Protein-Maxxing: What Social Media Gets Right…and Wrong
Health vs Hype with the American Medical AssociationShow Notes
High-protein diets are everywhere from TikTok trends to protein-packed coffee, pasta, and even bottled water. But is “protein maxxing” actually healthy? And how much protein do you really need? In this first episode of Health vs Hype from the American Medical Association and iHeartMedia’s Ruby Studio, host Trace Dominguez explores one of the most talked-about nutrition trends online. With bold claims about building muscle, losing weight, and optimizing health, protein has become the centerpiece of many diets, but what does science say about protein maxxing? We’ll talk to folks interested in the protein maxxing trend, an influencer who lives by it, and an expert physician who gives us all the answers to some of the biggest questions people are asking online: Does eating more protein automatically build muscle? How much protein is too much? Are high-protein diets safe for everyone? Is animal protein better than plant protein? If you’ve ever wondered whether a high-protein diet is right for you, or felt overwhelmed by conflicting advice online, this episode will help you make sense of it all. Health vs Hype is a podcast from the American Medical Association that takes on viral health trends and breaks them down with real stories, expert insight, and evidence-based guidance. Listen in to find out: is protein maxxing all health… or just hype?
To learn more, visit: amahealthvshype.org See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More from Health vs Hype with the American Medical Association
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is everywhere right now, but what does the science actually say about HRT for menopause and perimenopause? In this episode of Health vs. Hype, Trace Dominguez separates the evidence from the hype around one of the most debated topics in women’s health. Dr. Elizabeth Lapeyre, a board-certified OB-GYN and menopause specialist, explains what happens to estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause, which symptoms hormone therapy can help, and how the risks and benefits of HRT have changed as the science has evolved. We look at the history of the Women’s Health Initiative study, why its findings had such a lasting impact on how people viewed HRT, and why details like the type of hormone, how it’s delivered, when treatment begins, and a person’s health history matter. Plus, Pilar Guzman of Oprah Daily and CeCe Moreno of Silver Sister Says share their perspectives on why menopause is finally getting more attention, and why there’s still a lot we don’t know. HRT isn't simply all good or all bad. So what does the evidence really tell us? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
GLP-1s have become one of the biggest stories in health and weight loss. But beyond the headlines and social-media hype, what do we actually know? Trace Dominguez breaks down how GLP-1 medications work with obesity medicine specialist Dr. Sean Hashmi, while online influencers Todd Masterson and Ashley Gibson share their experiences, including changes in appetite, weight, and what some people call “food noise.” Then we go beyond weight loss. Researchers are investigating GLP-1s for sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, addiction, and other conditions. Some of the findings are intriguing. Others are preliminary. And some claims circulating online don't have enough evidence behind them yet. We also get into GLP-1 side effects, compounded medications, long-term treatment, weight regain, and the next generation of drugs. Because when it comes to GLP-1s, the science is moving quickly. The challenge is knowing the difference between what we know and what we hope might be true. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Maybe you've seen someone wearing a glowing red LED mask on social media. Or an ad promising smoother skin, thicker hair, less pain, and faster recovery – all from a few minutes under a red light. But how much of that is backed by science? In this episode of Health vs. Hype, Trace Dominguez shines a light on one of the internet's biggest wellness trends: red light therapy. Joined by dermatologist Dr. Margareta Masse, he explores how photobiomodulation works, why different wavelengths matter, and which claims have real evidence behind them. Along the way, influencer Sly Huncho, skincare creator Rosa Hoffman, and melanoma survivor Mika Stambaugh share their personal experiences using red light therapy for everything from acne and wrinkles to wound healing and inflammation. So, can red light therapy actually boost collagen? Does it help acne, scars, or hair loss? And are those expensive at-home masks worth the money? Tune in as we separate science from social media and find out whether red light therapy is all health... or just hype. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cold plunges. Ice baths. Saunas. Contrast therapy has taken over social media, with influencers and athletes claiming that alternating between hot and cold can speed muscle recovery, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, boost mental health, and even make you more resilient. But does the science actually support those claims? In this episode of Health vs. Hype, host Trace Dominguez explores what happens inside your body when you switch between heat and cold, why a cold plunge can leave you feeling energized and euphoric, and whether contrast therapy delivers more than a temporary boost. Joined by sports medicine physician Dr. Chelsea Evans, Trace separates the evidence from the hype, explaining what research shows about pain relief, athletic recovery, circulation, mood, and long-term health benefits—and who should think twice before taking the plunge. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Intermittent fasting has become a big wellness trend online , but does the science actually support the hype? In this episode of Health vs Hype, host Trace Dominguez digs into the medical evidence behind intermittent fasting with obesity medicine specialist Dr. Jen Schriever. Together, they break down the biggest claims surrounding fasting, including weight loss, insulin resistance, metabolic health, autophagy, mental clarity, longevity, and “metabolic reset.” You’ll hear real experiences from intermittent fasting advocates Gin Stephens and Al Kavadlo, alongside expert analysis about what current research actually shows and where the evidence is still weak. Is intermittent fasting better than traditional calorie restriction? Can fasting improve blood sugar or help prevent disease? And who should avoid fasting altogether? This episode explores: The science of intermittent fasting and weight loss Insulin resistance, blood sugar, and metabolic health Claims about autophagy, longevity, and cellular repair Mental clarity and cognitive benefits Risks for people with diabetes or eating disorders Intermittent fasting vs GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound Why diet quality still matters more than eating windows If you’ve ever wondered whether intermittent fasting is truly healthy, or just another overhyped wellness trend, this episode separates evidence from marketing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.