The Problem with Peptides: What You Need to Know

With dangerous medical advice taking over social media, peptides are bleeding from niche biohacking and "gym bro" communities into the mainstream. This week, Chloe breaks down the science, the risks, and why the "magic medicine" mindset around unauthorised injectables is dangerous. In this episode Chloe covers: What Peptides Actually Are: Short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules (like insulin and GLP-1) to tell your cells what to do. Approved Peptides: A look at legal, heavily tested peptides (like GLP-1s and Insulin) and why their knock-on metabolic effects require strict medical supervision. Unapproved & Unproven Peptides: The massive risks behind unauthorized, internet-bought compounds like BPC-157 and TB-500, including a harrowing case study. Inherently Risky Peptides: Debunking the muscle-growth myths around IGF-1 and Growth Hormone Secretagogues, and exposing their severe cardiovascular and insulin resistance risks. The Bottom Line: Why you should always steer clear of unauthorized injectables, plus a recommendation to check out the Barbell Medicine podcast for a deeper dive into the clinical science. Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate, and review the Bodcast! It helps others find the podcast more easily. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this podcast episode, host Chloe and guest Lisa Unger discuss the complexities of disordered eating and eating disorders. Chloe, a coach, emphasizes the importance of balance and acceptance in eating behaviors, while Lisa, who has personally experienced an eating disorder, shares her journey and commitment to helping others. They discuss the difference between disordered eating and eating disorders, the role of emotional eating, and the importance of mindful eating. They also touch on the signs of eating disorders and the importance of approaching individuals with compassion and understanding. The episode promotes a balanced, mindful approach to eating and encourages seeking professional help when needed. Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and review the Bodcast. It helps others find the podcast more easily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Chloe addresses some frequently asked health and fitness questions that she receives. She emphasizes that there is no perfect time to start getting in shape and that age should not be a factor. Chloe also discusses why eating healthy and exercising might not lead to weight loss, highlighting the importance of resistance training and protein intake. She debunks the belief that hormonal issues can prevent weight loss and suggests seeking group coaching for support.  Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and review the Bodcast. It helps others find the podcast more easily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Chloe Madeley and Emma Storey-Gordon discuss their online coaching business, The EC Method. They highlight the benefits of online coaching for personalised and continuous support, and the importance of mindset and intention in achieving sustainable health and fitness results. They also address misconceptions about weight loss, emphasising that it's not just about numbers but also about behaviour and mindset around food. They stress the importance of balance, self-love, and avoiding extreme approaches. They also discuss the role of the environment and preparation in achieving fitness goals. Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and review the Bodcast. It helps others find the podcast more easily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Bodcast episode Chloe welcomes back Julian McKerrow, a four-time world powerlifting champion. They discuss powerlifting as a sport and its core disciplines, such as squat, bench press, and deadlift. Julian shares his favourite and least favourite lifts and they also talk about competition day performance and Julian's personal best numbers. We chat about Julian's vegetarian diet and the importance of a balanced diet. The topic of steroids in the fitness industry is also addressed, with Julian sharing his perspective. The episode concludes with Julian sharing his journey of recovery and resilience after a serious injury that Julian picked up while sleeping. Favourite and Least Favourite Lifts (03:25) Julian shares that his favorite and best lift is the deadlift, while his least favorite is the squat. He explains that his preference for deadlifts stems from his early training experience and lack of guidance in squatting. The importance of rest and peaking (10:50) Discussion on the optimal number of competitions, the need for rest and recovery, and the impact of nerves on performance. Training structure and programming (12:00) Overview of the training cycle leading up to a competition, including the use of waves and six-week blocks, tapering, and the importance of maintaining movement patterns. Nutrition and weight management (15:57) Strategies for managing weight before a competition, including meal timing, carb consumption, and techniques like water loading and cutting. Safety precautions and the importance of rest and hydration are also discussed. Choosing the Right Weight Class (26:43) Julian discusses how powerlifters determine the appropriate weight class for competition and the trade-off between losing strength and being competitive in a lighter weight class. Accessory Work for Bench Press (23:20) Julian explains the importance of upper back work as a key accessory exercise for improving bench press performance. Vegetarian Nutrition (29:05) Julian talks about his lifelong vegetarianism, his reasons for sticking with it, and how he ensures adequate protein intake for recovery and muscle synthesis. The importance of genetics and work ethic in sports (33:15) Highlighting the role of genetics and hard work in becoming an elite athlete, using the example of a world champion powerlifter. Recovering from nerve damage (35:35) Julian shares their experience of waking up with nerve damage, the pain and weakness they experienced, and the rehabilitation process to regain movement. Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and review the Bodcast. It helps others find the podcast more easily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chloe welcomes Jo Gipson back to the Bodcast to discuss the postnatal period and the importance of pelvic health. Joe explains her approach to assessing clients who have just had a baby, emphasizing the need to check in with their overall well-being before focusing on pelvic health. She discusses the assessment of the pelvic floor and the importance of addressing scars after childbirth. Joe also highlights the impact of biomechanics and overall movement in postnatal individuals. She shares her approach to postnatal recovery, emphasizing the importance of intention over intensity and tailoring exercises to individual goals. Joe addresses the readiness for intense exercise after childbirth and the importance of regular check-ins and assessments. She also discusses the importance of seeking treatment for pelvic floor issues at any stage of life and addresses the topic of returning to sex after having a baby. Joe provides recommendations for maintaining a healthy pelvic floor and overall pelvic health.  This episode is brought to you by Symprove - a science-backed water-based supplement containing billions of live and active bacteria that support the gut. Symprove are offering a 50% discount on your first three months subscription – Visit https://symprove.com and use our code BODCAST50 for 50% off your first three months subscription. The pelvic floor and its importance (02:09) Jo discusses the pelvic floor, its function, and the common problems women may experience after childbirth. The impact of different types of birth on recovery (08:50) Jo explains that recovery and rehabilitation after childbirth, including scar work, can vary regardless of whether it was a vaginal birth or a cesarean section. The importance of assessing scars postnatal (09:48) Jo discusses the significance of assessing scars, including their location, appearance, and impact on mobility and emotional well-being. Caesarean scar and the development of a pouch (13:42) Jo discusses how the location and tightness of a caesarean scar can contribute to the development of a pouch or shelf-like appearance, and provides tips on scar healing and massage techniques to minimise the pouch. Postnatal Recovery Goals and Intention (19:56) Discussion on the importance of setting individual goals and intentions for postnatal recovery, including returning to challenging activities like running and weightlifting. Progression of Exercise Timeline (22:52) Explanation of a gradual continuum of exercise progression, starting with basic breathwork and core exercises, then moving towards functional exercises and finally specific goal-oriented exercises like running or weightlifting. Signs to Look for Before Returning to Full Throttle Training (29:45) Discussion on the importance of assessing readiness to return to intense training postnatal, emphasizing that it's not just about a specific time frame. Understanding and Managing Prolapse (35:10) Explanation of prolapse, its varying degrees, and the misconception surrounding it, highlighting that it's common and does not necessarily restrict exercise. Returning to sex after childbirth (41:15) Exploration of the changes in the pelvic floor and intimate life after having a baby, including issues such as tightness, pain, and vaginal dryness. Long-term pelvic health (45:24) Advice on maintaining pelvic health throughout life, including pelvic floor exercises, exercise and weight management, avoiding constipation, and seeking treatment for pelvic floor issues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chloe is back for a solo Bodcast, explaining an often misunderstood and misinterpreted term and answering the question ‘Body Recomp. What does it mean’. Introduction to Body Recomposition (00:04) Explanation of what body recomposition means and the misconception surrounding it. Can You Lose Fat and Gain Muscle at the Same Time? (01:27) Discussion on the possibility of losing body fat and gaining muscle mass simultaneously, with factors such as being new to weight training and having a lot of body fat to lose. Approaching Body Recomposition Goals (05:44) Advice on how to approach body recomposition goals, including setting realistic expectations and maintaining a healthy lifestyle with appropriate calorie intake and consistent weightlifting. Preserving Muscle Mass During Body Recomposition (11:47) Explains the importance of keeping lifting frequency, intent, and volume high, as well as consuming enough protein. Avoiding Steep Deficits for Muscle Preservation (12:45) Discusses the benefits of avoiding a steep calorie deficit over a long period of time to preserve muscle mass during body recomposition. Short vs. Longer Fat Loss Phase (13:46) Considers the duration of the fat loss phase based on the amount of body fat to lose, suggesting a longer journey for significant fat loss. Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and review the Bodcast. It helps others find the podcast more easily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Chloe and Emma discuss one of Emma's specialities - coaching through the menopause. Emma shares her expertise in coaching women going through menopause and emphasises the importance of understanding menopause for coaches working with women. They discuss the three stages of menopause and the common symptoms associated with each stage. **The Menopause and its Stages (00:04:01)** Emma explains what menopause is, the different stages (perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause), and the symptoms typically experienced in each stage. **Misconceptions and Varying Experiences (00:07:25)** Chloe and Emma discuss the misconceptions and varying experiences of menopause, emphasising that every woman's experience is different and that it's important to be aware of the symptoms and provide support accordingly. **The impact of menopause symptoms on women's lives (00:09:40)** Discussion on the various symptoms of menopause, such as mood swings, reduced sex drive, vaginal dryness, and their impact on women's lives and relationships. **Lack of awareness about menopause (00:10:45)** Highlighting the fact that 77% of women are unaware that they are going through menopause, leading to confusion and feelings of being overwhelmed. **Changes in body fat distribution during menopause (00:13:10)** Explanation of how the reduction in estrogen during menopause can lead to increased fat storage around the middle, the risks associated with this, and the possibility of spot reducing through hormone replacement therapy (HRT). **Importance of diet and exercise for menopause (00:18:36)** Discussion on the quote stating that diet and exercise is the only non-controversial treatment for menopause and its importance for everyone. **Starting small with exercise and building momentum (00:19:50)** Exploring the idea of starting with small exercise activities, such as a 10-minute walk, and how motivation follows action. **Resistance training for menopausal women (00:21:30)** The significance of resistance training for women going through menopause, including the prevention of muscle mass and bone density loss. **The placebo effect (00:27:48)** Discussion on the anecdotal evidence of CBD and other supplements helping with anxiety and sleep, despite limited scientific data. **HRT and breast cancer risk (00:30:28)** Exploration of the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its potential impact on breast cancer risk. **Supplements and dietary choices (00:34:42)** Consideration of supplements and dietary choices for women who cannot take HRT, including the potential effects of phytoestrogens and the role of placebo. **Perception of Aging and Menopause (00:37:02)** Discussion on the negative perception of aging and menopause in the media, and the impact of positive mindset on aging. **Impact of Positive Outlook on Health (00:38:43)** Exploration of the impact of positive mindset on health outcomes, including a study on perception of aging and cancer patients with a positive outlook. **Challenging the Narrative on Menopause (00:42:52)** Conversation about challenging the idea of accepting menopause as a negative outcome, and the importance of self-love and taking control of one's health during this stage of life. **The struggle of menopause (00:45:22)** Discussion about women going through menopause and feeling like there's nowhere to turn or nothing they can do. Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and review the Bodcast. It helps others find the podcast more easily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this podcast episode, Chloe introduces James Lee, a musculoskeletal physiotherapist, as her guest. They discuss the role of a physiotherapist, different specialties within physiotherapy, and the importance of addressing psychological aspects in client care. They also touch on fear and pain management in the rehabilitation process. James explains the process of returning to training after injury or surgery, the importance of proper form and technique in weightlifting, and individualized movement and foot positioning in exercises like squats. They also discuss optimal training splits, progressive overload, and heart rate zones for athletes. James emphasizes the importance of individualized care and understanding each client's unique circumstances. *The role of a physiotherapist (03:13)* Explains the different roles of a physiotherapist, including assessment, diagnosis, referral, and guiding the rehabilitation process. *Psychological support in physiotherapy (06:31)* Discusses the importance of addressing psychological aspects in client care, including providing reassurance, answering questions, and informing clients of their options. *Fear and pain management in rehabilitation (10:10)* Highlights the role of fear and pain in limiting movement and the importance of addressing and tackling these issues to promote safe and effective rehabilitation. *The role of a physiotherapist in client care (12:08)* Discussion on how physiotherapists assess clients' goals and create a plan for their return to training after injury or surgery. *Form issues and injury risks in weightlifting (14:57)* Exploration of common form issues in weightlifters and the potential injuries associated with improper technique. *Importance of