The science of losing weight

The science of losing weight

Author: NPR January 5, 2026 Duration: 22:07
When it comes to weight loss, there are many misconceptions about what works. So if you want to lose weight this year, here's what the science says about the potential health benefits, GLP-1 drugs, exercise and more.
Sign up for Life Kit's Guide to Building Strength here: npr.org/stronger
Follow us on Instagram: @nprlifekit
Sign up for our newsletter here.
Have an episode idea or feedback you want to share? Email us at lifekit@npr.org
Support the show and listen to it sponsor-free by signing up for Life Kit+ at plus.npr.org/lifekit

See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

NPR Privacy Policy

You know that feeling when you have a simple health question, but searching for answers online leaves you more confused than when you started? That’s where Life Kit: Health comes in. Produced by NPR, this podcast cuts through the noise and delivers clear, actionable guidance you can actually use. Instead of overwhelming theory, each episode focuses on a single topic-whether it’s improving your sleep, understanding nutrition labels, or starting a sustainable exercise routine-and brings in credible experts to break it down. The conversations are grounded in science but translated into practical steps, making it feel like you’re getting trustworthy advice from a friend who really did their homework. This isn’t about drastic overhauls; it’s about manageable tweaks that add up to a healthier, more informed life. You’ll hear straightforward interviews and relatable stories that make complex health concepts accessible. For those who want to support the show directly, there’s Life Kit+, a subscription that offers an ad-free listening experience. Tune in whenever you need a reliable, no-nonsense resource for navigating the everyday decisions that shape your well-being.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Life Kit: Health
Podcast Episodes
How to get lower prices on prescription drugs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:21
Prescription drug prices can be costly. What are you supposed to do if you can't afford medication? In this episode, Dan Weissmann, host of KUOW's podcast An Arm and a Leg, shares how to find discounts on prescription me…
Do collagen supplements really work? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:29
Collagen supplements have been widely promoted on social media, with claims that they'll strengthen hair and nails, lessen wrinkles and even ease joint pain. But are there studies backing these claims? NPR health corresp…
How to take a refreshing nap (without ending up more tired) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:14
Naps can offer significant benefits, from emotional regulation to improving memory and athletic performance. But there are right and wrong ways to snooze. A sleep psychologist and a sleep physician explain the factors of…
How to support a loved one through cancer treatment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:19
If you have a friend or family member diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, all you want to do is help. But where do you start? What if you say the wrong thing or don't show up in the right ways? In this epis…
Why anxiety is a superpower [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:28
As bad as it feels, anxiety is essential, says psychotherapist Britt Frank, author of The Science of Stuck. It can be a helpful warning signal that something is off, or even dangerous. But when anxiety hits, it's hard to…
What to do when your health insurance denies coverage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:01
What happens when you get a medical bill for something your insurance should have covered? KFF Health News reporter Jackie Fortiér outlines who talk to, what to say and how to appeal a denial from your insurance company.…
Debunking sleep myths [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:51
There are a lot of misconceptions about sleep. Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins and her colleagues looked into common myths about sleep to help everyone get a better night's rest. This episode originally published Janaury…
A head to toe check in for the fall [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:54
It’s not just school kids that could use a back-to-school reset. Like those annual September doctor's check ups, this episode of Life Kit is here to help you check in with your body and get your bases covered. We bring y…
Boost your mood in 15 minutes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:58
Sometimes you're just feeling blah: maybe the weather's bad, you can't get out of bed and you're struggling to shake off that listlessness. In these moments, the solution is often simpler than we think. This episode, NPR…
How to deal with intrusive thoughts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:46
Have you ever had a disturbing thought pop up into your head? Thoughts that are distressing, repetitive and unwanted are called intrusive thoughts. NPR's Senior Visuals producer LA Johnson talks with a therapist and a re…