Sound Bites With Melissa Joy Dobbins

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/303                      The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans were released on January 7, 2026 by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins. These new guidelines state that they had concerns with the DGAC report because it framed it's analysis through a health equity lens and therefore disregarded most of the report instead relying on their own independent report. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ·        An overview of the new DGAs ·        The new upside down pyramid that replaces MyPlate ·        What has changed from the previous version and what has not changed ·        Hits, misses and inconsistencies ·        What the DGAs mean for people/families at home ·        What the DGAs mean for federal nutrition programs like school meals ·        What health professional organizations have to say about the new DGAs ·        Practical takeaways and tips for the public and health professionals · 

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/302                     The health risks of heavy drinking are well-established. But what about the health risks of light to moderate drinking? More people, especially the Gen Z population, are leaning toward moderation of alcohol intake rather than going completely dry, shifting the popular "Dry January" challenge toward more of a "Damp January" trend. While the role of alcohol in health-related outcomes is complex and nuanced, a new meta-analysis of 23 major studies from 2000 to 2024 found that light-to-moderate drinking carries the same – or in some cases lower – risk of death compared to abstaining, while lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play a huge role in outcomes. Likewise, a new report published in September sheds light on alcohol and health including WHO data showing reductions in alcohol-related morbidity and mortality with many countries on track to meet targets for reducing harmful drinking. Tune in to this episod

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/301                     This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & Danimals. Dr. Caree Cotwright is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted.  Many kids don't consume the proper amount of nutrients that are vital for healthy growth, chronic disease prevention, and overall health. This episode examines hidden hunger - when children consume enough calories but not enough essential nutrients for growth and development. Listeners will explore the nutrient gaps most common in U.S. children, the role of picky eating and access in shaping dietary patterns and practical ways to help families close nutrient gaps with affordable, nutrient-dense foods. Tune in to this episode with guest Dr. Caree Cotwright, PhD to learn about: ·       the prevalence and main drivers of hidden hunger ·       myths about hidden hunger and who is at risk ·       common nut

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/300                    This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & OIKOS. Dr. Gitanjali Srivastava is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted.  This episode explores strategies for maintaining weight loss and overall wellness following the use of GLP-1 medications. Listeners will learn how behavioral, nutritional and clinical approaches can help patients sustain progress and build long-term healthy habits with shifts to their dosage or after discontinuing treatment. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ·       the STEP and SURMOUNT 4 trial findings ·       the chronic pathological state of obesity ·       how GLP-1 meds curb food noise and disordered eating ·       how GLP-1 meds are intended to be used for weight loss ·       the crucial role of behavior change ·       statistics about how and why people plan to stay on or go off the meds ·

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/299                   This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & Light + Fit. Constance Brown-Riggs is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted.  This episode explores how culturally relevant, patient-centered nutrition strategies can support Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) risk reduction. Through an evidence-based lens, it highlights the role of flexible eating patterns and nutrient-dense foods in promoting sustainable dietary change across diverse populations. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ·       why culturally relevant care matters ·       what can happen when nutrition guidance doesn't align with cultural foodways ·       what the science says about flexible eating patterns in T2DM ·       what the science says about the role of yogurt in supporting T2DM risk reduction ·       the qualified health claim regarding yogurt and T2DM ·   

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/298                   This episode is sponsored. Commercial support has been provided by Danone North America & Activia. Dr. Hannah Holscher is a paid consultant to Danone North America. No brands are discussed or promoted.  Gut health and the gut microbiome play an important role in overall wellbeing, including digestion and immunity. This episode explores the latest research and practical strategies for promoting gut health through nutrient-rich dietary patterns, lifestyle factors, and the inclusion of probiotic and fermented foods. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ·       why the gut is such an important foundation for overall health ·       what the gut microbiome is and how diet shapes it ·       key roles of the digestive tract and how the microbiome factors in ·       how long it takes for the microbiome to respond to dietary changes ·       research on how diet quality and variety impact the gut microbiome

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/297           We know that there is not one single treatment approach that works for every person with obesity, however there is one type of approach we can use when discussing weight with every person: trauma-informed care (TIC). TIC is an approach that recognizes the possibility that many people may have a history of trauma exposure, and how this past or ongoing trauma such as abuse, neglect or food insecurity can shape a person's relationship with food, body and health behaviors. Data show that 64% of adults in the U.S. reported they had experienced at least one type of adverse childhood experience (ACE) before age 18 and nearly one in six adults reported they had experienced four or more types of ACEs. Compared to women with 0 ACEs, women with 4+ ACEs are 62% more likely to have obesity, 41% more likely to report a hypertension diagnosis, and 36% more likely to report a diabetes diagnosis. Tune in to this episode to learn about:

