Weight and Healthcare

This Substack explores the intersections of weight science, healthcare, and public health with a focus on evidence, ethics, and the impact of weight stigma on higher-weight individuals. It critiques weight-based healthcare practices, diet culture, and pharmaceutical interventions, advocating for weight-neutral healthcare approaches and challenging prevailing narratives around weight and health.

Weight Stigma in Healthcare Weight Loss Industry Critique Ethical Issues in Weight Management Health at Every Size (HAES) Weight-Neutral Healthcare Practices Impact of Diet Culture Medical Bias and Discrimination Evidence-Based Approaches to Health Public Health and Obesity Narratives Weight Loss Drugs and Interventions

The hottest Substack posts of Weight and Healthcare

And their main takeaways

Interview With Tucker Carlson: Looking Back on Eight Years of Political Mysteries

7472 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political media Investigative Journalism Trump Era Political Analysis
  1. There are new investigations into important issues like intelligence activities and the origins of Covid, which could bring new information to light.
  2. The changing media landscape is becoming more significant, especially with the decline of traditional news outlets, creating space for alternative voices.
  3. The conversation also touched on a range of political topics, indicating a sense of curiosity and hope for uncovering the truth in the coming years.

One More Wafer Thin Mint?

3009 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
💰 Finance Private Equity Debt Markets Investment Strategies Economic Trends Banking
  1. Private credit is growing fast and lending to companies that may already be overwhelmed with debt. This could lead to more financial problems down the line.
  2. Many private companies are struggling to pay their debts, and bankruptcies are rising. This suggests that the private credit market might not be as stable as it seems.
  3. There is a concern that Wall Street might just be looking to profit from private credit, even if it leads to bigger economic issues in the future.

Activism Uncensored: The Federal Takeover of Law Enforcement in Washington, D.C.

2095 implied HN points • 19 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Protests Activism Government
  1. The federal government has taken control of policing in Washington, D.C. due to rising crime concerns. This includes deploying the National Guard to assist local law enforcement.
  2. Protesters are actively reacting to the presence of military and federal agents on the streets, showing diverse opinions about the situation.
  3. The event highlights the tension between federal authority and local activism, raising questions about safety and civil rights.

Note on Gloating

8973 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political culture Media influence Public Opinion Bureaucracy Rhetoric
  1. It's okay to feel some relief after a big defeat, but it's important to stay cautious. Some problems still linger in institutions like schools and media.
  2. Even if things seem better now, there’s a chance that old habits and beliefs can resurface. Staying vigilant is key.
  3. Humor can help us process tough topics, but we shouldn't forget the challenges that may remain.
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Final Chapter Closes on Archegos Scandal

2486 implied HN points • 18 Jul 25
💰 Finance Market Analysis Investment Strategies Regulatory issues Banking Hedge Funds
  1. Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Wells Fargo agreed to pay $120 million to settle a lawsuit related to the Archegos scandal. This came after they were accused of hiding conflicts of interest while managing shares of ViacomCBS.
  2. The Archegos situation caused massive losses amounting to over $10 billion for multiple banks, highlighting how risky dealings by one individual can destabilize large financial institutions.
  3. Bill Hwang, the founder of Archegos, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for his roles in insider trading and for causing huge financial damages, showing the serious consequences of taking reckless financial risks.

Activism, Uncensored: Christopher Columbus and Stephen Colbert

2297 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Activism Protests Media Policy Public Opinion
  1. A tweet from 2020 sparked a big debate about Christopher Columbus, especially among Italian-Americans who see him as a symbol of pride.
  2. People protested against a politician named Mamdani due to his opinions on Columbus statues and his proposed policies in NYC.
  3. There was also a protest against CBS for cancelling Stephen Colbert, where some people expressed concerns about free speech and censorship.

