Can the right exercise really 'age-proof' your body? Could you really lower your risk of ovarian cancer by asking your surgeon to remove your fallopian tubes while they’re already performing another routine procedure? And what do you do when decades of dieting have left you with what feels like weight-loss PTSD?

In this episode, we talk to Professor Jeff Coombes from the University of Queensland to find out why 'high-intensity' doesn't have to be terrifying and which specific exercise actually drops your risk of heart disease and diabetes.

We also talk about why the fallopian tubes - not the ovaries - might be the true starting point for some ovarian cancers and how 'opportunistic' surgery could save lives.

Plus, in our Quick Consult, Dr Mariam helps Carolyn, who is 40 and struggling with the mental and physical burnout of PCOS and weight-loss plateaus. We explain why ‘calories in, calories out’ is a toxic myth and how to rebuild trust with a body you feel has betrayed you.

EPISODE RESOURCES

If this episode has raised concerns for you regarding body image, eating disorders, or chronic illness support, the following resources are available:

• Butterfly Foundation: Support for eating disorders and body image issues. Call 1800 33 4673.

• Jean Hailes for Women's Health: A leading resource for PCOS, hormones and women’s health.

• Diabetes Australia: Information on pre-diabetes management and support.

• Lifeline: If you are feeling overwhelmed and need someone to talk to, please call 13 11 14.

And, if you want to learn more about the topics discussed in today’s show, check out these helpful links:

• MOVE by Mamamia

• Health Direct - Physical Activity Guidelines

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CREDITS

Hosts: Claire Murphy and Dr Mariam

Guest: Professor Jeff Coombes

Senior Producers: Claire Murphy and Sally Best

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Audio Producer: Scott Stronach

Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Producer: Elly Moore

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land we have recorded this podcast on, the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Information discussed in Well. is for education purposes only and is not intended to provide professional medical advice. Listeners should seek their own medical advice, specific to their circumstances, from their treating doctor or health care professional.