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/296                   Are processed foods truly undermining our health, or are they an essential part of a safe, nutritious, and affordable food supply? Should the way we classify foods based on processing outweigh decades of national dietary guidelines—or are these systems flawed from the start? And what happens to public health policy when decisions hinge on classifications that may not be scientifically sound? Tune in to this episode to learn more about: ·       how UPFs are defined ·       the NOVA classification system ·       how much of our diet is UPF ·       benefits of UPFs in the diet ·       how and why the current public discourse on UPFs is “superficial” ·       growing global distrust of science ·       how the food industry is responding to criticisms around UPFs ·       actions the food industry has taken to improve products ·       how the food industry gains insights into consumer preferences ·       the ro

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/295                   In this episode, we explore the FoodMinds Conscious Consumption Index, revealing insights into consumer sentiment on healthy and sustainable food systems. Despite growing familiarity with the topic, less than half of consumers report purchasing healthy, sustainable options regularly. What’s driving this gap between awareness and action? Join us as we explore how people are thinking about healthy, sustainable foods. We'll discuss how definitions of sustainable foods are evolving, the generational differences in engagement, and the main drivers and barriers to purchasing. Discover why price, taste, and skepticism about marketing claims are significant obstacles, and learn how stakeholders—from companies to individuals—can help transform our food systems.

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/294                  Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) is a public health-oriented slogan and initiative aimed at addressing the health challenges facing Americans led by the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Scientists, medical professionals and public health officials have criticized the movement, citing concerns about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s past remarks and views regarding vaccines and public health. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ●       a nutrition and public health expert’s reflection on the first 6 months of MAHA ●       funding cuts to various nutrition programs, research and landmark trials such as the Diabetes Prevention Program ●       the administration’s focus on food dyes, seed oils and the FoodPyramid ●       how health professional societies are responding so far ●       opportunities for meaningful changes in public health nutrition ●       what the new DGAs might look li

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/293                 Food ethnographer Lucy Woods has spent the last several years diving deep into the evolving landscape of protein consumption. Lucy’s expertise lies in uncovering the “why” behind the ways people eat, with a specific focus on protein – from red meat and poultry to plant-based options and protein-packed snacks. Her recent research revealed that 61% of Americans increased their protein intake in 2024, compared to just 48% in 2019. She’s been on the ground, listening to consumers share their motivations, from wellness and fitness goals to convenience and indulgence. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ●       new ethnographic research on protein consumption trends ●       shifts in identifying as flexitarian, omnivore or carnivore ●       3 key trends identified in this research ●       different motivations for eating protein ●       why people are including and/or increasing protein intake ●       the types

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/292                The Forgotten Vitamin: K2’s Role in Cardiovascular and Skeletal Health Vitamin K2 might not be the first nutrient you think of when it comes to heart health or bone health – but it should definitely be on your list of important nutrients. This episode explores the science behind vitamin K2, how it differs from K1, and its role alongside other nutrients in supporting cardiovascular and skeletal health. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ●       the differences between vitamin K1 and K2 ●       why K2 matters for heart and bone health ●       food sources and if they are common in the diet ●       how much vitamin K2 is recommended ●       other nutrients that work with vitamin K2 to support heart and bone health ●       research on vitamin K2’s role in heart and bone health including the AVADEC Trial ●       what to look for in supplements ●       ways to assess the quality of supplements ●       upda

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/291               Belief-Based Research: The Power of Shared Values Public trust has shifted. Once, experts like scientists were the go-to voices for credible information, earning trust through their ability to solve major societal challenges. Today, “someone like me” is considered just as trustworthy, while social media influencers and opinion-driven podcasts often reach larger audiences than traditional news outlets. Consumers are now “choosing their own adventure” when deciding what information about food and nutrition they believe. In this episode, we explore groundbreaking findings from The Center for Food Integrity’s research study, The Evolution of Truth. By uncovering the core values, beliefs, and fears shaping consumer behavior around food, this research offers powerful insights to help listeners navigate a polarized world where truth is increasingly defined by perception rather than science. Tune in to this episode to learn

Parents are bombarded with and overwhelmed by complex cultural, environmental, economic and political issues that impact their parenting skills, choices and confidence. By approaching various parenting challenges and questions from a science and social justice lens and parenting based on values, we can be more aware of the systemic forces that harm kids, differentiate what we can and cannot control, and build more fulfilling relationships with our children. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ●        the connection between science and justice ●        science curiosity vs. science literacy ●        values-based parenting ●        food-related topics including: o   infant formula o   clean eating o   MSG o   PFAS/forever chemicals o   Fat phobia ●        Hazard vs risk ●        The origins of and history behind BMI ●        Resources and related episodes Full shownotes, transcript and resources: https://soundbitesrd.com/290             