Three Steps to Fixing the FBI: Interview with Whistleblower Coleen Rowley

7367 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Accountability Whistleblowing Transparency
  1. The FBI needs to stop being too political and start focusing on its main job. This means letting field agents do their work without unnecessary interference from higher-ups.
  2. Decentralizing the FBI could help it work better by allowing decisions to be made closer to where cases are happening. This would support agents in the field instead of slowing them down with bureaucracy.
  3. Transparency is important for rebuilding the FBI's trust. The public needs to know what's happening and who is held accountable for mistakes so that the FBI can improve and regain confidence.

The Dumbest Cover Story Ever

16432 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Politics
  1. The article criticizes New York Magazine's cover story, describing its support for children's access to sex-changing medical care as extreme and problematic.
  2. The author argues that the piece promotes a radical rejection of norms like the nuclear family and patriarchy, advocating for a collective reimagining of society.
  3. The concept of child liberation and absolute political agency for children is highlighted as a controversial and concerning aspect of the cover story.

Ketanji Brown Jackson Goes Broadway

6913 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Arts Theater Entertainment Society Humor
  1. Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Supreme Court Justice to perform on Broadway. This was a special and historic moment for both her and the theater.
  2. She made a surprise appearance in a fun musical called '& Juliet,' which offers a twist on the classic Romeo and Juliet story. It's a modern and playful take that focuses on female empowerment.
  3. The musical is described as a campy satire, blending humor with social themes. It aims to challenge traditional narratives, making it memorable and possibly polarizing for audiences.

The SPAC is Back!

2604 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
💰 Finance Investments Market Trends Regulations Private Equity Stock Market
  1. SPACs, or Special Purpose Acquisition Companies, allow investors to put money into a company without knowing what it is. This makes them riskier and less transparent than traditional investments.
  2. Goldman Sachs is returning to the SPAC market because stricter regulations are being relaxed, and there's a huge backlog of private equity deals to be made. They see this as a way to boost their earnings while providing funding for private companies.
  3. The past SPAC craze was filled with celebrity endorsements and light regulations, but many ended poorly. Investors should be cautious as the market returns, since the fundamental issues that caused past failures might still exist.

Uh, Oh, Again: Homeland Security Role in Bizarre Election Day "Tabletop Exercise" Denied

7968 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Integrity Government Agencies Cybersecurity Disinformation Public Perception
  1. The Department of Homeland Security's role in a planned cybersecurity exercise on Election Day was denied, creating confusion about their involvement.
  2. Senator Rand Paul raised concerns about the timing of the exercise, questioning why officials would practice cybersecurity on such an important day for elections.
  3. The situation escalated when organizers of the event retracted their statements about DHS/CISA's participation, leading to speculation and fears about election integrity.

Election Update 4: Hints of Panic and Rage, But It's Still Early

7521 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Campaigns Political News Polls Public Opinion
  1. Election night can be stressful and filled with mixed emotions for news anchors as they report on unfolding results. They try to keep things light but can still feel the pressure of the outcome.
  2. While some early results seem to favor one candidate, it's still too early to draw hard conclusions. The dynamics of voting can change as more votes come in.
  3. It's important to stay calm and not panic no matter the initial news. The election process has many twists and turns that can change the situation quickly.

Thank You

7304 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Education Teachers Policy Public Opinion Government
  1. The author is grateful to teachers who shared their thoughts about the DOE's possible changes. It's important to acknowledge the valuable input from educators.
  2. The author has learned a lot from the teachers' responses about classroom challenges. This shows how complex education issues can be.
  3. The author is still replying to teachers and values their insights. Ongoing communication is key to understanding problems in education.

ATW Livestream Today at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT

2025 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Live Events Discussion Literature
  1. There is a livestream event happening today at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT. It's a good chance to tune in and catch some discussions.
  2. Matt Taibbi and Walter Kirn will be hosting the livestream, diving into recent events and finishing a book discussion.
  3. Viewers can watch the show on platforms like Substack, Rumble, and YouTube. It's an easy way to join the conversation.

