The Prescription Strength Podcast

Feeling tired all the time is one of the most common reasons people see their GP. But before assuming it must be your thyroid, hormones, cortisol or a vitamin deficiency, what else could your energy be telling you? In this episode, I talk through the energy audit I’d encourage you to do: when did your energy change, when does your battery drain, and where are the best hours of your day actually going? We look at sleep, work and caring responsibilities, food, alcohol and exercise; what your GP may reasonably investigate; and why blood tests are only one part of the picture. Most importantly, I explain how to experiment with one thing at a time , look for patterns and collect useful information about yourself. You don’t need to diagnose yourself. Become a detective before you become a diagnostician.

Finding the right healthcare can be surprisingly difficult. Who should you see? Should you wait for the NHS or consider going private? How do you compare providers, understand waiting times, work out what you’re entitled to — and know whether the person you’ve found online is actually reputable? In this episode I’m joined by Roxanne Stevenson Brown, founder and CEO of Find Care Compare, a platform designed to help people navigate NHS and private healthcare options in one place. We talk about why healthcare has become so difficult to navigate, the growing overlap between NHS and private care, Right to Choose, reviews versus actual clinical outcomes, and why women so often become the unofficial “chief medical officers” for their entire families. We also discuss Roxanne’s bigger ambition: making healthcare information easier to access regardless of who you know, where you live or how well you understand the NHS. Find Care Compare: findcarecompare.com

Christine Hobson was struggling with her health in her 50s. She had arthritis, poor sleep, low mood and found everyday movement increasingly difficult. Then, in her 60s, things changed. Christine took up running after retirement, completed her first London Marathon — and eventually went on to complete more than 100 marathons, including one in Antarctica. She later discovered strength training and powerlifting too. Now 73, Christine has a refreshingly different perspective on ageing: we spend far too much time worrying about what movement might do to us, and not enough worrying about what happens when we stop moving. We talk about: Starting exercise later in life Arthritis, pain and the fear of movement Strength training and osteoporosis Why fitness keeps your options open as you age Staying socially connected after retirement The danger of gradually allowing your world to get smaller Why it is never too late to start This is a conversation about much more than exercise. It’s about staying capable, curious and engaged with life as you get older.

Breast cancer treatment can save your life, but what happens when the treatment itself triggers an immediate menopause? In this episode I’m joined by journalist Carissa Casey , who shares her deeply personal experience of surgical menopause following breast cancer treatment. While her cancer was successfully treated, she found herself facing severe insomnia, joint pain, recurrent urinary tract infections, weight gain, mood changes and a body she barely recognised—all without ever feeling properly prepared for what lay ahead. Together we explore: Why surgical menopause is so different from natural menopause The impact of suddenly losing oestrogen overnight Breast cancer, tamoxifen and the difficult conversations around treatment decisions Why recurrent UTIs are so common after menopause—and what can help The gaps in menopause support for women after cancer treatment The importance of informed decision-making and asking questions How misinformation and expensive supplements can fill the void when women aren’t getting the support they need This isn’t a conversation about criticising cancer treatment. It’s about recognising that surviving cancer is only part of the journey, and that women deserve honest conversations about what comes next. Whether you’ve experienced menopause yourself, support someone who has, or work in healthcare, I hope this discussion leaves you feeling better informed and better equipped to ask questions. If you found this episode helpful, please consider following the podcast and leaving a review. It really does help more people discover these conversations.

We’re surrounded by conflicting advice on fat loss. Hormones, fasting, metabolism, supplements, menopause, "starvation mode"... it's no wonder so many people feel confused. In this episode I'm joined by coach and author Emma Storey-Gordon to separate evidence from marketing and discuss what really helps women lose fat—and, more importantly, keep it off. This isn't a conversation about quick fixes. It's about understanding the science, the psychology and the realities of everyday life. We discuss: Why a calorie deficit still matters (and why that's not the whole story) The biggest fat loss myths doing the rounds online Why smart people often struggle with weight loss Tracking calories: helpful tool or unnecessary obsession? Why weekends quietly sabotage progress The role of habits, environment and decision fatigue Why maintenance is the hardest—and most important—part of fat loss How ageing changes the challenge without making success impossible Why comparing yourself to your younger self (or someone else) is rarely helpful Emma combines a science background with more than a decade of coaching real women, bringing together evidence with practical strategies that actually work in everyday life. You can reach her and pre-order the book here: ESGfitness.co.uk https://www.instagram.com/esgfitness/ pre order link: https://ebury.lnk.to/thefatlosscoachforwomen and substack: https://esgfitness.substack.com/

