I'm a weight loss surgeon, and I take a GLP-1

Hydration Hype:

Everyone seems to be selling hydration these days. Electrolyte packets, Himalayan salt, trace minerals, and powders that promise better energy, better performance, and better health. But do most people actually need them? In this episode of The Unfiltered MD, Dr. Terry Simpson looks at the evidence behind the hydration industry. We explore what the DASH-Sodium Trial taught us about salt and blood pressure, why sports scientists have been measuring sweat for decades, what Gatorade actually got right, and why glucose—not magnesium—is often the unsung hero of effective rehydration. Along the way we’ll separate physiology from marketing, explain when products like Pedialyte make sense, and discuss why many healthy people are spending money on a problem they don’t actually have. Your kidneys are smarter than most influencers. Let’s talk about it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drsimpson.com/subscribe [https://www.drsimpson.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Peptides for People: The Difference Between Evidence and Hype

This week on Dr. Simpson: The Unfiltered MD, we explore the tale of two peptides. On one side are GLP-1 medications like Zepbound and Ozempic, which continue to show benefits far beyond weight loss, including promising findings in cancer risk, kidney disease, psoriasis, and arthritis. On the other side are the unproven peptides sold online and promoted by wellness influencers, gym bros, and even some physicians despite little evidence of safety or effectiveness. We also discuss why clinical trials matter, what Vioxx taught medicine about drug safety, declining alcohol consumption, measles, RSV vaccines, wildfire smoke, and why the same evidentiary standard should apply to every health claim. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drsimpson.com/subscribe [https://www.drsimpson.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Medical News of the Week - June 7th

This week we talk about the Screw worm coming back to the US - and yes, it isn’t pretty. A viral update and what virus I am worried about in the world cup, as well as some good news about pancreatic cancer - finally. All this and nothing more. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drsimpson.com/subscribe [https://www.drsimpson.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Medical News of the Week, June 1, 2026

This week on Dr. Simpson Unfiltered, we lead with the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa and ask a larger question: why do we spend billions preparing for public health emergencies if we’re reluctant to use the systems we built? Dr. Simpson examines the U.S. response, the controversy over a proposed Ebola facility in Kenya, and why specialized biocontainment units at places like Emory and Nebraska exist for moments exactly like this. Also this week: an experimental gene-editing treatment that may permanently lower LDL cholesterol after a single infusion, new evidence suggesting long COVID may be far more common than official estimates, the FDA’s review of reports of child deaths following COVID vaccination, and research showing that better cardiovascular health is associated with lower risk of severe COVID infection. From outbreak preparedness to cutting-edge genetic medicine, Dr. Simpson separates evidence from headlines and explains what these stories mean for patients, physicians, and the future of public health. Data beats dogma. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drsimpson.com/subscribe [https://www.drsimpson.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

May 24 News of the Week

This week on The Unfiltered MD: Ebola spreads through Central Africa as the U.S. ramps up airport screening, new studies link fatty liver and diabetes to heart disease and dementia, teens lose sleep to midnight scrolling, wildfire smoke may be affecting more than your lungs, and researchers question whether extreme endurance exercise and common supplements are helping us as much as we think. Modern disease is increasingly a story of systems under stress — and medicine is finally catching up. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.drsimpson.com/subscribe [https://www.drsimpson.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]