
The Hard-Wired Complexities Between the Brain & Weight Loss.
03/28/25 • 16 min
Episode 7: The Hard-Wired Complexities Between the Brain & Weight Loss.
About This Episode:
In this episode, Dr. Drew Crawford delves into how our brain's biology and neural pathways significantly influence eating behaviors and weight regulation. He discusses the intricate interplay between hunger signals, reward systems, and cognitive functions, highlighting how these factors can create challenges in achieving and maintaining weight loss. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding these neurological mechanisms to develop effective, sustainable strategies for weight management.
Show Notes:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 0:49 - It Is More Than Lacking Self-Control, It's Hard-Wired Neurological Pathways
- 1:12 - Fat Cells, Hormones & Enzymes
- 2:39 - Orexigenic vs Anorexigenic Pathways
- 4:48 - Diving into the Complexities (Understanding the Primal Development Wiring)
- 8:31 - Contrave, the Medication (Bupropion and Naltrexone)
- 14:31 - Benefits and Contraindications Possible when Taking Contrave
- 15:45 - Titrating Up to the Appropriate Dosage of Contrave
About Your Host:
Dr. Drew Crawford is a board-certified gastroenterologist with an active practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He also serves as the Program Director for the Gastroenterology Fellowship at Oklahoma State University. Additionally, and more relevant to this podcast, Dr. Drew Crawford is board-certified in obesity medicine. In the BMI Podcast, we will go Beyond Measurements & Image to build healthier lifestyles, elevate your well-being, and transform lives!
The BMI Podcast Resources:
The BMI Podcast Disclaimer:
The BMI Podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services.
Episode 7: The Hard-Wired Complexities Between the Brain & Weight Loss.
About This Episode:
In this episode, Dr. Drew Crawford delves into how our brain's biology and neural pathways significantly influence eating behaviors and weight regulation. He discusses the intricate interplay between hunger signals, reward systems, and cognitive functions, highlighting how these factors can create challenges in achieving and maintaining weight loss. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding these neurological mechanisms to develop effective, sustainable strategies for weight management.
Show Notes:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 0:49 - It Is More Than Lacking Self-Control, It's Hard-Wired Neurological Pathways
- 1:12 - Fat Cells, Hormones & Enzymes
- 2:39 - Orexigenic vs Anorexigenic Pathways
- 4:48 - Diving into the Complexities (Understanding the Primal Development Wiring)
- 8:31 - Contrave, the Medication (Bupropion and Naltrexone)
- 14:31 - Benefits and Contraindications Possible when Taking Contrave
- 15:45 - Titrating Up to the Appropriate Dosage of Contrave
About Your Host:
Dr. Drew Crawford is a board-certified gastroenterologist with an active practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He also serves as the Program Director for the Gastroenterology Fellowship at Oklahoma State University. Additionally, and more relevant to this podcast, Dr. Drew Crawford is board-certified in obesity medicine. In the BMI Podcast, we will go Beyond Measurements & Image to build healthier lifestyles, elevate your well-being, and transform lives!
The BMI Podcast Resources:
The BMI Podcast Disclaimer:
The BMI Podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services.
Previous Episode

The Role Exercise and Nutrition Play in Your Health Journey.
Episode 6: The Role Exercise and Nutrition Play in Your Health Journey.
About This Episode:
In this episode, Dr. Drew Crawford emphasizes the foundational importance of physical activity and balanced nutrition in achieving sustainable health outcomes. He discusses how regular exercise not only supports weight management but also enhances mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. The episode highlights the synergistic effect of combining consistent physical activity with mindful eating habits to foster long-term health improvements.
Show Notes:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 0:45 - New Years Resolution Check-In
- 1:16 - In Terms of Weight Loss, What Role Does Exercise Play?
- 2:00 - Muscles & Metabolism
- 3:08 - Calories vs Energy
- 4:20 - Weight Loss Really Happens in the Kitchen
- 5:12 - Exercise Types with Estimated Energy Expenditures
- 5:39 - Formula to Understand Energy Needed to Run 1 Mile at Moderate Pace (Weight x 0.71 = Energy)
- 6:24 - Walking
- 6:39 - Biking
- 6:59 - Lifting Weights
- 7:08 - Pickleball
- 7:24 - Rowing
- 7:41 - CrossFit
- 8:11 - Calories in Foods
- 8:19 - Snickers
- 8:25 - Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
- 8:31 - KitKat
- 8:33 - Hershey's Bar
- 8:36 - Can of Coca-Cola
- 8:39 - McDonald's Quarter-Pounder (with Fries)
- 8:51 - Chick-fil-A's Chicken Sandwich, Grilled Chicken Sandwich, 8-Piece Nuggets, 8-Piece Grilled Nuggets, Chocolate Chunk Chocolate Chip Cookie
- 9:19 - TacoBell's Crunch-Wrap Supreme, Nachos Bell Grande, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito
- 9:32 - Chocolate Chip Cookie (2", 3" 4")
- 9:44 - Exercise and Food Can Cancel Each Other Out
- 11:31 - Mischievous Marketing Schemes
- 13:44 - Stay Disciplined, Preserve Muscle Mass, & Exercise Consistently
- 15:51 - Study on Exercising Consistently
- 17:05 - Exercise at Night Can Effect Sleep and Weight Loss (Study)
About Your Host:
Dr. Drew Crawford is a board-certified gastroenterologist with an active practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He also serves as the Program Director for the Gastroenterology Fellowship at Oklahoma State University. Additionally, and more relevant to this podcast, Dr. Drew Crawford is board-certified in obesity medicine. In the BMI Podcast, we will go Beyond Measurements & Image to build healthier lifestyles, elevate your well-being, and transform lives!
The BMI Podcast Resources:
Instagram (@the.bmi.podcast)
Facebook (TheBMIPodcast)
X (Twitter) (@thebmipodcast)
LinkedIn (Andrew (Drew) Crawford, DO, BA, DABOM)
Website (www.thebmipodcast.com)
The BMI Podcast Disclaimer:
The BMI Podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services.
Next Episode

Weight Loss Medications Are Bridges to Your New Lifestyle.
Episode 8: Weight Loss Medications Are Bridges to Your New Lifestyle.
About Your Host:
Dr. Drew Crawford is a board-certified gastroenterologist with an active practice in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He also serves as the Program Director for the Gastroenterology Fellowship at Oklahoma State University. Additionally, and more relevant to this podcast, Dr. Drew Crawford is board-certified in obesity medicine. In the BMI Podcast, we will go Beyond Measurements & Image to build healthier lifestyles, elevate your well-being, and transform lives!
About This Episode:
In this episode, Dr. Drew Crawford explores the role of medications like Phentermine, Phentermine-Topiramate, and Orlistat in supporting weight loss efforts. He emphasizes that these medications are tools to assist in the transition toward healthier habits, rather than standalone solutions. The episode underscores the importance of integrating these medications with sustainable lifestyle changes for long-term success.
Show Notes:
- 0:00 - Intro
- 1:23 - Phentermine (Adipex)
- 1:57 - How It Works
- 5:36 - "Fen-Phen" (Phentermine & Fenfluramine)
- 7:14 - Phentermine & Topiramate (Qsymia)
- 7:22 - How It Works
- 8:10 - Who Should or Should Not Take These Two Medications?
- 9:49 - What the Difference Between Phentermine and Phentermine & Topiramate?
- 11:20 - These Medications are Temporary Bridges
- 12:44 - Orlistat (Alli)
- 13:00 - How It Works
- 14:10 - Common Side Effects
The BMI Podcast Resources:
The BMI Podcast Disclaimer:
The BMI Podcast is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services.
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