Why “Eat Less, Move More” Doesn’t Work

Why is obesity so difficult to reverse even when people try to eat less? In this episode, Ethan sits down with Dr. Jason Fung, nephrologist and author of The Obesity Code and The Diabetes Code, to unpack the hormonal science behind weight gain, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. They explore why the calorie model of weight loss often fails, how insulin drives fat storage, and why fasting can be a powerful metabolic tool. The conversation also touches on addiction, modern food environments, and sustainable approaches to health.If you enjoyed this conversation, sign up for Ethan’s newsletter for more insights and updates:https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTSIntroduction to Dr. Jason FungType 1 vs Type 2 DiabetesThe Problem with the Calorie ModelWhy Eating Less Often FailsHormones and Weight GainInsulin Resistance ExplainedThe Role of FastingFood Environment and AddictionWhy Processed Food Is So Powerful Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the way you are eating is directly shaping how you feel every single day?In this episode, Ethan sits down with Rachael DeVaux to unpack the powerful connection between food, energy, cravings, and overall well being. They explore how ultra-processed foods impact mood and performance, and why many people fail to connect what they eat with how they feel. Rachael shares practical insight on shifting toward whole foods and how small nutritional changes can create noticeable differences in energy and stability.SHOW HIGHLIGHTSIntroducing Rachael DeVauxEthan’s Health Journey and ContextThe Real Impact of Sugar CrashesWhy Energy Dips Keep HappeningUnderstanding Ultra-Processed FoodsEmotional Eating and Hidden TriggersBuilding Awareness Around Daily ChoicesProtein, Satiety, and CravingsSustainable Nutrition vs Diet CultureSmall Changes That Create Big ResultsLong Term Habits That Actually StickFinal Thoughts on Taking Control of Your HealthIf you want more honest conversations like this, sign up for Ethan’s newsletter at https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribe and stay connected. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are carbohydrates really the enemy of weight loss? In this episode of the American Glutton podcast, Ethan sits down with Paige to tackle the intense debate surrounding low-carb and no-carb diets.Ethan passionately argues against moralizing food and blaming a single macronutrient for weight gain. Instead of relying on unsustainable quick fixes, he emphasizes the importance of looking at total energy intake, emotional triggers, and foundational health pillars like quality sleep. Tune in to hear why extreme diets often fail and how to build a realistic approach for long-term success.SHOW HIGHLIGHTSIntroduction and WeatherThe Carb Debate: Low Carb vs. No CarbThe Reality of Caloric DeficitsGood Carbs, Bad Carbs, and Moralizing FoodQuick Fixes vs. Real ExaminationsShifting Mindsets and Sustainable StrategiesClosing ThoughtsEthan's Substack:https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to lose weight and keep it off for good? Ethan sits down with Dr. Holly Wyatt to unpack the science of metabolism, appetite regulation, and long term weight management. They explore why the body resists weight loss, how biology influences hunger, and what actually works beyond willpower. Dr. Wyatt shares practical insights drawn from decades of clinical research, offering clarity in a space full of confusion. If you are serious about understanding sustainable fat loss, this conversation delivers real answers. For more insights and updates from Ethan, sign up for his newsletter at https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribe.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00:00 Welcome, Dr. Holly Wyatt00:02:09 Ethan’s Weight Loss History00:04:32 Appetite and Hormones Explained00:12:31 The Reality of Weight Loss Maintenance00:13:57 Extreme Calorie Restriction00:16:37 Why We Regain Weight00:18:28 Metabolism Adaptation00:30:45 Set Point and Biological Defense00:40:26 Exercise and Long-Term Health00:50:34 Final Takeaways on Sustainable Fat Loss Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is your favorite superfood actually a marketing success story? Ethan sits down with Natalie Alibrandi, a nutrition and food science expert who helps take products from concept to commercialization, to unpack how food trends are born. They explore the rise of kale, goji berries, cottage cheese hacks, and the powerful role marketing plays in shaping what we believe is healthy.Natalie breaks down formulation, regulation, and the realities of the food industry, while Ethan digs into how consumer psychology drives demand.HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Introduction and Natalie’s Background05:42 How Food Trends Are Born12:18 The Rise of Superfoods18:47 Marketing vs Nutritional Reality26:15 Product Formulation and Food Science34:02 Consumer Psychology and Health Claims42:30 The Business of Health Foods50:11 Regulation, Labels, and Transparency58:27 Social Media and Trend Acceleration01:05:44 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you navigate the mental and physical hurdles of long term weight maintenance? In this episode of American Glutton, Ethan Suplee sits down with host Paige to