Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast

Is creatine a game-changer for your health, or just another overhyped supplement clogging up your social media feed? In this episode, Dr Mary Barson and Dr Lucy Burns cut through the noise to give you an honest, science-backed look at one of the most talked-about supplements right now.
Dr Mary and Dr Lucy explore what creatine actually is, what the evidence really says about its benefits for muscle building and brain function, and who may actually benefit. They bust the alarming myths circulating online about kidneys, cancer, and hair loss, explain why the research is far more nuanced than the clickbait headlines suggest, and give their take on gummies.
You'll walk away knowing how to make a truly informed decision about creatine, rather than one driven by fear or social media hype. If you've been wondering whether this supplement belongs in your routine or worried by the scary claims out there, this is the episode for you.
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/does-creatine-work
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peptides are all over social media, but are they actually safe? In this episode, Dr Lucy and Dr Mary unpack what peptide hormones really are and why the booming, murky peptide market has them concerned.
They explore where these products are really coming from, what can go wrong when nobody's checking what's in the vial, and why some of the newer trends aimed at young people worry them most as doctors.
If you're curious about peptides, or worried about a loved one who is, this episode gives you plenty to think about.
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/what's-the-deal-with-peptides
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is magnesium really worth the hype, and which one should you actually be taking? In this episode, Dr Mary and Dr Lucy cut through the confusion around "magnificent magnesium" to help you make clearer, more confident decisions without the marketing spin.
You'll hear why magnesium matters for energy, metabolic health, sleep and nervous system regulation, and why so many people may not be getting enough from modern diets alone. The doctors explore the most common forms, including citrate, glycinate and the newer magnesium L-threonate, covering what the evidence suggests, potential side effects, cost and when each one may be useful. There's also a must-know safety tip about hidden vitamin B6 in combined supplements that could affect your nerves over time.
By the end, you'll have a practical, no-nonsense guide to whether a magnesium supplement may help you, what to look for on the label and when real food may be enough. It's the kind of grounded, honest conversation you can take straight to your next chat with your GP or pharmacist. Listen now, your sleep and your cells will thank you.
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/what-s-the-best-sort-of-magnesium
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lipoedema might be the missing piece in your health story. In this episode, Dr Lucy and Dr Mary shine a purple light on this under-recognised condition that mostly affects women and is often mistaken for “just being overweight”.
You’ll hear how lipoedema is different from lymphoedema, why the fat on your legs and arms may not respond to diet and exercise like the rest of your body, and the typical signs that doctors often miss. They also chat about how common it may be, why so many women are told to simply lose weight, and what current awareness campaigns are trying to change.
If you’ve ever felt dismissed or blamed for a body shape that doesn’t make sense, this conversation will give you clarity, language to advocate for yourself, and a new lens on what might really be going on. Press play and find out whether lipoedema could be part of your story.
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/could-it-be-lipoedema
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you've ever felt like exercise is just another thing you're failing at, this episode is for you.
The truth is, you don't need a punishing gym program to protect your brain and your metabolic health. The evidence suggests that small, varied movements woven into your day may be just as powerful as any structured workout routine.
In this episode, Dr Lucy and Dr Mary introduce the concept of the "exercise salad", the idea that your body and brain do best with a mix of different movement types, not just one. They explore why muscle strength matters for both metabolic health and brain protection, how a little "huff and puff" may help reduce dementia risk for many people, and why mobility and balance are the often-forgotten ingredients that keep you moving well for life. They also dig into the all-or-something mindset that can transform how you approach movement on your busiest, most exhausted days.
You'll walk away with practical strategies you can start today without changing your clothes, joining a gym, or carving out extra time. From calf raises at the kettle to sit-to-stands off the toilet, this episode makes movement feel genuinely doable. Tune in and build your own exercise salad.
For more information about Real Life Medicine and our programs and special offers: https://www.rlmedicine.com/
Episode, show notes & transcript
https://www.rlmedicine.com/the-exercise-salad-why-variety-beats-the-perfect-workout-every-time
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.