The Prescription Strength Podcast
Hosted by Dr Lynette Ewart, a GP in the NHS for 20 years and a personal trainer specialising in strength training, this podcast offers practical, evidence-informed health and fitness advice without hype. Most weeks feature short "Pocket Prescription" episodes answering real questions about strength training, health, ageing, and risk. Once a month, Dr Ewart sits down with a guest to explore a topic in more depth. The video version of Pocket Prescription episodes is also available on YouTube.
Episodes
When Medicine Meets Business: What Do Patients Really Need?
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr Fraser Gordon, consultant physician in the NHS and founder of Xvera Medical, a consultant-led online clinic offering testosterone replacement, perimenopause and menopause care, and weight management.Fraser started out in pharmacology and research into adverse drug reactions before moving into medicine, and has spent twenty years working at the acute end of the
Ageing Isn’t What You Think It Is. Sir Muir Gray
In this episode, I'm joined by Sir Muir Gray, public health doctor and one of the people behind the NHS programme Live Longer Better.Anti-ageing is booming, and with it the idea that if you optimise yourself enough, you can add years to your life. Muir's take is that ageing itself, the normal biological process, is not the cause of major problems until our late nineties. What causes most o
He Started Strength Training at 85. This Is What Happened
In this episode, I'm joined by Mick Wadge, the 88-year-old weightlifting grandad who has taken TikTok by storm, and his coach, Ross Starkie.Mick spent years caring for his wife Margaret, who had rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis. When she died, he found himself at a loss, and carrying far more weight than he wanted to. So he took an old broom handle, hung two milk bottles full of water on
What Women’s Health Research Is Missing
Women’s health is about far more than hormones and HRT. In this episode, I’m joined by scientist and researcher Dr Gayathri Delanerolle, whose experience of endometriosis, pregnancy loss and medically induced menopause helped shape the questions she now asks in her research.Gayathri shares what it was like to live with severe symptoms for years, why finally seeing the extent of her endometriosis b
What Happens to Your Health When You Become Homeless?
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr Andy Ward, a GP working with people experiencing homelessness in Leicester, and Kyra Biddle from Dear Albert’s Stairway Project, who brings her own lived experience of homelessness, addiction and recovery.Kyra shares what happened when her family lost their home when she was just 14, how alcohol became a way of coping, and what it really means to live in survival
Why Strength Training Is Good for Your Heart
We all know exercise is good for our heart — but most people still think that means cardio.In this episode, I’m joined by Emily McGrath, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, to talk about why strength training deserves a place in the conversation about cardiovascular health.Emily shares some of the most common worries she hears from people after a heart diagnosis, from palpitation
Why Am I So Tired? How to Investigate Your Own Energy
Feeling tired all the time is one of the most common reasons people see their GP. But before assuming it must be your thyroid, hormones, cortisol or a vitamin deficiency, what else could your energy be telling you?In this episode, I talk through the energy audit I’d encourage you to do: when did your energy change, when does your battery drain, and where are the best hours of your day actually goi
Who Should I See? Navigating NHS and Private Healthcare
Finding the right healthcare can be surprisingly difficult.Who should you see? Should you wait for the NHS or consider going private? How do you compare providers, understand waiting times, work out what you’re entitled to — and know whether the person you’ve found online is actually reputable?In this episode I’m joined by Roxanne Stevenson Brown, founder and CEO of Find Care Compare, a platform d
At 50 She Was Struggling. At 73, She’s Fitter Than Ever
Christine Hobson was struggling with her health in her 50s. She had arthritis, poor sleep, low mood and found everyday movement increasingly difficult.Then, in her 60s, things changed.Christine took up running after retirement, completed her first London Marathon — and eventually went on to complete more than 100 marathons, including one in Antarctica. She later discovered strength training and po
When menopause arrives overnight
Breast cancer treatment can save your life, but what happens when the treatment itself triggers an immediate menopause?In this episode I’m joined by journalist Carissa Casey, who shares her deeply personal experience of surgical menopause following breast cancer treatment. While her cancer was successfully treated, she found herself facing severe insomnia, joint pain, recurrent urinary tract infec
Fat Loss Without the Myths: What Actually Works (and Why It Feels So Hard)
We’re surrounded by conflicting advice on fat loss. Hormones, fasting, metabolism, supplements, menopause, "starvation mode"... it's no wonder so many people feel confused.In this episode I'm joined by coach and author Emma Storey-Gordon to separate evidence from marketing and discuss what really helps women lose fat—and, more importantly, keep it off.This isn't a conversatio
The changes we don't choose.
