Metabolic expert Giles Yeo and body-positivity advocate Rose Stokes have launched a new podcast, *A Matter of Fat*, exploring the complex and often conflicting issues surrounding weight, body image, and the rising use of weight-loss drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. The podcast, set to debut on September 15, seeks to facilitate frank discussions about the intersection of health, societal expectations, and personal experience.

Yeo, a professor of molecular neuroendocrinology at the University of Cambridge’s MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, recently began using GLP-1 medications himself and has lost around 20 pounds. Originally developed to treat diabetes, these drugs have gained prominence for their substantial effects on weight loss, with studies showing reductions of approximately 15 percent of body weight over extended treatment periods. The rapid adoption of GLP-1s, including brand names like Wegovy produced by Danish pharmaceutical firm Novo Nordisk, has surprised both experts and the public. In the United States, nearly one in eight people are reportedly using such medications, with similar uptake expected in the United Kingdom.

Stokes, who has long promoted body positivity and self-acceptance, shared her personal struggle reconciling the use of these drugs with her advocacy. After childbirth-related weight gain left her feeling uncomfortable and unhealthy, she ultimately chose to take the "jabs," describing it as easier than fully embracing self-love amid pervasive diet culture pressures. She highlights the emotional complexity of this decision, particularly given her history of dieting from a young age and ongoing societal messaging about body size.

The two hosts embody different perspectives: Yeo approaches the subject from a biological standpoint, emphasizing the health risks associated with excess fat and maintaining that acknowledging these risks does not equate to stigmatizing people. He noted that his scientific stance often drew criticism during the height of the body-positivity movement, as some interpreted health-focused discussions as fat-shaming.

Stokes’ experiences illuminate the cultural shifts over the past decade. While the third wave of the body-positivity movement around 2012 brought increased representation of larger bodies in media and fashion, she observed a recent reversal coinciding with the rise of GLP-1 drugs. Plus-size models have become less visible, and some celebrities once celebrated for their curves have slimmed down, reflecting what Stokes termed a “shrinking girl summer.” Rather than expressing anger toward those who have embraced the medications, she views this shift as evidence of the enduring influence of thinness ideals.

Both hosts acknowledge the nuanced challenge of discussing weight openly without shame or moral judgment. Stokes candidly described the personal toll of publicly addressing body image and weight, but believes open, honest conversations can help destigmatize these topics and provide a more compassionate framework.

Together, Yeo and Stokes’ podcast aims to capture the complexity of contemporary attitudes toward weight—from scientific, cultural, and emotional perspectives—while exploring how individuals navigate the intersection of health, identity, and societal expectations in a time of rapid change.