Bite Back with Abbey Sharp

Women’s Weight Loss 101: Is Your Boyfriend’s Diet Failing You? with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple

Episode Summary

In today’s episode of Bite Back with Abbey Sharp, I’m joined by PhD researcher Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple to explore why women’s weight loss isn’t as straightforward as following your boyfriend’s diet plan. We dive into how female hormones, body composition, and our relationship with food shape weight loss outcomes — and why most of the science still centers on men. We also unpack the latest research on intermittent fasting, menopause, and cycle syncing, plus get Lauren’s take on the good, the bad, and the SkinnyTok of it all.

Episode Notes

CONTEST INFORMATION!

Reminder - there is a special keyword embedded in today’s episode where you can win a $500 gift card to Shoppers Drug Mart. Simply text the keyword plus you’re full name to 925-555. Standard message rates apply. Go to www.seekyoursounds.com/contests for contest rules. 

Also, if you're a PC optimum member, the Super Redemption Event at Shoppers Drug Mart runs from June 27th until July 2nd, 2025 so you can get even more points when you shop in store and online.

Here’s a run down of what we discussed in today’s episode on Women’s Weight Loss:

• 3:36 - Kisspeptin Signaling Explained & Its Role in Weight Regulation
• 6:28 - Is It Easier for Men to Lose Body Fat? The Role of Testosterone & Estrogen
• 8:57 - Are Men Doing Something Different to Optimize Fat Loss & Muscle Gain?
• 11:46 - Pilates & Body Composition: Worth It for Muscle Gain and Fat Loss?
• 14:00 - The Impact of Perimenopause & Menopause on Body Composition
• 16:30 - Other Factors Behind Weight Gain in the 40s–50s Life Stage
• 18:13 - Diet & Exercise During Different Phases of the Menstrual Cycle
• 20:20 - Weight Gain Myths: Hack or Hoax?
• 24:21 - Intermittent Fasting & Women’s Hormones: How Concerned Should We Be?
• 26:24 - Best Practices for Women to Improve Body Composition & Lose Fat
• 28:40 - The Rise of SkinnyTok: Final Words on the “Skinny at Any Cost” Culture
• 32:00 - Why the Pressure to Be Thin Hits Women Harder: Stigma, Discrimination & Health Risks

Check in with today’s amazing guest: Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple

• Website: drlaurencs.com
• X: @drlaurencs1
• Instagram: @drlaurencs1

References:

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10346027/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19165161/
• https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/oby.2008.636
• https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics/
   

Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is never a substitute for medical advice. If you’re struggling with with your mental or physical health, please work one on one with a health care provider.

If you have heard yourself in our discussion today, and are looking for support, contact the free NEDIC helpline at 1-866-NEDIC-20 or go to eatingdisorderhope.com.

Don’t forget to Please subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts and leave us a review! It really helps us out.