None of us gets to choose every turning point in our lives.For GP and author Dr Clara Doran, that turning point came during maternity leave when persistent symptoms eventually led to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.But this isn't really a conversation about MS.It's about what happens when life suddenly stops following the plan you thought you had.We talk about the uncertainty before a di
The truth about supplements in mid-life
Are collagen, magnesium and greens powders really worth your money?If social media has convinced you that every woman over 45 needs a cupboard full of supplements, you’re not alone.In this episode, GP and strength coach Dr Lynette Ewart looks at why midlife women have become such a major target for supplement marketing, what the evidence actually says, and which supplements may genuinely be worth
The Real Reason You're Being Offered a Statin
Have you been offered a statin and wondered why? Perhaps your cholesterol hasn’t changed very much, you feel perfectly well, and suddenly your GP practice wants to discuss cholesterol or cardiovascular risk.In this Pocket Prescription I explain how statin decisions are made in primary care, why age has such a powerful influence on risk calculations, and why the conversation is usually about future
Metabolism, Appetite and Weight Gain. What people get wrong.
Have you ever been told that your metabolism is broken, damaged, or slowing down with age?Social media often blames metabolism for everything from weight gain to low energy, but the reality is usually much more complicated. In this episode, I cover the difference between metabolism and appetite, why the two are often confused, and why that distinction matters if you’re trying to lose weight or imp
Underactive Thyroid. What your GP didn't have time to explain
Have you been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid and found yourself confused by conflicting advice online?Perhaps you’ve heard that T3 is the “active” thyroid hormone, wondered why you’re prescribed thyroxine (levothyroxine), or been tempted by thyroid supplements, private testing, or claims that conventional treatment is missing something.In this episode, I cover how thyroid hormones work, why
Fish Oil Supplements: Helpful, Harmful or Hype?
Fish oil used to be seen as universally “good for the heart.” Then suddenly the headlines said it might be dangerous.So what’s actually true?In this Pocket Prescription episode, GP Lynette Ewart explains what recent fish oil studies really showed, why different heart conditions matter, and why nutrition science so often gets reduced to simplistic headlines.A practical, evidence-based guide to maki
Is cortisol really wrecking your health?
Cortisol has become the internet’s favourite explanation for almost everything.Poor sleep? Cortisol.Weight gain? Cortisol.Waking at 3am? Cortisol.Tired all the time? Apparently also cortisol.But what does cortisol actually do, when is it genuinely a medical problem, and how much of the online conversation is misunderstanding mixed with marketing?In this Pocket Prescription episode, GP and strength
Your Environment Is Shaping Your Eating More Than You Think
Most people think their eating habits come down to discipline. I don’t think that’s true.In this Pocket Prescription episode, I talk about one of the biggest things people overlook when they’re struggling with food, weight, or health habits: their environment.Because whether it’s the food in your cupboards, the people around you, your stress levels, your routine, or simply what’s constantly within
My weight is going up but nothing has changed.