foot positioning in lifts (18:14)* Explanation of the significance of foot positioning in lifts and the benefits of achieving symmetry and stability in lifting. *The importance of foot positioning (20:21)* Discussion on the impact of foot positioning on movement, stability, and control during exercises like squats. *The significance of a neutral spine (21:42)* Exploration of the importance of maintaining a neutral spine during lifts and exercises, and tips on how to achieve and recognize this position. *Training errors and the need for proper progression and recovery (27:45)* Addressing common training errors such as rushing back into training after injury, suboptimal recovery, and lack of proper progression and rest in training programs. *Optimal Split and Progressive Overload (31:52)* Discussion on the individualized approach to progressive overload and the importance of considering past experiences and shared decision-making. *Considerations for Training Duration (32:49)* Exploration of the recommended minimum training duration for building muscle size or strength, and the importance of flexibility in training programs. *Targeting Gluteal Engagement (35:24)* Explanation of the common perception of quad dominance and strategies to target gluteal engagement over quad engagement in training programs. *Zone Training and Heart Rate Zones (42:33)* Explanation of different heart rate zones for training and their importance in preventing injury and overtraining. *Monitoring Lactate Buildup (46:01)* Discussion on lactate as a biomarker of fatigue and how athletes monitor and manage lactate buildup during training. *VO2 Max (48:49)* Explanation of VO2 max as the maximum rate of oxygen utilization during exercise and its relationship to fitness level. Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and review the Bodcast. It helps others find the podcast more easily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this weeks Bodcast, Chloe welcomes Zoe Hardman as a guest. They talk about Zoe's relationship with her body, but also her struggle with an eating disorder after facing criticism about her appearance. Zoe shares her journey to recovery and the importance of spreading the message that there is a way out of eating disorders. They also talk about Zoe's experiences with fertility and early menopause. This is not one to be missed so make sure you listen, like and subscribe. This episode is brought to you by Symprove - a science-backed water-based supplement containing billions of live and active bacteria that support the gut. Symprove are offering a 50% discount on your first three months subscription – Visit https://symprove.com and use our code BODCAST50 for 50% off your first three months subscription. *The positive start and healthy relationship with body image (05:02)* Zoe discusses her active childhood, love for sports, and positive body image before societal pressures influenced her perception. *Development of eating disorder after appearing on TV show (06:11)* Zoe talks about how negative comments about her appearance on a TV show led to the development of an eating disorder. *The turning point (08:50)* Zoe discusses the turning point in her eating disorder when she met someone who made her realize the severity of her situation. *Going to Overeaters Anonymous (09:38)* Zoe talks about her initial confusion about going to Overeaters Anonymous and how she found support and understanding from others in the group. *The fertility journey (18:15)* Zoe discusses her fertility struggles, including low AMH levels and failed attempts at freezing her eggs. *Diagnosis of early menopause (24:29)* Zoe shares her experience of being diagnosed with early menopause and starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT). *Finding the right HRT approach (25:36)* Zoe talks about her journey with different types of HRT, including oral medication and patches, and finding the right approach for her symptoms. *The importance of seeking medical advice for menopause symptoms (27:23)* Zoe discusses the importance of switching up treatments if the current one is not working and mentions various options like pumps, gels, creams, and oral HRT. She also shares her mother's experience with breast cancer. *Advice for women going through early menopause (29:12)* Zoe offers words of comfort and encourages women to reach out to her for support. She advises them to talk to their partners, friends, and family, and to persistently seek medical help, emphasizing the importance of listening to their bodies and demanding appropriate treatment. *The impact of acupuncture on recovery and fertility (31:13)* The hosts discuss the potential benefits of acupuncture, including its role in postnatal recovery and turning breech babies. They acknowledge the lack of medical evidence but highlight the positive experiences shared by many individuals. *Zoe's training progression and love for fitness (38:13)* Zoe talks about her passion for training, setting goals, and the positive effects it has on her. *The skiing accident and recovery (44:07)* Zoe recounts her skiing accident, the initial misdiagnosis, and her recovery process after knee surgery. *The importance of proper rehab (47:34)* Zoe emphasizes the significance of pre-habilitation before surgery and the importance of following proper rehabilitation protocols for a successful recovery. Don't forget to like, subscribe, rate and review the Bodcast. It helps others find the podcast more easily! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices