Top 10 Obesity Podcasts to Listen | Science-Backed, Supportive
Obesity is more than a number on the scale—it’s a complex, chronic disease that affects millions around the world. In present time, as scientific understanding deepens and treatment options evolve, podcasts have emerged as one of the most powerful tools for education, advocacy, and community-building around obesity. Whether you’re curious about the biology behind metabolic health, fighting weight stigma, or navigating modern treatments like GLP-1s, there’s a podcast that can meet you where you are.
Why do obesity podcasts matter now more than ever? First, the landscape of obesity care is shifting rapidly: from new medications to surgery to lifestyle interventions. Second, with more people seeking reliable health content, the intimacy of audio allows hosts—many of them doctors, researchers, or people with lived experience—to communicate deeply. And third, listening to expert conversations empowers patients, caregivers, and even health professionals to stay up-to-date without sifting through dense journals.
Here are the top 10 obesity podcasts you should tune into for science, support, and real talk.
1. Obesity: A Disease — Official Podcast of the Obesity Medicine Association
Host(s): Allison Rhodes, MD (and other obesity medicine experts) Platform(s): Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castos, OMA website Frequency: Episodic (series-based) Best For: Healthcare professionals, patients seeking clinical insights
Overview
“Obesity: A Disease” is the official podcast of the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA). In each episode, experts in obesity medicine break down critical topics ranging from pharmacotherapy and surgical considerations to endocrine challenges and long-term weight management. O
Episodes often include clinical conversations—practicing physicians, researchers, and surgeons discussing real-world treatment challenges—as well as article reviews, where the latest obesity research is analyzed in digestible form. For instance, a recent episode (Episode 123) discussed orthopedic surgery in patients with obesity, exploring the impact of body weight on surgical risk and recovery.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
Evidence-based strategies for managing obesity in clinical settings
How obesity intersects with comorbidities (e.g., endocrine, orthopedic)
Insights from published research and how to translate them to treatment
The evolving role of obesity medicine in modern healthcare
Why It’s Worth Listening
This podcast offers authoritative, expert-led content grounded in medical science. For anyone seeking a deep, clinical understanding of obesity, it’s a go-to resource. Unlike motivational or self-help podcasts, “Obesity: A Disease” provides rigor, nuance, and respect for obesity as a serious health condition.
2. Decoding Obesity
Host(s): Dr. Avishkar Sabharwal, MD, Dipl. ABOM Platform(s): Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, iHeart, Castbox, Gaana Frequency: Weekly Best For: People with obesity, their families, or anyone who wants medically grounded but accessible insights
Overview
In “Decoding Obesity,” Dr. Avishkar Sabharwal, a board-certified physician in obesity medicine and lifestyle medicine, simplifies the biological, psychological, and social aspects of obesity. He brings in expert guests—endocrinologists, nutritionists, patients—to unpack complex topics like weight regulation, metabolism, bariatric surgery, and disordered eating.
One standout episode is “Managing Obesity in Children”, where Dr. Sabharwal and Dr. Angela Fitch explore early interventions, prevention strategies, and the family’s role in pediatric obesity. He also hosts deeply personal patient stories, such as Amelia Sherry’s journey through disordered eating and weight stigma.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
The root causes of obesity, from physiology to environment
Evidence-based lifestyle strategies for long-term weight management
Emotional and psychosocial aspects of living with obesity
Clinical and surgical interventions explained in patient-friendly language
Why It’s Worth Listening
Dr. Sabharwal’s compassionate style and clinical expertise make this podcast both trustworthy and relatable. Listeners often report feeling validated, better informed, and less alone. It’s science-backed but user-friendly — ideal for anyone embarking on a weight management journey.
3. Fat Science Podcast
Host(s): Dr. Emily Cooper, Mark Wright Platform(s): Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, YouTube Frequency: Weekly Best For: Listeners interested in metabolic science, long-term weight regulation, and fat stigma
Overview
“Fat Science” is a deeply researched, compassionate podcast dedicated to unpacking the science of metabolism, weight, and fat. Dr. Emily Cooper, an obesity medicine physician, is joined by Mark Wright, a long-time patient, to explore topics like hormone regulation, metabolic dysfunction, and why traditional “calories in, calories out” explanations often fall short.
