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Is Your Microbiome Preventing You From Reaching Your Weightloss Goal

The Better Yoo Project Podcast
Hosted by Lexi Yoo, FNP-BC/CPNP

Episode Number: 56

Release Date: October 7th, 2024

Guest Expert: Cat Simmons, MS, RD, CDCES

About Our Guest

Cat Simmons, MS, RD, CDCES is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and has spent most of her career in the functional laboratory diagnostic space. Her educational background has a dual appointment in exercise physiology and dietetics with a master’s degree in metabolic physiology. She has a decade of experience in advanced laboratory interpretation, education, and counseling in addition to clinical practice. She takes a functional and integrative approach to health with a firm belief that “all disease begins in the gut”. Her research interests and passions include insulin signaling, nutrient metabolism, and weight loss physiology. Cat also is a certified diabetes care and education specialist. In clinical practice, Cat specializes in cardiovascular prevention, sport performance nutrition; gluten sensitivity, celiac and autoimmune nutrition; the gut-brain connection, and of course all things related to the digestion, the microbiome and intestinal health where she has chosen to “niche down”. Cat is a member of the Medical Education team at Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, but also the interdepartmental team coordinator playing a pivotal role in education program design. Cat is a graduate from the University of Florida.

Show Notes & Resources

In this episode of our podcast, we’re discussing the connection between gut health and weight loss with. We explore the vital role of the gut microbiome in metabolic health and uncover how the GI map test can provide critical insights into your gut ecosystem. Cat Simmons, MS, RD, CDCES explains the significance of microbial diversity and highlights the powerhouse bacteria Akkermansia for its anti-inflammatory benefits and its role in strengthening the gut barrier. We also get into practical dietary adjustments, the impact of medications like proton pump inhibitors and GLP-1, and the necessity of personalized treatment plans to optimize gut and metabolic health.