Beyond Calories: The Science of Weight Loss with Dr. Ashley White

Have you ever felt like you're doing everything right for weight loss, but your body just won't cooperate? On this episode, Dr. Anne Hussain and obesity medicine expert Dr. Ashley White unpack why "eat less, move more" is an oversimplified and often harmful message. They tackle the weight stigma that’s everywhere, exploring how biology, genetics, and environment play a bigger role than willpower. You'll also learn the truth about the calorie-in/calorie-out model, appetite literacy, the role of medications like semaglutide, and the amount of weight loss that can lead to significant health improvements in your life (it’s not what you think!). It’s time to move beyond shame and blame! This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a more compassionate and sustainable strategy that works for you, not against you. Takeaways • It’s not just willpower! Your body and how you carry weight is a complex interplay of biology, genetics, hormones, and the environment. • The one-size-fits-all model is broken and doesn’t work. A sustainable approach to weight management must be individualized, compassionate, and focused on your unique needs. • The scale (aka your gravitational pull to the earth) isn't the only metric that matters. Learn about the other indicators of health that can help you reframe your idea of "success" beyond your weight. • Stop fighting your appetite and learn the powerful concepts of appetite literacy and “regulation over restraint" to work with your body, not against it. • Don’t forget about the stigma! This is a big one. Diet culture and weight stigma all around us plays a huge role in how we think, feel, and deal with weight management. You’ll learn how to advocate for yourself in a world that often oversimplifies weight. • A little can go a long way: Understand why even a modest, sustainable change can lead to significant improvements in your health and well-being. More about Dr. Ashley White: Dr. Ashley White is a metabolic strategist and physician innovator who's reimagining women's health care. Through her practice at Clarity Health Burlington and her online platform The Shift System™, she helps patients design sophisticated strategies for metabolic resilience that evolve with their lives. Drawing on her background in emergency medicine, obesity medicine, and public health, Dr. White brings a unique systems-thinking approach to complex health challenges. She works particularly with accomplished women navigating the intersection of professional success and personal health challenges, helping them see the connections between seemingly unrelated health issues. As Director of Women's Health for https://www.doou.ca/, she's also at the forefront of creating innovative healthcare delivery models. Dr. White holds a Doctor of Medicine from McMaster University, a Master's in Public Health, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health. Chapters (00:00) Understanding Weight Loss Variability (04:02) The Complexity of Weight Management (08:54) Personal Connections to Obesity Medicine (16:00) Environmental Influences on Weight (24:13) Transdiagnostic Approaches in Obesity Care (30:06) Realistic Expectations in Weight Loss (36:01) Appetite Literacy and Self-Advocacy (40:35) Understanding ADHD and Appetite Dynamics (41:54) The Importance of Communication in Weight Management (44:10) The Role of Food as Fuel (46:32) Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare (48:59) Changing Perspectives on Patient Advocacy Connect with Dr. Anne Hussain, ND: ⁠https://phasetophase.ca/ ⁠ ⁠https://annehussain.com/