The biology of sustainable weight loss with Emma Sutherland and Dr Nick Fuller
Mon Dec 08 2025
In this podcast episode, Emma Sutherland speaks with Dr Nick Fuller, Clinical Trials Director at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Endocrinology Department and researcher at the Charles Perkins Centre. Together they unpack the complex physiology behind weight regain, including metabolic adaptation, appetite-hormone shifts, and the evolutionary mechanisms that make long-term weight loss so challenging.
Dr Fuller explains how even small amounts of weight loss can trigger significant biological compensations, why traditional dieting approaches often fail, and how interval-based weight management can help prevent the rebound effect commonly seen in clinical practice. The discussion also explores emotional eating, circadian influences on hunger, and the importance of balanced meals, sleep routines, daily activity, and a whole-foods approach to support metabolic health.
This episode provides practitioners with a grounded, evidence-informed lens for guiding patients through sustainable, long-term weight change.
COVERED IN THIS EPISODE
(01:04) Welcome Dr Nick Fuller
(01:46) The Charles Perkins Centre
(02:52) Prevalence of successful weight loss
(05:59) The evolutionary mismatch
(12:30) Compensatory methods of weight loss
(16:50) Inflammation and obesity
(19:35) Biomarkers
(22:14) Probiotic therapy
(24:51) Weight regain in menopause
(28:25) Matador study
(34:12) Protein recommendation
(38:17) Dopamine hunt
(41:15) Weight loss medications
(44:05) Patterns found in successful weight loss
(49:52) Final remarks
Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-biology-of-sustainable-weight-loss
Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/
DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.
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In this podcast episode, Emma Sutherland speaks with Dr Nick Fuller, Clinical Trials Director at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Endocrinology Department and researcher at the Charles Perkins Centre. Together they unpack the complex physiology behind weight regain, including metabolic adaptation, appetite-hormone shifts, and the evolutionary mechanisms that make long-term weight loss so challenging. Dr Fuller explains how even small amounts of weight loss can trigger significant biological compensations, why traditional dieting approaches often fail, and how interval-based weight management can help prevent the rebound effect commonly seen in clinical practice. The discussion also explores emotional eating, circadian influences on hunger, and the importance of balanced meals, sleep routines, daily activity, and a whole-foods approach to support metabolic health. This episode provides practitioners with a grounded, evidence-informed lens for guiding patients through sustainable, long-term weight change. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (01:04) Welcome Dr Nick Fuller (01:46) The Charles Perkins Centre (02:52) Prevalence of successful weight loss (05:59) The evolutionary mismatch (12:30) Compensatory methods of weight loss (16:50) Inflammation and obesity (19:35) Biomarkers (22:14) Probiotic therapy (24:51) Weight regain in menopause (28:25) Matador study (34:12) Protein recommendation (38:17) Dopamine hunt (41:15) Weight loss medications (44:05) Patterns found in successful weight loss (49:52) Final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-biology-of-sustainable-weight-loss Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.