Weight Loss And ...

Losing weight is more than just watching the numbers on the scale drop. But what's really happening to your body when you shed those pounds? Are you losing fat, muscle, or both? And how does this change as you age?

Join Holly and Jim as they dive into the complexities of body composition during weight loss with special guest Dr. John Batsis, a geriatric medicine specialist and nutrition researcher from the University of North Carolina. Dr. Batsis brings his expertise on how aging affects muscle mass, strength, and weight loss to shed light on what's really going on beneath the surface when you're trying to slim down.

Whether you're approaching your golden years or just want to optimize your weight loss journey, this episode will give you the insights you need to lose weight the right way and maintain your strength and vitality for years to come.

Discussed on the episode:

  • The surprising truth about how much weight loss should come from fat vs. muscle
  • Why the scale doesn't tell the whole story (and what you should be measuring instead)
  • How aging impacts muscle mass and what you can do about it
  • The potential risks of rapid weight loss medications for older adults
  • The optimal amount and timing of protein intake for muscle preservation
  • Why BMI might not be the best measure for older adults

Resources Mentioned:


Connect with John Batsis on LinkedIn here: linkedin.com/in/john-batsis-md

What is Weight Loss And ...?

Your go-to hangout for everything weight loss… and beyond! “Weight Loss and…” is brought to you by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and hosted by seasoned experts in weight management, Dr. James Hill and Dr. Holly Wyatt.

We’re your friendly guides through the maze of weight loss, but with a fun twist. We’re not here to preach the latest fad diet or promise a miracle workout. Instead, we’re all about embracing the journey, acknowledging there’s more than one way to hit your health goals, and having a good laugh while we’re at it.

We get it: weight loss can be tough, and sometimes pretty serious business. But why can’t it also be enjoyable? With a side of humor, we’ll bring you science-backed insights, real-life stories, and some hard truths. (Spoiler alert: there’s no magic answer - but that doesn’t mean we can’t find what works best for you.)

“Weight Loss and…” is your inclusive space to explore, question, and learn — and to feel part of a community along the way. This isn’t just about shedding pounds. It’s about gaining perspective, building better habits, and enjoying the ride.

So if you’re up for honest conversations about weight loss - spiced with a little science and a whole lot of fun - pull up a chair, plug in those earbuds, and let’s see where this journey takes us.