If your weight is creeping up and you’re convinced nothing has changed—you’re probably right. But that doesn’t mean nothing has changed.In this Pocket Prescription episode, I break down why weight gain in midlife often feels confusing and unfair. We cover:Why weight gain tends to happen in seasonal spikes, not a straight lineHow muscle loss (and body composition changes) quietly shifts the rulesTh
Life After Weight Loss
Losing weight is often seen as the hard part. It isn’t.In this episode, I’m joined by psychologist Dr Courtney Raspin, co-author of The Weight Loss Prescription, to talk about what actually happens after the weight comes off—and why this is where most people struggle.We explore the gap between weight loss and weight maintenance, particularly in the context of weight loss injections. Because while
Why You Procrastinate (And Why Perfectionism Makes It Worse)
When you know what you “should” do but still can’t make yourself do it, it’s easy to assume you’re the problem.In this episode, I’m joined by GP and Chimp Management director Dr Sarah Caddy to break down procrastination and perfectionism using the Chimp Model from Professor Steve Peters.We explore why capable, intelligent people still get stuck, how perfectionism quietly fuels avoidance, and why
Bad Influence: How the Internet Hijacked Our Health
Patients aren’t just turning up with symptoms anymore — they’re turning up with diagnoses, treatment plans, and a feed full of advice.In this episode, I’m joined by Deb Cohen — former BMJ investigative journalist and co-author of Bad Influence — to unpack how the internet has reshaped health information, trust, and the doctor–patient relationship.We talk about the rise of “Dr TikTok,” why algorith
What Happens After Cancer Treatment Ends? Rebuilding Strength, Confidence and Life Again
What happens when cancer treatment finishes, but nobody really tells you what comes next?In this episode, I’m joined by Sarah Newman, a cancer and exercise specialist and founder of Get Me Back. Sarah shares her own story of being diagnosed with cervical cancer during pregnancy, going through intensive treatment, and then facing the part that often gets far less attention: life afterwards.We talk
Rebuilding After Cancer: The Missing Step
You’ve finished cancer treatment.Now what?Most people default to being cautious — and for good reason. But when caution turns into inactivity, it quietly works against you.In this episode:Why fear and “being careful” can stall recoveryWhat inactivity does to muscle, fitness and long-term healthThe evidence that exercise improves survival after cancerHow to rebuild safely with simple, structured mo
The Starved Brain: Eating Disorders, Anxiety and Recovery
In this episode, I’m joined by dietitian Victoria Schonwald to explore the link between eating disorders, malnutrition and brain function.We discuss why restrictive eating doesn’t just affect the body—it changes the brain. And why, for many people, recovery isn’t about thinking differently first, but eating differently.We cover:How malnutrition affects mood, anxiety and thinking patternsWhy therap
Eating Disorders in Midlife: Rachel’s Story
Eating disorders don’t just affect teenagers—and they don’t always go away.In this episode, Rachel shares her experience of living with an eating disorder from adolescence into midlife, including how menopause and modern weight-loss culture triggered a relapse.We talk about the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating, why many people don’t get help early enough, and what recovery
Addicted to Anxiety? Why Reassurance, Checking and Control Keep You Stuck
What if anxiety isn’t just something that happens to you — but something you unknowingly keep feeding?In this episode, I’m joined by psychotherapist and bestselling author Owen O’Kane to talk about his book Addicted to Anxiety and why anxiety can become so hard to break free from.We explore the habits that feel helpful in the moment — Googling symptoms, checking, avoiding, seeking reassurance — an
Why Most People Over 50 End Up in A&E
Why Most People Over 50 End Up in A&EFalls are one of the most overlooked threats to health and independence as we age—and they’re far more common (and serious) than most people realise.In this Pocket Prescription episode, I explain why falls—not heart attacks—are one of the leading reasons people over 50 end up in A&E, and what actually happens after that fall that makes the difference be
Inside A&E. The reality doctors are seeing.
Emergency medicine consultant Professor Rob Galloway joins me to talk about what is really happening inside A&E departments across the NHS.This conversation was prompted by an article Rob wrote describing the current pressures in emergency care — corridor care, ambulance delays, and the growing mismatch between what the NHS was originally designed to treat and the illnesses now filling hospita
Why you haven't started strength training (and how to)
Download my FREE 3 day plan :Start Strength training Safely https://www.prescriptionstrength.co.uk/3-day-strength-start/Get my Weekly Newsletter here https://bit.ly/3LkdrLGIn this video I outline the reasons that get in the way for most people when it comes to starting strength training. Don't let that be you.
Is it safe to lift weights with high blood pressure?