The show deliberately rejects diet culture and instead focuses on medical science: how our bodies store fat, how hormones like leptin and insulin work, and how modern medicine can better address metabolic dysfunction.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
Biological mechanisms behind weight gain, weight set point, and fat regulation
Why fat isn’t a failure—it can be part of a dysregulated metabolic state
Real-life insights from Dr. Cooper’s clinical practice and patient stories
A hopeful, science-first approach to obesity treatment
Why It’s Worth Listening
Fat Science breaks many myths surrounding weight and metabolism. It’s a place where people living with obesity are not blamed, but understood. The show empowers listeners with knowledge that can help them advocate for better medical care and make sense of their own experiences.
4. American Glutton
Host(s): Ethan Suplee Platform(s): Apple Podcasts, Acast Frequency: Weekly Best For: Anyone who wants raw, personal stories about obesity, recovery, and self-acceptance
Overview
“American Glutton” is hosted by actor Ethan Suplee, who has publicly shared his long and difficult journey with weight, food, and self-image. He blends humor, vulnerability, and interviews with experts and everyday people to explore what it really means to struggle with, and attempt to overcome, obesity.
In his episodes, Suplee reflects on diets that failed, the emotional toll of size, and his own path to self-acceptance. He also invites guests—nutritionists, doctors, athletes—to provide diverse perspectives on weight, mental health, and lifestyle transformation.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
Personal, honest stories of weight gain and weight loss
Expert insights from nutrition and medical professionals
Real talk about diet culture, shame, and self-worth
How mindset and self-acceptance play a role in managing weight
Why It’s Worth Listening
Ethan Suplee’s vulnerability and relatability make “American Glutton” deeply human. It’s not just about weight loss; it’s about understanding why we eat, how our bodies change, and what true wellness means beyond the scale.
5. Maintenance Phase
Host(s): Aubrey Gordon & Michael Hobbes Platform(s): MaintenancePhase.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify Frequency: Fortnightly Best For: People who want myth-busting, cultural critique, and fat-liberation science
Overview
“Maintenance Phase” is not a typical weight-loss podcast. It’s a health science and pop-culture show that deconstructs diet culture, anti-fat bias, and problematic “wellness” narratives. Hosts Aubrey Gordon and Michael Hobbes examine everything from fad diets to BMI myths to food industry propaganda, offering deeply researched, often humorous critiques.
They tackle topics like “the business of diet books,” “why we mythologize metabolism,” and “how media shapes fatness.” Each episode encourages listeners to question entrenched norms and think critically about weight and health.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
Critical analysis of diet culture and weight stigma
How social, political, and economic forces influence obesity narratives
Evidence-based dismantling of wellness industry myths
A fresh, liberating perspective on health that doesn’t moralize fat
Why It’s Worth Listening
This podcast is for listeners who want to challenge traditional views on fatness and health. It’s intellectual, empowering, and deeply validating—especially for those tired of being told weight is simply a matter of willpower.
6. More Than Weight: Comprehensive Approaches to Obesity in the Workplace
Host(s): Patricia Stark, with guest experts Platform(s): iHeartRadio,Apple Podcasts, Spotify Frequency: Series / episodic Best For: Employers, HR professionals, clinicians, policy advocates
Overview
This podcast explores obesity from a systemic and organizational perspective, focusing on how workplaces can support obesity management. Host Patricia Stark brings together leading experts to discuss anti-obesity medicines, how companies can offer better health coverage, and how care pathways can be built into health systems.
Recent episodes cover topics such as access to anti-obesity medications (AOMs), measuring success in employer-based obesity care, and building sustainable models for employee wellness.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
How health systems and employers can play a proactive role in obesity treatment
Practical strategies for integrating obesity care into workplace wellness programs
The evolving role of medication in obesity management at organizational scale
Policy and systems-level insights for sustainable obesity care
Why It’s Worth Listening
Obesity is not just a personal issue; it’s a public health and organizational issue. This podcast draws attention to systemic change, offering concrete ideas for making obesity care more accessible and effective in the workplace.
