Bias, BMI, and Bad Medicine: Neurobiological Struggles with Obesity
The Plasticity Podcast by Santina Duarte
Episode notes
Obesity is one of the most misunderstood—and most stigmatized—medical conditions we treat. In this episode, we dismantle the idea that body weight is simply a matter of willpower, discipline, or personal responsibility and replace it with what the science actually shows. Using evidence from neuroscience, endocrinology, and metabolism research, we explore how the brain regulates weight, why the body fiercely defends stored energy, and why long-term weight loss through lifestyle intervention alone is statistically unlikely for most people. We also examine how medical anti-fat bias has shaped clinical care, research priorities, and patient outcomes—often causing more harm than the disease itself.
As per usual, I release a new episode every Monday at 7:00 am EST. You can find me on all podcast platforms and on Instagram at @theplasticitypodcast ...