#458 Dr Katie Dabrowski – The Role of Metabolic Health and Obesity In Injury Rehab

#458 Dr Katie Dabrowski – The Role of Metabolic Health and Obesity In Injury Rehab

Author: Andrew Coates April 7, 2026 Duration: 59:46

Dr Katie Dabrowski returns to educate on the magnitude of the role metabolic health and obesity play in injury risk and rehab. Katie shares expertise on:


Defining metabolic health

The importance of addressing the full picture of a person and not just the localized site of pain and injury

The mechanisms behind how excess body fat can increase injury risk and pain, and hinder rehab

What “poor tissue quality” means and why it’s important for rehab

How to approach and address obesity and metabolic health issues without dismissing the specific pain and injury

How cardiovascular health plays a role in injury and rehab

How to incorporate more cardiovascular training into rehab

How understanding the role of metabolic health in injury management can help people feel more control over their outcomes

Is rounded back deadlifting dangerous

The flaws in the argument for each side of the rounded back deadlift online battle

A lot of nuance about what rounded back deadlifting means

When to train with a neutral spine

How to make sense of random flares of pain

And a lot more


Instagram: @ktdabrowski


CHAPTERS


01:26 Metabolic Health Matters

04:55 Tissue Quality Breakdown

08:35 Adiposity And Injury Risk

13:44 Sponsor Break

14:47 Talking Weight Without Shame

20:14 Cardio And Healing

27:43 Building A Cardio Plan

31:25 Habit Stacking In Real Life

33:04 Fitness Fads To Habits

34:39 Metabolic Health Meets Rehab

36:31 Knee Pain Two Column Plan

38:17 Sponsor Break – TrainHeroic

39:39 Rounded Back Deadlift Debate

49:54 Form Load And Coaching Trust

54:01 Random Pain Flares Explained


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If this episode helped you better understand injury, rehab, or metabolic health, you can support the show by:


• Subscribing and checking out more episodes

• Sharing it on social media (tag me — I’ll respond)

• Sending it to someone dealing with pain or injury


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Andrew Coates hosts Lift Free And Diet Hard, a conversation grounded in the belief that strength and wellness are built on more than just routines. This podcast moves beyond quick fixes to examine the principles and personal stories that shape a sustainable, intentional life. You’ll hear from a variety of inspiring guests who share not only their expertise but also the real-world challenges and triumphs they’ve faced. The discussions naturally weave together the science of fitness with the practicalities of daily choices, offering a nuanced look at what it means to truly care for your physical and mental health. Each episode is designed to provide actionable insights you can use to navigate your own path, fostering resilience and confidence whether you're in the gym or the kitchen. By focusing on informed decision-making over dogma, the Lift Free And Diet Hard podcast becomes a resource for anyone looking to cut through the noise of wellness culture. Andrew facilitates these explorations with a focus on empowerment, ensuring every conversation adds a layer of understanding to the complex journey of building a strong, healthy life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates
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