None of us gets to choose every turning point in our lives. For GP and author Dr Clara Doran , that turning point came during maternity leave when persistent symptoms eventually led to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. But this isn't really a conversation about MS. It's about what happens when life suddenly stops following the plan you thought you had. We talk about the uncertainty before a diagnosis, the pressure many of us feel to keep going even when we're struggling, and why carrying on isn't always the same thing as coping. Clara also shares how her diagnosis led her to explore brain health, sleep, rest, creativity and the everyday habits that quietly shape how we think, feel and function. If you've ever faced a life change you didn't choose or simply feel exhausted by trying to keep all the plates spinning, I think you'll find something here. Why uncertainty is often harder than certainty Returning to work after a life-changing diagnosis The hidden cost of "just coping" Why rest is not a luxury Brain health beyond supplements and biohacks The importance of creativity and joy Learning to accept a different future without giving up hope Books mentioned Doctor Interrupted — Dr Clara Doran Heads Up: How to Look After Your Brain So It Will Look After You — Dr Clara Doran

Are collagen, magnesium and greens powders really worth your money? If social media has convinced you that every woman over 45 needs a cupboard full of supplements, you’re not alone. In this episode, GP and strength coach Dr Lynette Ewart looks at why midlife women have become such a major target for supplement marketing, what the evidence actually says, and which supplements may genuinely be worth considering. You’ll hear about: Why supplement companies target midlife women The difference between marketing claims and scientific evidence Creatine, vitamin D and vitamin B12 Why “natural” doesn’t automatically mean effective Three simple questions to ask before buying any supplement This isn’t an anti-supplement rant. Some supplements have an important place in healthcare. But before you spend money on the latest powder, gummy or capsule, it’s worth knowing what the evidence really shows. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast and leave a rating or review—it really helps more people find evidence-based health information.

Have you been offered a statin and wondered why? Perhaps your cholesterol hasn’t changed very much, you feel perfectly well, and suddenly your GP practice wants to discuss cholesterol or cardiovascular risk. In this Pocket Prescription I explain how statin decisions are made in primary care, why age has such a powerful influence on risk calculations, and why the conversation is usually about future cardiovascular risk rather than cholesterol alone. Topics covered include: Why statins are offered even when you feel well How cardiovascular risk calculators work The difference between cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular risk Why two people with similar cholesterol results can receive different advice The role of blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, age and lifestyle Absolute risk reduction and why context matters Common misconceptions about statins How to think about the balance between potential benefits and side effects This episode focuses on primary prevention —people who have not previously had a heart attack, stroke or established cardiovascular disease. As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal medical advice. If you have concerns about your own health or medication, please speak to your healthcare professional.

Have you ever been told that your metabolism is broken, damaged, or slowing down with age? Social media often blames metabolism for everything from weight gain to low energy, but the reality is usually much more complicated. In this episode, I cover the difference between metabolism and appetite, why the two are often confused, and why that distinction matters if you’re trying to lose weight or improve your health. Topics covered include: What metabolism actually is Why metabolism is often more stable than people think The research on metabolism and ageing Why appetite changes far more dramatically than metabolism The impact of sleep, stress, hormones and environment on hunger Menopause, weight gain and common misconceptions Why some medications can lead to weight gain The role of protein, fibre and lifestyle habits in appetite regulation Why “fixing your metabolism” is usually the wrong goal If you’ve ever worried that you’ve damaged your metabolism or that age has made weight loss impossible, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on. As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal medical advice. If you have concerns about your own health, please speak to your healthcare professional.

