There I was, completely ignoring my half-full coffee.
My brain was racing to keep up with a lecturer while I took furious notes about testosterone.
I was sitting in a seminar (ok, technically watching on Zoom), more than a little glad the speaker wouldn’t be able to call on me for a question.
It was then that a thought hit me— I felt exactly like I did back in nursing school.
I had to laugh at myself. Here I am, a nurse practitioner with 10+ years of experience, still feeling like a student. But honestly? That’s the way it should be.
Medicine, nutrition, and health sciences are constantly evolving. The “gold standard” advice from thirty (or even ten!) years ago might be outdated today.
And what we think we know now will continue to change as research advances. If you ever meet a healthcare professional who thinks they’ve learned everything there is to know—run in the other direction.
Health Advice Changes Because Science Moves Forward
Decades ago, low-fat diets were the must-follow trend for weight loss. We were told to avoid fats at all costs, replace butter with margarine, and eat as many fat-free products as possible. I actually shared a wine-heavy diets from the 1970s a couple months ago in a previous post.
Fast forward to today, and we know that healthy fats (like those in avocado and olive oil) are actually essential for brain function, hormone regulation, and satiety.
The same goes for exercise. Remember when we thought hours of cardio were the best way to lose weight? Now we know that strength training plays a huge role in long-term fat loss, metabolism, and overall health.
These shifts in best practices don’t mean that science was “wrong” before—they mean we’ve learned more. And as we learn more, our recommendations improve.
Medical Professionals Never Stop Learning (Or At Least, They Shouldn’t!)
As an FNP, I don’t just rely on what I learned years ago—I keep up with research, attend conferences, and take continuing education courses.
This is especially important in the field of weight loss, where new medications, treatments, and metabolic research are changing our understanding of how the body works.
For example, GLP-1 medications like semaglutide weren’t even an option for weight management a few years ago, but now they’re revolutionizing treatment for people who struggle with obesity. Imagine if I had stopped learning years ago and ignored this breakthrough? My patients would miss out on a life-changing tool.
How to Spot Outdated or Misleading Health Advice
Because science changes, so does health advice. But not everyone stays updated. That’s why you’ll still hear things like:
❌ “Eating after 8 PM makes you gain weight.” (Nope—total daily calories matter more.)
❌ “You have to eat every two hours to ‘keep your metabolism going.’” (Metabolism doesn’t work like that.)
❌ “Lifting weights makes women bulky.” (It actually helps with fat loss and body composition.)
Whenever you hear a health claim—especially on social media—ask:
✔️ Is there recent research to back this up?
✔️ Do multiple experts in the field agree?
✔️ Is this coming from someone who continuously learns and stays updated?
If the answer is no, take that advice with a grain of salt.
Embrace a Learning Mindset for Your Own Health
It’s easy to feel frustrated when health recommendations change. But instead of seeing it as confusing, think of it as progress. Science evolves, and that’s a good thing.
The best way to approach your health journey is to stay open-minded. Maybe the method that worked for you five years ago isn’t the best option now—and that’s okay. When we learn more, we do better.
This is to say nothing of how technology and our own bodies change!
And if you’re looking for weight loss support from someone who actually keeps up with the latest science, I’d love to help. Book a consultation at The A-List Clinic today!