Unbottled Potential: From Sober Curious to Sober Serious  As the sober curious movement gains traction, more people are reevaluating their relationship with alcohol and changing their habits. Challenging societal myths around alcohol’s role in relaxation, celebration and socializing can result in mindset shifts to begin exploring an alcohol-free lifestyle and discover how sobriety can impact core areas of life and enhance both personal and professional success. Tune in to this episode to learn about: ●       the sober curious movement ●       how sobriety impacts life pillars ●       why alcohol can be a barrier to success ●       perceived norms about alcohol ●       alcohol, sobriety and weight ●       how drinking impacts women in particular ●       how to address shame in a healthy way ●       a quiz to assess your feelings about drinking ●       tips for embracing an alcohol-free lifestyle ●       common challenges and how to stay on track ●       information on moderation, portion sizes

Beyond Thirst: The Crucial Role of Hydration on Health & Performance The connection between hydration and health is a relatively new and still under-researched area of science. However, emerging evidence suggests that staying well-hydrated plays a far more significant role in our health than most people realize. While it's widely known that adequate hydration supports healthy bowel function and helps regulate body temperature, research shows it also impacts a variety of health factors ranging from exercise performance to kidney function and even the risk of developing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Tune into this episode to learn about: ●        the difference between dehydration and underhydration ●        the paradox of hydration ●        common myths about hydration ●        what happens in the body when you’re not optimally hydrated ●        what research shows regarding the impact of hydration on kidney function, UTIs, kidney stones, cortisol levels, glucose re

Despite the growing body of research, we are still in the early stages of understanding the gut microbiome. Consumer interest in biotics is growing and this trend is driving more research into pre, pro, post and synbiotics and their potential health benefits. This episode focuses on prebiotics, which are defined as “a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit” and are often associated with dietary fibers but may also derive from non-fiber substances such as polyphenols. Tune into this episode with Hannah Ackermann, MBA, RDN to learn about: ●        what prebiotics are and what they have to do with fiber ●        research regarding the known and emerging health benefits of prebiotics ●        health claims for prebiotics ●        trends in consumer interest in biotics ●        low FODMAP diets ●        what to look for on food labels ●        how different prebiotic fibers may impact GI symptoms ●        the prebiotic fiber ingredient Arrabina Wheat Fibe

“Low” Carbohydrate Diets and Metabolic Health: What Does the Research Show?   Commercial support has been provided by Simply Good Foods. Dr. Jim Painter was sponsored by an unrestricted grant from Simply Good Foods to speak on the podcast. No products or brands are discussed or promoted. Lower carbohydrate, higher protein and higher fat dietary patterns have seen a resurgence in interest in both the research community and in popular culture in the past decade. This has been accompanied by a clearer understanding of who may benefit from dietary patterns that reduce carbohydrate and increase other macronutrients and the ways in which these approaches change human metabolism to facilitate weight loss and improve glycemic control. While often regarded as fad diets, there is a significant amount of clinical evidence that can be used to evaluate the potential upsides and downsides of these types of dietary approaches. This research can be leveraged to understand what dietary factors should be considered wh

When you or your loved ones are in the hospital it can be overwhelming and stressful. You may feel unsure about speaking up and asking questions or sharing information with your healthcare team. But research indicates that up to 70% of patient harm events are due to communication breakdowns, and most people don’t realize how much power they have in managing their own care—and how understanding their rights and speaking up can truly make a life-saving difference. Tune into this episode to learn about: ●       understanding your healthcare consumer rights ●       taking charge of your own healthcare ●       how to help a loved one in the hospital ●       staying safe in the healthcare system ●       tools to navigate the healthcare system ●       how families and patients can speak up when they feel intimidated or reluctant ●       the 3 “P”s and “CUSS” words to empower conversations ●       stories and examples of healthcare harm that can impact patient safety ●       how to choose the best hospita

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40% of American adults have obesity, costing the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $173 billion annually. The development of incretin-based therapies, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), marks a major advance in obesity treatment. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) play a crucial role in providing medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to people using these medications as part of comprehensive obesity care. Tune into this episode to learn about: ●       the new paper published in JAND about injectable weight loss medications and lifestyle interventions ●       the unique and evolving role of RDNs in obesity care ●       why this new class of obesity medications has become so popular ●       how these medications work ●       the amount of weight loss needed to reduce obesity related comorbidities ●       the evolution of different terms for these medications ●       the