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Premier Cardiovascular Health and Performance PodcastAuthor: Chris Huff MD, Doctor Podcast Network
Dr. Chris Huff, an interventional cardiologist, is here to help you master heart health. With a focus on prevention, this podcast offers real advice on how to eat better, exercise smarter, and understand your medical check-ups. Dr. Huff breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable steps, helping you live a healthier, longer life with a strong heart. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their well-being. Language: en Genres: Fitness, Health & Fitness, Nutrition Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#45: Gender Differences in Fat Distribution and Weight Loss
Episode 45
Wednesday, 18 March, 2026
Most people think fat is passive — something to lose, shrink, or eliminate. Dr. Deborah Clegg explains why that mindset is incomplete. Fat is an active endocrine organ. It produces hormones, regulates metabolism, and directly influences disease risk. Why fat distribution matters more than total fat The critical difference between visceral and subcutaneous fat How estrogen protects metabolic health — and what happens after menopause Why women lose weight differently than men The role of brown, white, and beige fat in energy balance How evolution shaped the way our bodies store fat This episode challenges the idea that all fat is bad — and reframes it as something to understand, not just fight. — This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one. What You’ll Learn The difference between visceral fat (harmful) and subcutaneous fat (protective) How estrogen improves metabolic health and fat function Why women are protected from metabolic disease before menopause What actually happens to body composition after menopause Why weight loss is biologically harder for women The role of inflammation in unhealthy fat storage How brown and beige fat increase calorie burning Key Takeaway Not all fat is bad. Where you store it, how it functions, and how your hormones regulate it matter far more than the number on the scale. Guest Bio Dr. Deborah J. Clegg is a leading researcher in metabolism, obesity, and cardiometabolic health, with a focus on how sex hormones influence energy balance and fat distribution. She serves as Vice President for Research at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso and has authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications across nutrition, endocrinology, and metabolic disease. Originally trained as a dietitian, Dr. Clegg earned her PhD in Nutrition from the University of Georgia, an MBA from Boston University, and completed postdoctoral training in obesity research at the University of Cincinnati. Her work bridges basic science and clinical insight to better understand — and improve — how we prevent and treat metabolic disease. Resources & Links Texas Tech Health Sciences Center (Faculty Page):https://www.cardiometabolichealth.org/faculty/deborah-j-clegg-phd-mba/ Research & Publications: Search: Deborah Clegg metabolism research (150+ publications) Referenced Concepts in Episode: Visceral vs subcutaneous fat Estrogen and metabolic protection Brown & beige fat metabolism Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) timing Episodes Referenced In This Show #17: From Couch to Everest: Dr. Biff Palmer Discusses His Unlikely Journey to the Top of the World #22: Why Weight Loss Stalls—Discussing the Role of Hormones, Metabolic Health, and GLP-1 Mimetics with Dr. Marguerite Weston Let’s Connect: Work with Dr. Chris Huff: Premier Cardiovascular Health Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480 Instagram: @hufcm Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.