Is Weight Training Safe with High Blood Pressure? The Truth About Valsalva and Blood Pressure SpikesDr Lynette Ewart, an NHS GP and personal trainer, challenges fear-based advice that people with high blood pressure should avoid lifting heavy weights, bracing or the Valsalva manoeuvre. She outlines who should be cautious, why fears are exaggerated and unfounded. 00:00 Myth Busting Warnings00:34 Wh
Prolapse, Incontinence & Lifting Weights: What Women Need to Know
Pelvic floor symptoms are common, treatable, and don’t mean you have to give up exercise. In this episode, pelvic health physiotherapist Clare Bourne, author of Strong Foundations, explains what prolapse really is, how physio helps, and why strength training isn’t the enemy.We discuss: • What pelvic organ prolapse actually means (and why symptoms matter more than grades) • Stress vs urge incontine
The most underused exercise for high blood pressure.
A pocket prescription episode .Episode SummaryIf you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you’ve probably been told to walk more. That’s good advice — but it’s not the whole picture.In this episode, I explain why resistance training is one of the most underused tools in blood pressure management. The evidence shows it can lower blood pressure just as effectively as cardio — while also impro
Why safe exercise fails your bone health
Building Stronger Bones: The Importance of Proper Loading and Strength TrainingIn this episode, Dr. Lynette Ewart, with over 20 years of experience in the NHS and as a personal trainer, discusses the necessity of proper loading and strength training for maintaining bone health as you age. She explains why gentle exercises like walking and stretching are not enough to keep bones strong. Dr. Ewart h
Why avoiding strength training can make arthritis worse
The Benefits of Strength Training for ArthritisDr. Lynette Ewart, GP and strength coach, dispels the myth that weight training is harmful to those with arthritis. She explains how strength training actually protects and benefits arthritic joints by increasing movement and nutrient flow to cartilage. The video covers why avoiding strength training is a mistake, the physiological benefits of movemen
Life-Saving Inequality: Addressing CPR Training Gaps with Chloe Lipton
Addressing Gender Disparities in CPR Training: An Urgent Call for ChangeIn this podcast, Chloe discusses the critical issue of gender disparities in bystander CPR administration, shedding light on the alarming statistic that women are significantly less likely to receive CPR than men. Originating from a Duke University study and supported by various other studies, Chloe shares her journey from dis
The Problem with "you can't outrun a bad diet"
Debunking the Myth: Can You Really 'Outrun' a Bad Diet?In this episode, I critically examine the popular saying 'You can't outrun a bad diet.' Often touted as a physiological law, I delve into what this phrase actually means and whether it holds any truth. Through personal anecdotes and examples from my medical practice, I explore the nuanced relationships between diet, exercis
Pocket Prescription. Respect, Not Love: Why Strength Training Is About Maturity and Self-Investment
Welcome to Prescription Strength, where we explore practical advice for building and sustaining healthy habits. In this Pocket Prescription episode, Dr. Lynette Ewart tackles a common but rarely discussed challenge: sticking with strength training even when you don’t love it. Whether you’re a few months into your routine and finding it a chore, or you’re just starting out, this episode is for you.
Fitness Fads & Medical Myths with Craig Jackson
Debunking Health Myths and Fad Diets with Craig JacksonIn this episode of the Prescription Strength Podcast, Dr. Lynette Ewart is joined by Craig Jackson of Craig Jackson Fitness. They discuss Craig's signature program, Breaking Fads, which aims to debunk widespread diet myths and promote sustainable health advice. The episode dives into the origins and risks of popular diet trends, such as th
Pocket Prescription. What does being healthy really mean?
This is the first Pocket Prescription — short episodes for people who want to think more clearly about health without the noise.In this episode, I ask a simple question that’s harder than it sounds: what does being healthy actually mean?Health isn’t how you look, and it isn’t always how you feel. Both are unreliable. Appearance can hide exhaustion, anxiety, or fragility. Feelings fluctuate with sl
How do you move forward after a life changing diagnosis?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Life-Changing Diagnoses with Dr. Ceara ClarkeIn this episode, Dr. Ceara Clarke, a clinical psychologist in a large NHS hospital, discusses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and how it helps patients move forward after life-changing events or diagnoses. The conversation covers practical strategies for dealing with anxiety, stress, and the psychological im
Combating Teen Smoking and Vaping with Evidence.