7. #1 Weight Loss Doctor: The Truth About Obesity, Ozempic, Dieting & How to Feel Better Now (Mel Robbins Podcast)
Host(s): Mel Robbins with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, MD Platform(s): Audible, other major platforms Frequency: Episode-based (special episodes) Best For: General audience looking for science-backed, stigma-free drug information
Overview
In a powerful episode of The Mel Robbins Podcast, Mel Robbins sits down with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen—a triple board certified endocrinologist and obesity specialist—to demystify obesity, GLP-1 medications (like Ozempic/Wegovy), and diet culture.
They address common misconceptions about weight gain, the root causes of obesity, and how modern medications work neurologically and metabolically. Dr. Salas-Whalen also shares her personal story, which adds nuance and empathy to a often misunderstood subject.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
The science behind GLP-1 drugs and who they are for
Why obesity isn’t just “eating too much”—there are biological drivers
How to use anti-obesity medication safely and effectively
A compassionate, science-based perspective on weight and self-care
Why It’s Worth Listening
This episode breaks down complex medical information into actionable, shame-free advice. Mel Robbins is an approachable host, and Dr. Salas-Whalen brings both clinical expertise and personal insight. It’s ideal for listeners who want clarity and hope.
8. Dr Giles Yeo: “Chews the Fat” Podcast
Host(s): Dr. Giles Yeo Platform(s): BBC, major podcast directories Frequency: Episodic (guest-based) Best For: Listeners interested in scientific research, genetics, and appetite biology
Overview
Geneticist Dr. Giles Yeo hosts “Dr Giles Yeo Chews the Fat”, where he delves deep into the biology of weight, appetite, and fat tissue. Drawing on his research background, Yeo explains how genetics and cellular biology influence obesity, why people’s bodies respond so differently to food, and what current and future treatments might look like.
The tone is explorative, blending science with narrative, as he interviews fellow researchers, clinicians, and sometimes public figures, asking hard questions about what science can—and can’t—explain about obesity.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
How genes influence hunger, metabolism, and fat storage
The future of obesity treatment from a research perspective
Why weight loss isn’t just “eat less, move more” from a biological standpoint
Real stories from researchers at the cutting edge of obesity science
Why It’s Worth Listening
Dr. Yeo’s podcast bridges academic science and public understanding. It’s ideal for curious minds who want to go beyond headlines and understand the cellular and genetic mechanisms of obesity.
9. The Peter Attia Drive — Neuroscience of Obesity
Host(s): Dr. Peter Attia, MD Platform(s): Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube (episode available) Frequency: Weekly (general health/longevity podcast) Best For: Deep-divers listening to long-form science, longevity, and metabolic health
Overview
While not strictly an “obesity podcast,” The Peter Attia Drive includes episodes that are incredibly relevant to obesity, especially from a neuroscience and metabolic perspective. One standout episode, “The Neuroscience of Obesity”, features Dr. Stephan Guyenet, a neuroscientist, discussing how brain circuits, hormones like leptin, and set-point theory play into obesity.
Attia’s approach is scholarly and probing—he often challenges popular narratives and explores the biology underlying long-term weight regulation.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
How the brain regulates body weight and why set-points matter
The role of hormones and neural feedback in obesity
The interplay between modern food environments and evolutionary biology
Scientific, well-referenced discussion on obesity beyond simplistic models
Why It’s Worth Listening
This isn’t a quick-fix weight-loss show. Instead, it’s a deep-dive into how our bodies actually work. For listeners who want to understand obesity from a systems-level, neurological, and evolutionary perspective, this episode (and others) is powerful and thought-provoking.
