The Prescription Strength Podcast

My weight is going up but nothing has changed.

If your weight is creeping up and you’re convinced nothing has changed—you’re probably right. But that doesn’t mean nothing has changed. In this Pocket Prescription episode, I break down why weight gain in midlife often feels confusing and unfair. We cover: * Why weight gain tends to happen in seasonal spikes, not a straight line * How muscle loss (and body composition changes) quietly shifts the rules * The reality of busier lives, less movement, and more sitting * Why sleep and recovery matter more than you think This isn’t about blame or “trying harder.” It’s about understanding what’s actually going on so you can decide what’s worth changing. No hacks. No shortcuts. Just the basics—done properly.

Life After Weight Loss

Losing weight is often seen as the hard part. It isn’t. In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist Dr Courtney Raspin, co-author of The Weight Loss Prescription, to talk about what actually happens after the weight comes off—and why this is where most people struggle. We explore the gap between weight loss and weight maintenance, particularly in the context of weight loss injections. Because while these medications can be incredibly effective, they don’t solve the underlying behaviours, habits, and psychological patterns that determine what happens next. This is the part of the conversation that often gets missed: the “exit plan.” About the book The Weight Loss Prescription by Dr Courtney Raspin and Dr Max Pemberton brings together the medical and psychological sides of weight loss—particularly in the context of modern treatments like GLP-1 medications. It’s not a quick fix guide. It’s a framework for what happens after.

Why You Procrastinate (And Why Perfectionism Makes It Worse)

When you know what you “should” do but still can’t make yourself do it, it’s easy to assume you’re the problem. In this episode, I’m joined by GP and Chimp Management director  Dr Sarah Caddy to break down procrastination and perfectionism using the Chimp Model from Professor Steve Peters. We explore why capable, intelligent people still get stuck, how perfectionism quietly fuels avoidance, and why motivation is the least reliable part of the process. This is a practical conversation about what’s actually going on in your brain when you delay, overthink, or wait for the “right time” — and how to start working with it instead of fighting it. We cover: * why procrastination isn’t laziness * how perfectionism drives inaction * the role of habits, beliefs and self-image * why motivation fades (and what matters more) * making a plan that works on your worst day * how comparison and marketing hijack your thinking * simple ways to get unstuck and take action Links: * The Chimp Paradox [https://chimpmanagement.com/books-by-professor-steve-peters/the-chimp-paradox/] * A Path Through the Jungle [https://chimpmanagement.com/books-by-professor-steve-peters/a-path-through-the-jungle/] * Chimp Management [https://chimpmanagement.com/professor-steve-peters/] If you’ve ever thought “I know what to do, I just can’t make myself do it,” this will make uncomfortable amounts of sense.

Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health

Patients aren’t just turning up with symptoms anymore — they’re turning up with diagnoses, treatment plans, and a feed full of advice. In this episode, I’m joined by Deb Cohen — former BMJ investigative journalist and co-author of Bad Influence — to unpack how the internet has reshaped health information, trust, and the doctor–patient relationship. We talk about the rise of “Dr TikTok,” why algorithms feel like they know you better than you know yourself, and how perfectly reasonable curiosity can turn into confusion, anxiety, and unnecessary interventions. This isn’t about blaming people for getting it wrong. It’s about understanding the system we’re all now navigating. Deb’s book: Bad Influence: How the Internet Has Hijacked Our Health Available in hardback and audiobook Time stamps: 00:00 Podcast Welcome 01:21 Debs Journalism Journey 02:22 Pandemic Shift to Social 03:08 Dr TikTok Moment 04:18 Fertility Test Wakeup 05:10 Facebook to TikTok Era 07:40 Algorithms and Trust 12:00 Self Diagnosis Loops 16:25 NHS Distrust and Fixes 19:01 Borrowed Legitimacy 21:26 Stories vs Evidence 23:30 US Model Goes Global 26:09 Influencers Selling Drugs 28:03 Doctor Influencer Ethics 28:45 IV Drips and Red Flags 31:58 Spotting Conflicts and Hype 35:57 Tech Bro Health Mindset 37:42 Wearables Scans and Cascades 41:51 Private Tests NHS Fallout 43:41 NHS Gaps and Private Clinics 46:44 AI Regulation and Hope 49:51 Using the Internet Wisely 51:20 Book Wrap Up and Thanks

What Happens After Cancer Treatment Ends? Rebuilding Strength, Confidence and Life Again

What happens when cancer treatment finishes, but nobody really tells you what comes next? In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Newman, a cancer and exercise specialist and founder of Get Me Back. Sarah shares her own story of being diagnosed with cervical cancer during pregnancy, going through intensive treatment, and then facing the part that often gets far less attention: life afterwards. We talk about the shock of deconditioning, the fear of doing damage, outdated advice about lifting weights, and why rest alone is not enough when it comes to rebuilding after cancer. Sarah also explains how strength training, patience and the right support can help people reconnect with their bodies and regain confidence after treatment. This is an important conversation for anyone recovering from cancer, supporting someone who is, or working with patients who feel a bit abandoned once treatment ends. Sarah’s work: Get Me Back Website: https://www.getmeback.uk If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate and share the podcast. If you want, I can also give you 5 alternative title options that are slightly punchier, sadder, or more hopeful depending on the angle you want.