In this episode of the Prescription Strength Podcast, Sally joins to discuss the growing issue of vaping and smoking among teenagers. Sally represents a program developed from the University of Leeds's research, designed to prevent these habits through evidence-based interventions. The discussion covers the scale of the problem, the appeal of vaping to teenagers, and the essential role of educ
Improving Patient-Doctor Relationships with Dr. Claire Davies
In this episode of the Prescription Strength Podcast, host Lynette is joined by Dr. Claire Davies, a GP in Hackney and a coach for female doctors at crossroads in their lives. They discuss the importance of being heard as a patient, the challenges within the healthcare system, and the parallels in patient experiences for both medical professionals and general patients. Dr. Davies shares insights f
Why I was wrong about Pilates - what it can do for you when you get it right.
In this episode of the Prescription Strength Podcast, I talk to one of my clients Anne, an experienced Pilates instructor who took me to task after a previous episode when I shared a negative experience of Pilates. We delve into common misconceptions about Pilates, particularly its efficacy for back pain, and the differences between commercial gym classes and smaller, community-focused Pilates ses
Women's Midlife Nutrition with Emma Bardwell
Navigating Nutrition and Menopause with Emma Bardwell: I chat to Emma Bardwell, registered nutritionist and author of The 30g Plan. We discuss the role of nutrition in women's health, particularly during menopause. Emma shares her personal experience with perimenopause and explains common symptoms that lead women to seek nutritional advice. We discuss the importance of protein and fibre in die
What is good physiotherapy? Why posture and pilates aren't as important as you are told.
Understanding Physiotherapy: Myths, Realities, and Patient CareIn this episode, Lynette interviews Adam, an NHS physiotherapist with a significant online presence, to discuss common misconceptions about physiotherapy and the realities of the profession. Adam emphasizes the importance of proper diagnosis, especially in managing musculoskeletal issues like back pain. He narrates his personal experie
Defying Senior Stereotypes
Lifting and Life Lessons with a 70-Year-Old PowerlifterJoin host Dr. Lynette Ewart on the Prescription Strength Podcast as she delves into an inspiring conversation with Diane, a 70-year-old competitive powerlifter. Discover how Diane navigated the fitness landscape, from feeling daunted entering a gym to becoming a seasoned competitor, lifting weights heavier than many half her age. They discuss
Sleep 101. Fact vs Fiction.
Debunking Sleep Myths with Dr Lynette Ewart: From Perfect Sleep to Insomnia SolutionsIn this episode of the Prescription Strength Podcast, host Dr. Lynette Ewart, a GP and personal trainer, delves deep into the world of sleep with sleep expert Dr Eidn Mahmoudzadeh of The Sleep Project. They discuss common myths around sleep, especially the misconception that everyone needs eight hours of sleep. Au
17, Beyond Painkillers. Exploring Chronic Pain Solutions.
Understanding and Managing Chronic PainIn this episode of the Iron Prescription Podcast, Drs. Lynette and Stuart discuss the growing issue of chronic pain and the use of therapeutic cocktails to manage it. They explore the differences between acute and chronic pain, the complexities of chronic pain management, and the role of psychological factors in pain perception. They also touch on the body
ADHD in adults. Beyond the misconceptions.
In this episode of the Iron Prescription Podcast, Drs. Lynette and Stuart are joined by Dr. Samantha Lewis, a clinical psychologist specialising in neurodiversity assessments in adults. The discussion delves into adult ADHD, its misconceptions, and the evolution of understanding this condition over the past 20 years. Dr. Lewis explains the symptoms, impacts, and the importance of a thorough diagno
