.com.au/ 

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/getting-better-care-in-a-busy-health-system-with-dr-louise-phillips 

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In part 2 of this gut health deep dive, Dr Mary Barson continues her powerful conversation with gastroenterologist and microbiome expert Dr Paul Froomes. You’ll discover why the carnivore diet can calm symptoms at first but may harm your microbiome long term, how hidden chemicals in processed foods damage your gut lining, and what that means for inflammation, insulin resistance and chronic disease.

Dr Paul shares clear, practical steps to start healing your gut, from simple food changes to targeted microbiome testing that can uncover the real cause of long-standing bloating, pain and food intolerances. If you have an irritable bowel, feel confused by conflicting diet advice, or have ever been told “it’s just stress”, this follow-up episode will show you what’s really going on in your gut and what you can do about it. 

Website links:

• Website: themicrobiomeclinic.com.au 
• Instagram: @dr.paulfroomes 
• TikTok: @drpaulfroomes 

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/microbiome-medicine-for-metabolic-health-with-dr-paul-froomes-part-2 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Did you know the trillions of bacteria living in your gut could be contributing to weight gain, bloating, anxiety, and even depression? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson sits down with Melbourne gastroenterologist Dr Paul Froomes — a gut health expert with over 30 years of experience — to unpack the science of the microbiome in plain English. You'll learn why "functional" gut conditions like IBS are very real (not just in your head), how the food you eat directly shapes your gut bacteria, and how a dysbiotic microbiome can make you absorb more calories, crave sugar, and become insulin resistant. This is part one of a two-part conversation you won't want to miss. 

Website links: 

• Website: themicrobiomeclinic.com.au/ 
• Instagram: @dr.paulfroomes
• TikTok: @drpaulfroomes

For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/ 

Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/microbiome-medicine-for-metabolic-health-with-dr-paul-froomes-part-1 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.