10. (Honourable Mention) Obesity: The Big Truth
Host(s): Various obesity experts (European focus) Platform(s): Obesity The Big Truth website, multiple language versions Frequency: Episodic Best For: Listeners interested in obesity from a global, systemic, and patient-centered perspective
Overview
“Obesity: The Big Truth” is a podcast series backed by European experts (Belgium, etc.) that aims to dismantle stigma and present obesity as a chronic disease. The show covers scientific, social, and patient-focused dimensions—asking hard questions about responsibility, access to care, and the many myths surrounding why people gain and maintain excess weight.
It’s available in multiple languages (English, French, Dutch), making it accessible to a wide audience.
Key Takeaways / What You’ll Learn
The chronic disease model of obesity, not just a “lifestyle” problem
How healthcare systems in Europe approach obesity differently
Patient stories and expert interviews that humanize obesity
Scientific clarity on causes, treatments, and global health implications
Why It’s Worth Listening
This podcast is a refreshing departure from diet-centric narratives. If you care about public health, policy, or want to hear obesity discussed with nuance and compassion, “Obesity: The Big Truth” is an excellent resource.
Why Podcasts Are Transforming Obesity Awareness
Obesity podcasts are more than just talking points—they’re educational lifelines. Here’s why they’re making a huge impact now:
Rising Digital Health Literacy More people are turning to audio content to learn about complex medical conditions. Podcasts let scientists, clinicians, and patients speak directly to listeners in a way that’s personal and digestible.
Trusted Voices Over Clickbait Unlike social media or diet fads, many obesity podcasts are hosted or guest-featured by board-certified physicians, researchers, and real patients. Their credibility helps counteract misinformation.
Building Empathy & Reducing Stigma Through conversations, stories, and science, listeners gain a deeper understanding of obesity as a disease—not a moral failing. This fosters empathy and reduces shame associated with weight.
Convenience + Consistency You can listen while commuting, doing chores, or exercising. Regular episodes also encourage ongoing learning and sustained engagement with your health journey.
How to Choose the Right Obesity Podcast for You
Here’s a quick checklist to pick a podcast that fits your needs:
Credibility: Are the hosts and guests medical experts, researchers, or people with lived experience?
Focus/Theme: Do you want science-based knowledge (e.g., Decoding Obesity, Fat Science) or personal stories (e.g., American Glutton)?
Format & Length: Do you prefer short 20–30 min episodes or long deep-dives?
Accessibility: Is the podcast available on your favorite platform (Spotify, Apple, etc.)?
Frequency: Do new episodes come out regularly? Consistency helps with building momentum.
Tone: Is it clinical, conversational, supportive, or critical? Choose what resonates with you emotionally.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Obesity Podcasts
Listen Intentionally: Take notes on episodes, especially when experts mention research or treatment options.
Apply What You Learn: Bring topics up with your healthcare provider or incorporate strategies (e.g., metabolic mindset) into your self-care.
Create a Listening Routine: Use commute times, walks, or exercise sessions for podcast listening — build it into your weekly rhythm.
Join the Conversation: Many shows have online communities, social media pages, or discussion threads — engaging can help you learn even more.
Stay Critical: While podcasts are a great learning tool, validate medical advice with your provider. Use what you hear as a starting point, not a prescription.
Final Thoughts / Conclusion
Obesity is not just a number on the scale—it’s a complex, multifaceted condition rooted in biology, psychology, and society. The best obesity podcasts offer more than tips for dropping weight; they provide compassion, education, and empowerment.
From expert-led shows like Obesity: A Disease and Decoding Obesity, to science-first deep dives like Fat Science, to raw life stories on American Glutton, these podcasts tackle weight with nuance, respect, and insight. They help listeners challenge stigma, understand the biology of fat, and make sense of modern treatment options.
If you or someone you care about is navigating an obesity journey, picking a few of these podcasts to follow can be a powerful step. Knowledge is power—and in this case, it’s delivered straight to your ears.
About Author
The Podcasting Research Team is a dynamic and passionate group of young researchers who are dedicated to exploring the world of podcasting. Whether you’re a podcast creator, a marketer, or simply a curious listener, the work of The Podcasting Research Team can provide valuable insights into the trends and best practices in the podcasting world.