15. Fit but not untouchable. Stuart's prostate cancer story.
In this episode of the Iron Prescription Podcast, Drs. Lynette and Stuart discuss their personal and professional experiences with prostate cancer. Dr. Stuart shares his firsthand account of being diagnosed with prostate cancer, the various treatment options he explored, and the significant role fitness played in his recovery. He also addresses the misconceptions about fitness providing complete i
14. Unlocking habit change. The neuroscience behind habits with Jess Wall from Chimp Management
In this conversation, host Lynette interviews Jess Wall, a psychological skills mentor from CHIMP Management, discussing the CHIMP model developed by Professor Steve Peters. Jess introduces herself and her role, elaborating on how the CHIMP model helps understand human behavior by exploring the neuroscience behind it. She shares her personal journey to joining CHIMP Management and explains various
Managing Health Anxiety Through Fitness
In this episode, we talk about our journey towards improving our podcast audio quality, inspired by a technical glitch from our previous episode. We then dive into the topic of health anxiety, sharing personal definitions and experiences. We discuss how intrusive thoughts about one's health can be overwhelming and how prevalent this issue is today. We highlight the therapeutic benefits of exer
Can you be fat and fit?
Can You Be Fat and Fit? Examining the Relationships Between Weight, Health, and FitnessWe delve deep into the debate about whether you can be fat and fit. Inspired by recent books critical of diet culture, we explore the literature, discuss the impact of language changes in medical terminology, and the intricacies of BMI and waist measurements as indicators of health. We also touch on the misunder
Debunking Supplement Myths: The Real Talk on Vitamin D, Omega-3, Collagen & More!
In this episode, we have a deep-dive discussion on the world of supplements. We explore personal supplementation habits, touch on the evidence behind Omega-3, Vitamin D, Creatine, Magnesium, and collagen, and discuss their effectiveness and safety. The conversation also addresses the placebo effect, the power of marketing in the supplement industry, and the challenges in navigating unregulated pro
10. Ageing Vs Getting Older. What you need to know.
Getting older can bring with it a host of health issues you didn't ask for. Is this the same as ageing? Can you really make a difference to your trajectory of ageing? If so what things make a difference. Discussing this from a perspective of over 20 years clinical experience.
Episode 9. Should you try weight loss injections?
Everyone is talking about weight loss injections and they are here to stay.
We discuss how they work, what you can expect, what the risks are and what happens when you stop them.
Strength, training and health. Does size really matter?
In this episode we talk about some of the misconceptions around training for strength.
Why your program design really matters if you want the right results.
Why your health will suffer if you don’t prioritise strength.
What you should add to your diet if you care about building and maintaining strength.
7. Fit People, Big Questions: Do You Really Need a Statin if you are well?
Should you take a statin if you are offered one?
How do you really understand the risks and benefits if all you've had is a text message from your practice?
What can you do instead if you don't want to take one?
We discuss our approach to this hot topic that seems to generate a lot of heated debate for most people in the 2nd half of life.
If you want to see what your risk score is with the most
Walking up a mountain with heart failure. Lessons from Kenyan Tribal people.
In this episode we discuss what Stuart has taken away from a recent trip to work with the RedTribe community charity in South Kenya.
More information on their work can be found here https://www.redtribe.org
We talk about what life is like for people who live a traditional tribal life, but are facing the challenges of globalisation knocking at the door.
We also discuss how health expectations and
Testosterone Truths. The Power, Risks and Reality.
We discuss the topic of testosterone in health and training.
It can be good, great in fact, but like everything it can have a down side.
Doctor I feel depressed, do something to help.
In this episode we talk about how we approach depression in the consultation and the complexities of bringing exercise and activity into the discussion. We discuss the role of medication in the short and longer term, the evolutionary mechanisms that have ensured we've evolved to feel better when we move and we catch up on how our respective challenges are shaping up.
2. The downsides of exercise.
In this second episode of the Iron Prescription, Stuart and Lynette discuss some of the downsides of exercise, both psychologically and when injuries happen.
How to adapt when you can't do what you've always done.
Also discussed is the utility of data and measurements as they relate to exercise and whether they can be a help or a hindrance.
Who we are, who we help, and why exercise anyway.
Medical doctors Lynette and Stuart chat about who they help as doctors and as personal trainers and why they do both these jobs.
