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Causes or Cures
"For the Nerds and the Nerd Nots"
Causes or Cures is a health podcast hosted by Dr. Eeks—an independent, grassroots show driven by curiosity and a passion for breaking down complex health topics into bite-sized, easy-to-understand insights. Dr. Eeks works as a senior public health consultant in the realm of global health, outbreak response, and health communication. She's all about making science relatable and often uses a blue-collar sense of humor to drive the message home.
On this podcast, Dr. Eeks talks with experts from around the world (doctors, researchers, public health pros, and more) to dive into the latest hot topics in health and research, all in a down-to-earth kind of way. She also includes people with compelling stories of healing and "characters" because life is too boring and short to leave out characters. ;)
DISCLAIMER: Some topics are more controversial than others, so keep in mind that this is information only and not health advice. Dr. Eeks doesn't endorse any of her guests' views, and despite a strict health routine, nor does she endorse any products, supplements, oils, magic socks or potions. If an episode is sponsored by a company she likes, she will say so in the show notes!
Causes or Cures is not a "news site." It's about having conversations, and Dr. Eeks is confident that she can have a respectful conversation with anyone, even people who think far differently than she does. (At least that's been her experience at hole-in-the-walls & on the NYC sidewalks.) The point is to not take anything here as Gospel. Sometimes Dr. Eeks' dog Barnaby makes his opinion known, but the good news is that he's a smart dog. Most importantly, she hopes this podcast encourages folks to stay curious, empathic, hopeful, compassionate, honest, open-minded, and engaged. Freedom of discussion is a beautiful thing, delightfully messy, and one that many take for granted.
*The views on this podcast do not reflect the views of anyone she contracts with or consults for.
You can contact Dr. Eeks through her website, bloomingwellness.com.
If you are interested in sponsoring an episode, write erin@bloomingwellness.com.
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Causes or Cures
Mayo Clinic Test Predicts Who Gets GLP-1 Side Effects, with Dr. Andres Acosta
Dr. Acosta returns to Causes or Cures to talk about the next big leap in obesity research: using genetics and machine learning to predict which patients will get side effects to popular GLP-1 weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound. Previously, he was on Causes or Cures to discuss your individual obesity type.
He and his team are uncovering why some people experience major weight loss while others face tough side effects—especially nausea. The goal? True precision medicine for obesity: matching the right treatment to the right person before treatment even begins. (You can learn more about their available tests and company here.)
Topics We Discuss
- Dr. Acosta’s background and what drew him to obesity research
- Why not all obesity is the same—and why that matters for patients and doctors
- The most common questions patients ask about GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound
- How big a problem side effects like nausea really are in practice
- New research using genetic markers to predict who’s more likely to experience side effects
- Whether eating style affects nausea and how Dr. Acosta coaches patients on nutrition while using these medications
- The possibility of genetic testing before prescribing GLP-1s
- What we know about rarer side effects, from vision to hearing changes, if he thinks more side effects will emerge
- What “satiation” (feeling full) means and why it varies so much between people
- How genetic risk and satiation scores could determine which obesity treatment works best
- Dr. Acosta's thoughts on obesity prevention, especially on renewed energy to take on the unhealthy food industry
- The persistence of stigma—why “willpower” doesn’t tell the whole story
- Whether the current obsession with obesity drugs distracts from prevention, nutrition, and community health
Listen if you’ve ever wondered:
- Why GLP-1 drugs don’t work the same for everyone
- What your genes have to do with weight loss, feeling full and side effects
- How soon doctors could use genetic tests to personalize obesity treatment
- Whether prevention is being overshadowed by the pharma spotlight
Why it matters
Obesity isn’t a one-size-fits-all condition—and neither should its treatment be. Dr. Acosta’s research could mark a turning point in how we approach weight loss: scientifically, compassionately, and individually.
Dr. Acosta is a Consultant of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at the Mayo Clinician, co-founder of Phenomix Sciences, as well as an Associate Professor of Medicine. His research focus is on gastrointestinal physiology and the complexity of food intake regulation as it relates to obesity. You can learn more about his work here.
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