Episode 14

The Science of Obesity: Understanding Childhood Obesity with Dr. Evan Nadler (Part 1)

Published on: 13th November, 2025

In one of the most important conversations of her life, Sacha sits down with pediatric bariatric surgeon Dr. Evan Nadler to unpack the real science of obesity.

Dr. Nadler explains why obesity is a chronic disease—not a lifestyle choice—and why children can’t simply “eat themselves” into type 2 diabetes. Together, they explore how genetics, epigenetics, trauma, and the brain’s hypothalamic set point shape weight from early childhood onward.

If you’ve ever wondered why your body seems to fight your progress—or felt shame for what biology predetermined—this episode will change how you see yourself and your story.

🧭 In This Episode

  • What makes childhood obesity different from adult-onset obesity
  • Why kids can’t “eat themselves” into type 2 diabetes
  • The role of genetics and epigenetics in shaping weight
  • How trauma and environment alter gene expression
  • What the hypothalamic set point really is—and why the body defends it

🪞 Key Takeaways

  • Childhood obesity is a biologically distinct, more aggressive disease.
  • Diet and exercise alone rarely overcome genetic and epigenetic drivers.
  • Fat cells develop “memory” that resists long-term weight loss.
  • Trauma, environment, and even pollution can change gene expression.
  • Treating obesity early isn’t extreme—it’s evidence-based compassion.

⚠️ Content Note

Includes discussion of childhood obesity, diabetes, trauma, genetics, and medical interventions such as bariatric surgery and GLP-1 medications. Please listen with care and consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

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Keywords

Dr Evan Nadler, childhood obesity, pediatric bariatric surgery, obesity treatment, hypothalamic set point, genetics, epigenetics, fat cell memory, GLP-1, Mounjaro, weight loss science, obesity stigma, Sacha Holder, Life in the Bari Lane, Holder Haus Media

Next Time

🎧 In Part 2, Dr. Nadler and Sacha tackle the “easy way out” myth, exploring how surgery and GLP-1 medications can work together, why willpower isn’t enough, and what real care and compassion look like in modern obesity treatment.

👉 Make sure you’re subscribed to Life in the Bari Lane so you don’t miss our next ride.

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About the Podcast

Life in the Bari Lane
Come along for the ride — it's no fun going alone.
Life in the Bari Lane is your 30-minute dose of real talk about life after bariatric surgery — the good, the hard, the weird, and the “nobody warned me about this” moments. No fluff, no “just follow the plan” nonsense — just honest conversations about what it’s like to change your body, your habits, and your whole damn life.

This podcast is a space for the highs and lows of the weight loss journey. Because here’s the truth: bariatric surgery is a tool — not a magic fix. It’s still work. It’s still messy. And it’s still life — with a different GPS.

Whether you’re pre-op and researching, post-op and thriving, or somewhere in the “what the hell did I just do?” stage, you’re in the right lane. This show is about building community — the kind that gets it, supports you, and doesn’t sugarcoat the process.

I’m Sacha — a real-life bariatric patient navigating this wild ride — and I’m here to keep it honest, funny, and deeply human.

You’ll hear:
💥 Unfiltered talk about the hard days
🥗 Nutrition talk that’s actually realistic
🧠 Mental health, body image, and identity shifts
👯‍♀️ Support systems and “friendship fallout”
💪 Motivation that doesn’t suck
🙃 Oops moments, progress wins, and honest reflections

New episodes drop weekly — short enough to fit into your day, but packed with the good stuff to keep you going.

About your host

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Sacha Holder

Sacha Holder is a project manager, podcast host, and bariatric patient who’s not here to pretend it’s all perfect. With over a decade of professional experience and a whole lot of lived experience, she creates podcasts that tell the truth about what it means to live, heal, and grow — through chaos, and curveballs, while keeping it together (mostly).

She’s the voice behind Life in the Bari Lane, a bite-sized bariatric podcast for real people navigating post-op life, and The High-Functioning Disaster, a show about showing up even when everything feels like too much. Through humor, honesty, and zero judgment, Sacha builds community through conversation — because no one should have to figure it out alone.