Note to Subscribers

22131 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
📰 News Media bias Independent Journalism
  1. Independent media outlets are facing challenges in visibility due to algorithmic blanketing and deamplification tools.
  2. Some larger corporate news outlets lack accountability mechanisms and standards, while alternative media is being targeted for scrutiny and sanctions.
  3. Consideration of alternative ways to support independent voices, like promoting new stories and authors through live interviews, is being explored.

MSNBC Sucks

28947 implied HN points • 06 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media News Opinion Investigation Bias
  1. MSNBC shifted from reporting provable facts to spreading misinformation from politicians and intelligence officials.
  2. The network doubled down on false narratives about Trump-Russia collusion even after the collapse of the Mueller investigation.
  3. Hiring contributors who had perpetuated misinformation led to a reputation-tarnishing downfall for MSNBC.

On Today’s Absurd New York Times Hit Piece

14141 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics First Amendment Censorship Media Supreme Court Government
  1. The New York Times published a controversial piece about the Twitter Files and its connection to a Trump ally, which the author argues is a misrepresentation of reality.
  2. The Supreme Court case _Murthy v. Missouri_ is significant, as it involves challenges to government monitoring of online content and potential infringement on First Amendment rights.
  3. The article discusses the implications of exposing censorship programs and suggests a potential motive behind the Times' piece as a distraction tactic during the historic case.

Election Update 6: The Puckering

7102 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Campaigns Voter Behavior Party Dynamics
  1. Democrats are feeling anxious as key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin show Trump leading. It's crucial for Harris to win all three to take the presidency.
  2. Many Democrats may have overlooked voter sentiments, which can lead to big consequences. There's a sense that the Democratic Party needs to reconnect with American voters.
  3. This election isn't just about who wins but also reflects broader public opinions on political messaging. The results could spark major changes in media and party leadership.

Save Democracy From Informed Voters: Vote Censorship!

7116 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Election Issues Media influence Misinformation Public Discourse
  1. Big media companies are working together to silence critics of the Democratic Party. They target conservative voices, claiming they're spreading misinformation.
  2. The way these companies define misinformation is broad, often including legitimate questions or jokes, leading to censorship.
  3. There's a concerted effort to undermine platforms like Twitter (now X) because they offer alternative views. Groups are trying to stop advertisers from supporting these platforms.

Transcript - America This Week, August 15, 2025: An Avalanche of Russiagate Revelations, and Walter Prepares for Real Time

1564 implied HN points • 16 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Media Critique Cultural criticism Philosophy
  1. There's a growing belief that technology, like AI, can help us escape natural limits and redefine concepts like justice or reality. However, this idea can be dangerous and unrealistic.
  2. People are becoming increasingly attached to AIs, treating them like real relationships, which raises concerns about emotional connections and their effects on real-life interactions.
  3. Many people seem to lack a broader understanding of history and society, only focusing on immediate updates instead of seeing the bigger picture of where we're heading.

The Pardon Arms Race Escalates

6145 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Policy Legislation Public Health Pandemic
  1. The Senate is investigating the origins of COVID-19 more thoroughly, despite previous reports suggesting a conclusion. They believe there is still important information missing.
  2. Several federal agencies are being asked to preserve documents related to COVID-19, indicating ongoing concerns and potential for new inquiries.
  3. Lawmakers, especially from the Republican side, are frustrated with the lack of transparency from health agencies about research funding, particularly regarding the Wuhan lab.

On "Remnants"

6117 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Events Elections Government Agencies Political Figures Investigations
  1. Michael Caputo is a complicated figure, once known for his work in American aid during the 90s, but later came under fire during the Russiagate investigation. His story raises questions about how political narratives can change perceptions of people's actions.
  2. The Russiagate investigation had real-life consequences, affecting the lives of many individuals, including Caputo, who faced serious personal challenges during this time. It's important to think about the human impact of these political investigations.
  3. There is an ongoing debate about whether it's worth investigating the origins of the Russiagate claims, considering the lives that were affected. Reflecting on stories like Caputo's might help inform that decision.

