Medical Myths, Weight Stigma & Evidence-Based Health with Dr. Mike Banna

Welcome back to the Bodcast! This week, we are drowning out the noise and nonsense on social media with some hardcore facts. I’m bringing you an exclusive piece of coaching content straight from the new EC Method download, cutting through the BS fad diets to explain exactly how body fat is gained, stored, and lost. In this episode I cover: What a Calorie Actually Is: I explain how a calorie is simply a unit of energy provided by food, and break down exactly how many calories are in proteins, carbs, fats, and alcohol. The Energy Balance Equation: A look at your body’s constantly shifting energy scales, and how your body stores excess energy as glycogen or body fat for survival. Your TDEE Explained: I break down the four key factors that dictate your Total Daily Energy Expenditure: your BMR (basic organ function), NEAT (subconscious daily movement), EAT (planned exercise), and TEF (the energy used to digest food). Where the Fat Actually Goes: The fascinating science of what happens when your body breaks down triglycerides for fuel, and how you actually excrete most of your burned fat through breathing (carbon dioxide) and water (urine and sweat). Why Fad Diets Really Work: From keto to veganism to intermittent fasting, I expose the truth that all of these diets simply work by restricting your choices to trick you into a calorie deficit. Macros Within Calories: While a calorie deficit drives fat loss, your macros absolutely matter. I explain why a higher fat diet shrinks your food volume, and why protein and fiber are the ultimate keys to managing hunger. Debunking "Starvation Mode": I call absolute BS on the starvation mode myth and explain what is actually happening when your weight loss stalls: metabolic adaptation, where your body naturally downregulates your subconscious movement to save energy. 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

Welcome back to the Bodcast! After a great catch-up with Dr. Mike last time, I’m flying solo today to give you an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look into exactly how I coach my clients. With the EC Method relaunching in the first week of May 2026, I am breaking down our "Nutrition Within Calories" guide to help you build a diet that supports fat loss, muscle growth, and an overall better quality of life. In this episode, I cover: The Power of Protein: I explain why protein is the ultimate macronutrient for muscle protein synthesis (MPS), keeping you satiated, and boosting your metabolism through the thermic effect of food. You should aim for a minimum of 100g a day, making sure to hit at least 20g per serving to properly trigger MPS. For optimal muscle growth, the sweet spot is 1.6g to 2g per kilogram of lean body mass. Don't Forget Fiber: I break down why dietary fiber from plants is non-negotiable for gut health and appetite regulation. I also explain why you should be aiming for upwards of 30g of fiber a day. Essential Fats: Dietary fats are crucial for hormonal health and absorbing vitamins. I outline why you absolutely need a minimum of 0.5g per kg of body weight, which generally sits around 30g to 50g daily for most women. The Truth About Carbs: While carbohydrates are not biologically essential, they are the body's preferred energy source. I explain why they are a total gamechanger for fueling your training and optimizing your recovery, especially if you love to lift heavy or do endurance work. Mastering Meal Timing: I discuss why eating every 3 to 4 hours—spread across 3 to 5 meals a day—is the physiological sweet spot. This frequency helps manage hunger, maintains muscle, and perfectly aligns with the 2 to 3 hours it takes for your blood glucose to clear. If you are interested in signing up for the EC Method, we will be taking new clients on the first Monday of June! Keep an eye on my social media for the sign-up links. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to the Bodcast! This week, I am joined by the fantastic Dr. Mike Banna, a GP who is brilliantly bridging the gap between medicine and the fitness industry. Today, we are tearing down the wellness space's biggest medical myths and discussing what genuine, evidence-based health actually looks like without the extreme narratives. In this episode, Mike and I cover: The Doctor-Gym Divide: We discuss the frustrating disconnect between medical professionals and the fitness industry, and why finding nuanced, evidence-based advice is harder than ever. Weight Stigma in Healthcare: Mike shares his personal and professional insights into how weight stigma negatively impacts patient care, and why health is about so much more than just a BMI reading. The Complexity of Obesity: We break down why the overly simplified "eat less, move more" narrative is fundamentally flawed and examine the biological, environmental, and psychological factors driving weight management. Calling Out Wellness BS: From detoxes to fake "medical" supplements, we expose the predatory marketing tactics used to sell wellness solutions to vulnerable people. Sustainable Health Goals: Mike gives his top medical advice on setting realistic, health-first goals that actually improve your physical quality of life without sacrificing your mental well-being. 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

Welcome back to the Bodcast! This week, I am so excited to welcome my very first guest of 2026, the brilliant Emma Storey-Gordon. We are tackling a massive topic that has been driving us both crazy: the lies, myths, and marketing BS women are constantly fed in the wellness space. In this episode, Emma and I cover: The Lies Women Are Told: We discuss how the health and fitness industry specifically targets women with predatory marketing, fear-mongering, and "quick fix" lies. The Truth About Collagen: We break down the actual science behind collagen supplements and discuss whether they really do anything for your skin, hair, and joints, or if you're just paying for overpriced protein. Menopause Supplements Exposed: We dive deep into the booming, unregulated market of "menopause supplements" to separate the genuinely helpful interventions from the absolute nonsense designed to profit off women's hormonal changes. Anti-Inflammatory Diets: What does "anti-inflammatory" even mean? We look at the buzzwords surrounding these trendy diets, what the clinical evidence actually says, and why you really don't need to fear perfectly normal, healthy foods. 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

Welcome back to the Bodcast! This week, I'm breaking down exactly how to program your workout week as effectively as possible, no matter your experience level or schedule. From the vital health benefits of lifting weights to the exact number of sets you should be doing, this episode is your ultimate guide to structuring your time in the gym. In this episode I cover: Why We Lift: It’s not just about aesthetics! Resistance training is crucial for metabolic health, longevity, fighting chronic disease, and reducing all-cause mortality. Getting Started Safely: Why complete beginners should always book a PT to nail their form and avoid injury before tackling big weights alone. The Beginner Blueprint: Why newbies should focus on full-body sessions 2-3 times a week, prioritizing big compound lifts (like squats and deadlifts) for 6-10 sets per muscle group weekly. Leveling Up to Intermediate: How to keep progressing and hit optimal volume by bumping up to 3-4 sessions a week, hitting 10-16 sets per muscle group with push/pull or upper/lower splits. The Advanced Athlete: For those who have been lifting consistently for 3-4+ years, I explain why you might need 4-5 sessions a week, 12-20 sets per muscle group, and a strategic mix of heavy compounds and accessory work. Rest & Recovery: A reminder that muscle actually grows during recovery, not in the gym—and why you absolutely need rest days and adequate protein to repair micro-tears. Ditching Perfectionism: Why a 20-minute workout is always better than doing nothing, and how dropping the "f*ck it" mentality is the real secret to staying in shape long-term. 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

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