answer listener questions on everything from breaking through stubborn plateaus to the realities of life after GLP 1 medications.Ethan shares his personal strategies for managing intense food cravings with healthy hacks and explains why he prioritizes sleep as the essential foundation for any successful health journey. He also offers advice on using a diet break to reset your metabolism when progress stalls. Swapping to Egg WhitesCalculating Caloric MaintenanceThe Work of Weight MaintenanceGLP 1s and Regaining WeightNavigating Cravings and Food HacksPrioritizing Sleep Over the GymUsing Diet Breaks to ResetJoin the conversation and get more insights by subscribing to Ethan's newsletter athttps://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you come face to face with death and are forced to make a choice?Ethan sits down with Jaimie Alexander to unpack a raw, deeply personal story about sobriety, self-worth, and survival. Jaimie opens up about being a highly functioning alcoholic, the quiet rationalizations that kept her drinking, and the medical crisis that nearly took her life. What followed was a moment of clarity that changed everything and led to a commitment she could not ignore. This conversation is honest, emotional, and unfiltered, exploring pain, meaning, and the power of choosing to stay.For more reflections like this, subscribe to Ethan’s newsletter here:https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Wired Headphones and Small Talk00:26 Jaimie’s Journey to Sobriety01:31 High-Functioning Alcoholism Explained03:13 The Illusion of Control05:54 Drinking as Medication06:07 The Question of Rock Bottom09:03 Dating, Anxiety, and Drinking Before the Date10:38 Accidentally Sober in a Snowstorm15:10 Withdrawal, Denial, and Pushing Through18:03 Severe Appendicitis and Ignored Pain21:44 Facing Death in the Operating Room25:54 “Do You Want to Stay or Go?”29:43 Surviving Against the Odds31:18 Choosing to Stay Alive36:26 Power, Perspective, and Agency41:30 Self-Kindness as a Practice47:24 Meaning, Suffering, and Choice53:57 Toxic Positivity vs Real Empathy58:04 Sobriety, Growth, and Closing Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if improving your physical health was never the real starting point?In this episode, Ethan sits down with Dr. Tara Narula, cardiologist, journalist, and author, to explore the often ignored mental and emotional foundations of health. Together, they unpack the science of stress, the reality of mind body connection, and why resilience is not about toughness but about acceptance, flexibility, and daily practice. Dr. Narula shares deeply personal stories from her medical training and clinical work, revealing how trauma, mindset, and social connection directly impact heart health and longevity. This conversation challenges quick fixes and offers a more honest blueprint for lasting change.Want more thoughtful conversations like this?Subscribe to Ethan’s newsletter here: https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if weight gain, depression, and chronic illness are symptoms rather than the real problem?Ethan sits down with Dr.Josh Redd, a functional medicine doctor, to explore why treating symptoms alone often fails. On this episode of American Glutton, Ethan Suplee and Dr. Redd dig into inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, mental health, and why personalized care matters more than one-size-fits-all diets or pills. They discuss real patient stories, overlooked root causes, and what true healing can look like.Want more insights like this? Subscribe to Ethan’s newsletter here: https://ethansuplee.substack.com/subscribeSHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 - What Functional Medicine Really Means04:10 - Treating Root Causes Instead of Symptoms09:05 - Why One Size Fits All Diets Fail14:40 - When Weight Is a Symptom, Not the Problem20:30 - Brain Inflammation and Mental Health27:15 - The Emotional Cost of Chronic Illness32:40 - A Child’s Drawing That Changed Everything38:20 - Why Patients Feel “Crazy” When Labs Are “Normal”45:10 - Food, Inflammation, and Modern Lifestyles52:35 - Why Healing Requires Education, Not Just Treatment59:40 - What Real Health Transformation Looks Like Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really mean to start over without punishing yourself? Ethan Suplee sits down with Paige Dorian to unpack the emotional and psychological weight of restarting, whether it is after the holidays, a setback, or yet another failed plan. Ethan speaks candidly about crash diets, the illusion of quick fixes, and why weight loss is something to manage, not cure.Together, they explore sustainable habits, realistic readiness, and the importance of support and accountability. This conversation is a grounded reminder that real change comes from compassion, not extremes.SHOW HIGHLIGHTS00:00 Starting Over and January Resets02:05 The Gloom of Restarting06:38 Why Crash Diets Fail09:31 Sustainable Change vs Quick Fixes12:17 Mindless Eating and Awareness14:57 Exercise and Unrealistic Expectations19:36 The Readiness Formula24:03 Weight Loss vs Life Improvement26:01 Accountability and Support Systems30:55 Managing Weight for Life36:44 Broadening the Goal Beyond Weight42:19 Compassion, Guardrails, and Self Control48:00 New Year Perspective Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.