What’s really causing America’s obesity epidemic? In this special debate episode of The Metabolic Link, two leading voices in metabolic health square off: Dr. Richard Johnson, renowned for his research on fructose metabolism, and Dr. Layne Norton, a PhD in nutritional sciences and expert on the energy balance model.
 
Moderated by host Dr. Dominic D’Agostino, the discussion dives deep into the biological roots of obesity, the relevance of sugar-sweetened beverages, the role of leptin and uric acid, and whether it’s fructose or calories that are driving the crisis. Despite their differing perspectives, both experts agree on one critical point—our modern food environment is fueling metabolic dysfunction on a massive scale.
 
This is one of the most nuanced and constructive conversations you’ll hear on the topic of obesity science.

References submitted by both guests can be found here!

For more exclusive interviews and presentations with Dr. Johnson and Dr. Norton along with 100s of other videos on metabolic health and therapy, ad-free private episodes of The Metabolic Link, and to earn CMEs visit our member medical education platform: https://membership.metabolicinitiative.com

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:
✅ Genova Connect – Get 15% off any test kit with code METABOLICLINK here
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Learn more about Dr. Layne Norton
Learn more about Dr. Richard Johnson

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

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Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Join us for a Live Q&A on June 18th at 9am PT/12pm ET with Dr. Anthony Chaffee and also enjoy ad-free exclusive episodes, videos covering the latest science on metabolic health on therapy, and earn CMEs by clicking here.

In this episode, Dr. Anthony Chaffee—medical doctor, neurosurgical registrar, and nutrition educator—joins Dr. Dominic D’Agostino for a thoughtful exploration of the scientific rationale behind animal-based ketogenic diets.

Together, they discuss burgeoning interest in how this approach could support metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and potentially improve outcomes in chronic conditions. Dr. Chaffee also shares his personal journey, evolutionary insights, and emerging clinical cases that invite a reexamination of modern dietary assumptions.

Whether you’re a practitioner, patient, or simply curious about low-carb, ketogenic, or elimination-based nutrition strategies, this conversation offers valuable perspective on food, metabolism, and human health.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:
✅ Genova Connect – Get 15% off any test kit with code METABOLICLINK here
✅ Fatty15 – Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit with the code METABOLICLINK here
✅ Zocdoc – Find and instantly book a top-rated doctor here

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
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• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes, 100s of videos on metabolic health and therapy, and earn CMEs here!

In this deeply personal and courageous episode of The Metabolic Link, we hear from patient advocate and podcast co-host Matt Baszucki, who shares how he endured—and ultimately overcame—type 1 bipolar disorder through a radical shift in treatment: ketogenic metabolic therapy.

After years of hospitalizations, debilitating mood episodes, and failed conventional treatments, Matt found hope through the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry. With the help of his family, including support and clinical guidance from Dr. Christopher Palmer, Matt adopted a therapeutic ketogenic diet in 2021—and the results were extraordinary.

Now a thriving project manager in Silicon Valley and co-host of The BipolarCast, Matt is helping drive a movement that challenges the very foundation of how we treat mental illness. This episode is not just about recovery—it's about transformation, resilience, and the future of mental health care.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:
✅ Genova Connect – Get 15% off any test kit with code METABOLICLINK here
✅ iRestore – Get a huge discount when you use the code METABOLICLINK here

Watch Matt Baszucki's YouTube Channel here and Bipolar Cast here. Learn more about the non-profit, Metabolic Mind, here. 

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

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• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes, 100s of videos on metabolic health, and earn CMEs here!

If you’re a clinician, scientist, or anyone interested in taking a deep dive into the complexities of hormone regulation, this episode of The Metabolic Link Podcast is for you! Recorded live at Metabolic Health Summit 2024, this in-depth presentation by Dr. Kyle Gillett—dual board-certified in family and obesity medicine—dives deep into the biochemical, clinical, and therapeutic layers of hormone health.

From his foundational “Seven Pillars of Health” to cutting-edge insights on peptides, receptor affinity, and hormone testing strategies, Dr. Gillett provides a masterclass on optimizing hormones for performance, longevity, and metabolic resilience. Designed for professionals and educated listeners alike, this talk bridges clinical relevance with scientific nuance.

Access even more from Dr. Gillett—like his exclusive Hormones 101 lecture—inside our medical education platform, The Metabolic Initiative. Start your free trial at https://membership.metabolicinitiative.com.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:
✅ Genova Connect – Get 15% off any test kit with code METABOLICLINK here
✅ Fatty15 – Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit with the code METABOLICLINK here
✅ Zocdoc – Find and instantly book a top-rated doctor here
✅ Puori – Get 20% off supplements with code METABOLICLINK here

Learn more about Dr. Gillett here!

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes, 100s of videos on metabolic health, and earn CMEs: https://membership.metabolicinitiative.com

In today's journal club episode, co-hosts of The Metabolic Link, Dr. Angela Poff and Dr. Dominic D'Agostino, unpack the startling rise of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—a silent epidemic affecting millions worldwide. Tune in as they break down groundbreaking new research revealing how NAFLD isn't just impacting adults, but alarmingly, children and adolescents too.

You'll learn about the latest updates in terminology, such as Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH) and Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD), highlighting a critical connection to underlying metabolic dysfunction. Plus, discover exciting dietary strategies—like therapeutic carbohydrate restriction—that hold potential not just to prevent, but to actually reverse liver fat accumulation.

If you've ever wondered how your diet and lifestyle choices directly shape your metabolic health, this episode delivers practical insights and actionable information straight from cutting-edge science. Don't miss this deep dive into the latest science on NAFLD—and how simple shifts today could dramatically improve your metabolic health tomorrow.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:

• Genova Connect – Get 15% off any test kit with code METABOLICLINK here
• Maui Nui Venison: Gain access to a limited collection of our favorite Maui Nui products here
• iRestore: Use code METABOLICLINK for exclusive discounts on the iRestore Illumina Face Mask here 
• Puori – Get 20% off supplements with code METABOLICLINK here

Read the papers discussed here: 

• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38521116/ 
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38914224/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38771552/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38723301/ 
  
  

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

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Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Join us for a FREE Live Q&A with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky on April 22nd at 9am PT / 12pm ET! Your first seven days are free, and as a member of The Metabolic Initiative, you’ll gain access to exclusive, ad-free episodes, hundreds of expert-led videos on metabolic health and therapy, CME opportunities, and more here!

In this episode of The Metabolic Link, Dr. Dominic D’Agostino sits down with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky—board-certified obesity and lipid specialist, former NCAA heavyweight wrestler, and founder of Vineyard—to explore one of the most hotly debated and often misunderstood tools in modern medicine: GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Together, they take a deep dive into how these drugs work, who they’re for, and why they might not always be a magic bullet. Dr. Nadolsky shares clinical insights into the real-world use of semaglutide, tirzepatide, and combination therapies, breaking down everything from appetite regulation and side effects to muscle loss, mood changes, and the potential future of prevention.

They also tackle pediatric obesity, long-term use vs. off-ramping, and the critical role of resistance training and nutrition for protecting muscle mass while on these medications.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:

✅ Genova Connect – Get 15% off any test kit with code METABOLICLINK here
✅ Fatty15 – Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit here (use code METABOLICLINK)
✅ Zocdoc – Find and instantly book a top-rated doctor here
✅ Puori – Get 20% off supplements with code METABOLICLINK here

🧠 Learn more about Dr. Nadolsky → drspencer.com

💥 Don’t forget to RSVP for the live Q&A on April 22!
🎟️ membership.metabolicinitiative.com/drspencer

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

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• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Join us for a Live Q&A with Dr. Ovadia on March 31st at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET! Your first seven days are free, and as a member of The Metabolic Initiative, you’ll gain access to exclusive, ad-free episodes, hundreds of videos on metabolic health (including Dr. Ovadia’s presentation, Fanning the Flames: Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, and Heart Disease), CME opportunities, and more. Register here!

Dr. Philip Ovadia is a cardiac surgeon on a mission to change how we think about heart disease. After performing thousands of surgeries, he realized that most of his patients didn’t need to end up on his operating table in the first place. In this episode, Dr. Ovadia joins host Victoria Field to uncover the metabolic factors driving heart disease and explore how we can prevent it before it requires surgery.

They dive into key topics like the role of insulin resistance versus cholesterol, why he says inflammation should be a bigger focus than LDL, the importance of advanced testing like Coronary Artery Calcium Score scans, and why lifestyle changes are the true foundation of prevention. Dr. Ovadia also shares his personal journey from obesity to metabolic health and how it reshaped his entire approach to medicine.

Whether you're a patient, physician, or anyone passionate about heart health, this episode will give you the tools you need to avoid the operating table.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:
✅ Genova Connect: Get 15% off any Genova Connect test kits by using the code METABOLICLINK here
✅ Maui Nui Venison: Gain access to a limited collection of our favorite Maui Nui products here
✅ Zocdoc: Visit this link to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor
✅ Puori: Get 20% off Puori supplements! If you choose their already discounted subscription, that's almost a third off the price! Visit this link and use the code METABOLICLINK

Learn more about Dr. Ovadia here!

Join our Live Q&A with Dr. Ovadia: https://membership.metabolicinitiative.com/ovadia 

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

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Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Mitochondria do more than power our cells—they may hold the key to understanding and treating mental illness.

In this episode of The Metabolic Link, Dr. Dominic D’Agostino sits down with Dr. Ana Andreazza, a leading expert in mitochondrial health at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Andreazza has pioneered research linking mitochondrial dysfunction to psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder, utilizing groundbreaking 3D brain organoid models to study neurotransmission. She also leads research on mitochondrial transplantation, a potential game-changer in regenerative medicine.

Join us as we explore how mitochondria influence mood, metabolism, and overall health—and why optimizing mitochondrial function may be the future of medicine. Listen to the episode on any major podcast player or watch the interview on YouTube.

Learn more about Dr. Andreazza's work here.

Special thanks to our sponsors:

• Genova Connect: Get 15% off any Genova Connect test kits by using the code METABOLICLINK here
• Fatty15: Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit with the code METABOLICLINK here
• MUD/WTR: Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your MUDWTR with code METABOLICLINK here
• Puori: Get 20% off Puori supplements! If you choose their already discounted subscription, that's almost a third off the price! Visit this link and use the code METABOLICLINK here

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes, 100s of videos on metabolic health, and earn CMEs here.

What’s the best way to optimize metabolic health? In this powerhouse episode of The Metabolic Link, we bring together leading experts including Dr. Ben Bikman, Dr. Richard Johnson, Dr. Jonathan Jun, Dr. Nick Norwitz, and Dave Feldman from our Optimizing Metabolic Health Symposium filmed at Metabolic Health Summit 2024 and hosted by Dr. Dominic D'Agostino.

In this discussion, you'll dive into some of the biggest questions in metabolism, including:

• What are the long-term effects of GLP-1 medications on fat, muscle, and metabolism?
• Does long-term dieting slow metabolism? And if so, can you reverse it?
• How do diet and fasting influence neuropathy and nerve function? 
• Exercise and lipid profiles—what makes an athletic metabolism different?
• Do high-protein diets really harm the kidneys, or is it a myth?
• What is the role of the microbiome in weight gain, fat loss, and metabolic adaptation?

And much more! With insights from top scientists and researchers, this episode is packed with takeaways for anyone looking to improve their metabolic health.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:

• Genova Connect: Get 15% off any Genova Connect test kits by using the code METABOLICLINK here
• Maui Nui Venison: Gain access to a limited collection of our favorite Maui Nui products here
• Zocdoc: Visit this link to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor
• Puori: Get 20% off Puori supplements! If you choose their already discounted subscription, that's almost a third off the price! Use the code METABOLICLINK here

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

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• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

What if we could target cancer at its metabolic core? In this episode of The Metabolic Link, Dr. Dominic D’Agostino is joined by Dr. Tomás Duraj, a physician and cancer metabolism researcher working alongside Dr. Thomas Seyfried.

Dr. Duraj is the lead author of a groundbreaking review on ketogenic metabolic therapy for glioblastoma, bringing together leading experts to explore how metabolic strategies could reshape cancer treatment.

In this deep-dive conversation, they discuss the bioenergetics of cancer, the role of mitochondria, the Warburg effect, and why targeting glucose and glutamine metabolism may be the key to making standard cancer therapies more effective.

Whether you’re a researcher, clinician, or someone interested in the latest advancements in cancer therapy, this episode is packed with insights that could redefine the way we think about cancer treatment. Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite podcast player for this must-hear discussion on the future of metabolic therapy for cancer!

Read Dr. Duraj's paper: Clinical research framework proposal for ketogenic metabolic therapy in glioblastoma

About Dr. Tomás Duraj
Dr. Tomás Duraj is a Czech physician-scientist, receiving his Medical Degree from the Rey Juan Carlos University and his PhD in Translational Medicine from the CEU San Pablo University (Madrid, Spain). His research focuses on studying the potential of bioenergetic modulation in cancer metabolism, with special emphasis on glioblastoma, the most aggressive and lethal primary brain tumor. After developing cancer research at the team of Dr. Ayuso Sacido, he joined Dr. Thomas N. Seyfried’s laboratory in Boston College. His goal is to advance our understanding of metabolic oncology on a rigorous, evidence-based background, making it part of the standard oncology toolkit.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:

• Puori: Get 20% off Puori supplements at https://puori.com/METABOLICLINK and use the code METABOLICLINK
• Fatty15: Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to https://fatty15.com/METABOLICLINK and use code METABOLICLINK.
• MUDWTR: Get up to 43% off with code METABOLICLINK at https://mudwtr.com/METABOLICLINK

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• LinkedIn

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.