Activism, Uncensored: Alligator Alcatraz

2053 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Protests Politics Activism Government
  1. Alligator Alcatraz is a new immigration detention center in Florida designed to hold over 3,000 illegal immigrants. It's built quickly on an old airstrip in the Everglades.
  2. Florida Republicans are using the facility to raise money by selling Alligator Alcatraz merchandise, which has caused mixed reactions from the public.
  3. The facility has sparked significant political debate and protests, highlighting different opinions on immigration issues in the state.

Transcript - America This Week, August 22, 2025: "Is the New York Times a Government-in-Exile?"

1403 implied HN points • 23 Aug 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Government Elections Public Opinion Constitution
  1. The New York Times is behaving as if it's a government in exile, questioning the current elected government's decisions and suggesting reforms.
  2. There seems to be a push from the Times to increase its own power, reflecting a desire for influence over how the government operates.
  3. Recent discussions hint at a belief that there may be a fundamental flaw in the Constitution that limits government effectiveness, as explored in recent articles.

I Wrote What? Google's AI-Powered Libel Machine

13645 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology AI Google Innovation
  1. Google's new AI tool Gemini had a disastrous product rollout, causing a significant drop in the company's market value.
  2. The Gemini era introduced horrifying quirks that were lesser-publicized but had concerning implications.
  3. The article suggests that the consequences of Google's AI-powered libel machine were unexpected and serious.

Twitter Files Extra: How the Files Could Help Incoming Investigators

5607 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Censorship Investigations Media Communications
  1. The documents from Twitter provide insight into how the government interacted with the platform. This includes details about the FBI's communications and its role in moderating content.
  2. There are ongoing discussions about government censorship and how agencies like the DOJ and CDC influenced Twitter's policies. Understanding this could help navigate future investigations.
  3. Numerous government agencies were involved in shaping Twitter's content moderation efforts. Investigators could find useful leads in the Twitter Files to explore these relationships further.

America Enters the Samizdat Era

13143 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Censorship Social media Freedom of Speech Government Control
  1. The Internet is transitioning from a space of free exchange to one of top-down control over information and narrative.
  2. Alternative ways of distributing dissenting ideas are becoming necessary due to digital suppression of politically undesirable content.
  3. It's crucial to raise awareness about the challenges to freedom of speech and find new ways to share truth in the face of increasing control over information.

State TV Slobbers Over State of the Union

12779 implied HN points • 09 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics News Opinion Journalism
  1. The article discusses how state media in various historical regimes may have praised a leader's speech as enthusiastically as Joe Biden's State of the Union address.
  2. The post highlights the reaction of ABC's chief Washington correspondent and his colleague after Joe Biden's speech.
  3. The article teases a discussion between correspondents about the effectiveness of Biden's speech, requiring a subscription to read further.

The Democrats Have Lost the Plot

25985 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Free speech Journalism
  1. The Democrats focused on free speech in relation to Chrissy Teigen, not important matters.
  2. During the House Subcommittee hearing, politicians showed a lack of understanding about interacting with journalists.
  3. The claim that the author posed a 'direct threat' is concerning for journalists in general.

Meet the Censored: Me?

22417 implied HN points • 13 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Social media Free speech Media Coverage Censorship Journalism
  1. The project to uncover Twitter Files revealed a complex and organized system of content policing involving various government agencies and tech platforms.
  2. Suspension of journalist accounts for sharing information about Elon Musk's private jet highlighted the tensions between free speech and censorship.
  3. Elon Musk's involvement in the transparency of Twitter was met with conflicting reactions, ultimately leading to unexpected clashes with platforms like Substack.

Election Update 3: Self-Injury Watch On

5628 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Political Analysis Media Polling Political Commentary
  1. Watching political TV can feel overwhelming and stressful for many people. It often highlights negative news and can be quite draining.
  2. Election updates show a mix of moods, with both excitement and worry among different voter groups. The shifting results lead to a lot of anxiety and chatter on social media.
  3. Different states are reporting varied results, creating a sense of urgency and unpredictability during election nights. People are looking for any signs of good news amidst the tensions.