Have you been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and found yourself confused by conflicting advice online? Perhaps you’ve heard that T3 is the “active” thyroid hormone, wondered why you’re prescribed thyroxine (levothyroxine), or been tempted by thyroid supplements, private testing, or claims that conventional treatment is missing something. In this episode, I cover how thyroid hormones work, why thyroxine remains the standard treatment for hypothyroidism, why T3 isn’t routinely measured, and where much of the confusion around thyroid health comes from. Topics covered include: The difference between T4 and T3 Why levothyroxine is usually prescribed Why T3 isn’t routinely tested How thyroid blood tests are interpreted Thyroid supplements, selenium and zinc Why some people still feel unwell despite treatment The role of fatigue, sleep, menopause and other health conditions How to approach thyroid information online with a critical eye If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting messages about thyroid health, this episode will help you understand the basics and make sense of the conversation. As always, this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as personal medical advice. If you have concerns about your own health or treatment, please speak to your healthcare professional.

Fish oil used to be seen as universally “good for the heart.” Then suddenly the headlines said it might be dangerous. So what’s actually true? In this Pocket Prescription episode, GP Lynette Ewart explains what recent fish oil studies really showed, why different heart conditions matter, and why nutrition science so often gets reduced to simplistic headlines. A practical, evidence-based guide to making sense of the confusion — without the hype.

Cortisol has become the internet’s favourite explanation for almost everything. Poor sleep? Cortisol. Weight gain? Cortisol. Waking at 3am? Cortisol. Tired all the time? Apparently also cortisol. But what does cortisol actually do, when is it genuinely a medical problem, and how much of the online conversation is misunderstanding mixed with marketing? In this Pocket Prescription episode, GP and strength coach Lynette Ewart explains what cortisol really is, why the wellness industry became obsessed with it, and what people often miss when they blame stress hormones for everything. This isn’t a “stress doesn’t matter” episode. It absolutely does. But the internet version of cortisol has drifted a long way from reality. In this episode: What cortisol actually does in the body Why cortisol rises normally during stress The difference between chronic stress and true cortisol disorders Why “hormone imbalance” is often used as a vague catch-all term The problem with random online hormone testing Why sleep, recovery, activity and overall health still matter more than hacks No hacks. No supplements being pushed. Just a calm, evidence-based explanation from clinic reality. You can also watch the video version on the Prescription Strength YouTube channel

Most people think their eating habits come down to discipline. I don’t think that’s true. In this Pocket Prescription episode, I talk about one of the biggest things people overlook when they’re struggling with food, weight, or health habits: their environment. Because whether it’s the food in your cupboards, the people around you, your stress levels, your routine, or simply what’s constantly within arm’s reach, your environment quietly shapes your behaviour all day long. And if you’re relying on willpower alone while surrounded by things working against you… that’s a very difficult battle to win. In this episode, I explore: Why eating habits are rarely just about motivation The hidden influence of your home and daily surroundings Why “nothing has changed” often isn’t actually true How modern environments make overeating incredibly easy The difference between blame and understanding Simple ways to make healthier choices feel easier without relying on constant self-control A short, practical episode about why behaviour makes a lot more sense once you stop viewing it as a personal failing. The video version of this episode is also available on YouTube.

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.

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.

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 A Path Through the Jungle Chimp Management 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.

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 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.

You’ve finished cancer treatment. Now what? Most people default to being cautious — and for good reason. But when caution turns into inactivity, it quietly works against you. In this episode: Why fear and “being careful” can stall recovery What inactivity does to muscle, fitness and long-term health The evidence that exercise improves survival after cancer How to rebuild safely with simple, structured movement The shift: Rest helped you survive. Now it’s time to rebuild. Start where you are — not where you were Build confidence through small, repeatable steps Aim for: Regular walking 2 strength sessions per week Fear will show up — that doesn’t mean you’re causing harm Key Takeaways

In this episode, I’m joined by dietitian Victoria Schonwald to explore the link between eating disorders, malnutrition and brain function. We discuss why restrictive eating doesn’t just affect the body—it changes the brain. And why, for many people, recovery isn’t about thinking differently first, but eating differently. We cover: How malnutrition affects mood, anxiety and thinking patterns Why therapy alone can fall short without adequate nutrition The rise of disordered eating in midlife women The unintended consequences of weight loss injections Orthorexia and the growing fear of “unhealthy” food Why recovery is possible at any age This is a practical, compassionate conversation about food, fear, and why the brain needs fuel to heal.