Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast

If resolutions worked, you wouldn’t need to make them every year. Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns unpack why most New Year’s resolutions fail and what to do instead in this episode of The Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast. Learn how concepts like the gap and the gain, micro clean slates, and the four-wheel-drive model can help you reset, build momentum, and make change feel achievable, without self-criticism. 

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/fresh-starts-and-clean-slates 

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Ever wondered why weight loss competitions seem like a good idea but might actually be doing more harm than good? In this episode, Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barson break down why these "motivating" challenges are really just diet culture in disguise. You'll learn the red flags to watch out for, why shame doesn't lead to lasting change, and what actually works for long-term health. If you've ever felt like a failure for not losing weight fast enough, this episode will help you see things differently and treat yourself with more kindness. 

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/why-we-reject-toxic-diet-trends 

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Want to live longer and feel better without wasting money on shiny “biohacks”? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns unpack what real longevity looks like – not just more years, but better years – and share the simple “Six S” foundations that protect your DNA, hormones, brain and metabolism: real food, sleep, strength, stress management, social connection and safe sunlight. You will learn why basics like muscle strength, circadian rhythm, insulin sensitivity and self-compassion beat expensive supplements every time, how small daily habits can switch on your body’s repair systems, and where things like cold plunges, saunas and creatine actually fit in.

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/the-lowdown-on-longevity 

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Do you really need that post-workout protein shake, or is real food (and simple habits) enough for great health? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns unpack the difference between training for performance and training for health, explain why “gym bro” advice often doesn’t suit everyday women, and show how small, consistent choices like fasting, strength work and low-carb real food can boost metabolic health without endless rules. Listen in to learn when fasted exercise is helpful, how to tell if you personally do better eating before or after a workout, and easy ways to get enough protein without relying on ultra-processed shakes.

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/should-i-drink-a-protein-shake-after-exercise 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn when supplements like chromium and milk thistle might help and when they won’t! Like many supplements, they’re not magic fixes! Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns explain why real food, good sleep and movement matter most for your health and weight loss. You’ll find out what to look out for before spending money on supplements, plus get their easy six steps for success you can start today. Listen and discover what really works for better health! 

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/are-chromium-or-milk-thistle-useful-for-weight-loss 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Get ready for tips you can use! In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns share simple ways to enjoy Christmas without feeling stressed by food, family, or parties. You’ll learn how to dodge sneaky marketing tricks, handle emotional eating, and pick healthy treats that taste good. Listen for practical steps to stay focused on your health goals while having fun, plus find out about a special free programme to help you through the festive season, so you start the New Year feeling great. 

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/avoid-the-pitfalls-of-christmas-marketing 

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Dr Lucy Burns and Dr Mary Barson open up about why diets don’t work - and why being “perfectly thin” isn’t the goal. They share their own real-life struggles with weight and health, bust common myths from diet culture, and explain why being healthy on the inside matters far more than looking a certain way. You’ll also learn simple, science-backed strategies to break free from the all-or-nothing mindset, manage emotional eating, and stay on track with your health - without guilt, shame, or restriction.

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/why-were-not-skinny 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns as they celebrate five years of podcasting and share what they've learned along the way. Discover why low-carb diets aren't the only answer, how diet culture has kept women trapped in guilt and shame, and why being thin doesn't equal being healthy. Learn about the surprising role that trauma plays in weight gain and why the old "eat less, move more" advice sets people up to fail. If you've been struggling with weight loss or trying to understand what really works for your health, this episode will help you see through the marketing hype and give you a more balanced, realistic approach to becoming healthy on the inside. Plus, hear why these two doctors changed their minds about so many things and why that's actually a good sign. 

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-have-we-learnt-in-5-years 

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Dr Lucy Burns talks with money mindset expert Denise Duffield-Thomas about ADHD, perimenopause, and how women can change their relationship with money. Discover how ADHD often goes undiagnosed in women until perimenopause hits, why getting a diagnosis can be life-changing, and practical ways to stop self-sabotaging behaviours around money. Learn why women's work is often undervalued, how to break free from guilt about charging what you're worth, and why it's okay to use medication, technology, and help instead of trying to do everything the hard way. This conversation will help you recognise the stories holding you back and give you permission to stop making life harder than it needs to be.

Find her at...
Website: www.denisedt.com 
Instagram: @denisedt 
Facebook: @denisedt 

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/adhd-perimenopause-and-money-mindset 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns cut through the confusion around fasting, protein, and what really works for women. You'll learn how to balance intermittent fasting with your protein needs, why you shouldn't worry about hitting protein targets on fasting days but must prioritise them on eating days, and discover common fasting mistakes like going "too fast and furious" before your body is ready. The doctors explain how to build up your fasting practice gradually, what to drink during a fast, when fasting might not suit you (including during different phases of your menstrual cycle), and why more fasting isn't always better. If you've been told that women shouldn't fast or you're confused about how to make fasting work with your goals, this episode gives you practical, flexible strategies you can actually use. 

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/should-women-fast 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.