Conference will devote full day of presentations to women’s health; 15 leading experts confirmed as presenters, more being added in the coming weeks

Anticipation continues to build for the upcoming Symposium for Metabolic Health in Boca Raton, Florida, set for January 24-26, 2025, with a bonus workshop on Thursday, January 23rd. The excitement surrounding this event is growing as the impressive speaker list (see below) continues to expand. This year’s symposium will feature, for the first time, a dedicated day focused exclusively on Women’s Health, highlighting critical issues in metabolic health and offering new insights from leading experts in the field.

We’re particularly excited to feature a presentation led by Dr. Madison Kackley, a prominent research scientist and the director of SHE IS Lab (Scientific Health Empowerment & Integrative Solutions) at Ohio State University. Dr. Kackley’s all-female-led lab is at the forefront of advancing women’s health through cutting-edge research in nutrition and exercise, with a focus on athletes, PCOS, postpartum health, and reproductive wellness.

In a recent interview, Dr. Kackley shared her enthusiasm for the upcoming symposium, her lab’s ongoing research, and what attendees can expect from her presentation.

A Passion for Women’s Health Research

“I’m extremely excited for this symposium, especially the Women’s Health Initiative,” Dr. Kackley expressed. “Women’s health research is incredibly complex, and it’s a field that’s been neglected for too long. Our lab is dedicated to addressing the unique health challenges women face and conducting the labor-intensive studies necessary to unearth the unknowns.”

Dr. Kackley’s SHE IS Lab stands out as a pioneering force, focusing on intricate aspects of women’s health that are often overlooked. One key area of her research involves tracking the menstrual cycle and its impact on performance, energy expenditure, and body composition. Dr. Kackley’s team has conducted a pilot study involving 12 women, utilizing state-of-the-art methods like Biodex and gas exchange analysis to assess performance across different phases of the menstrual cycle.

“Our study aims to offer individualized insights into exercise recommendations for women,” she explained. “We’re looking at how different phases of the menstrual cycle affect energy expenditure and what types of exercise are optimal during each phase. By following women throughout their entire cycle, we hope to provide guidance that’s much more tailored than the general guidelines often based on male physiology.”

Presentation Focus: Exercise, Energy Expenditure, and Individualized Recommendations

Dr. Kackley’s presentation will explore the intersection of exercise and women’s health, offering practical insights for clinicians, researchers, and laypeople alike. “Most exercise guidelines are carbon copies derived from male data, which simply don’t account for the hormonal variations women experience,” she noted. “My talk will provide a deeper understanding of these variations and offer individualized recommendations that clinicians can use to better guide their female patients.”

Attendees can expect to gain valuable knowledge on optimizing exercise regimens across different life stages, from reproductive years to perimenopause and menopause, as well as during postpartum recovery.

The Role of Low-Carb and Ketogenic Diets in Women’s Health

When asked about the implications of low-carb and ketogenic diets for women, Dr. Kackley emphasized the importance of dietary interventions in regulating the endocrine system. “Endocrine health is closely linked with metabolism, and many women face insulin resistance without realizing it,” she said. “Implementing a ketogenic or therapeutic carbohydrate reduction diet can be a powerful tool for women, offering them more control over their health.”

Dr. Kackley stressed the need for more research in this area but noted the promising potential of dietary changes in addressing common issues like PCOS and cognitive decline.

A Unique Opportunity for In-Person Learning

The symposium will offer a full day dedicated to Women’s Health, featuring top experts in the field, including Dr. Kackley and her team. “This is a rare chance for attendees to hear from all the leaders in women’s metabolic health in a single day,” Dr. Kackley said. “Instead of searching through fragmented information online, participants can have their questions answered directly by experts.”

Dr. Kackley’s team will also present poster sessions, showcasing their latest research on topics like PCOS and energy expenditure across the menstrual cycle. Accompanying her will be Taryn Bedell, co-PI on the studies and research dietitian for Jeff Volek’s team, further highlighting the collaborative nature of their work.

Mentorship and Collaboration with Dr. Jeff Volek

Dr. Kackley expressed deep appreciation for her mentor, Jeff Volek, PhD, RD. a familiar name to the LowCarbUSA audience. “I’ve worked with Jeff for eight years, and he’s been incredibly supportive, especially in allowing me to explore the nuances of women’s health,” she shared. “While he may not be leading the women’s health pillar, his enthusiasm for this research is clear, and his contributions to the field of carbohydrate restriction have been invaluable.”

A Personal Journey Into Women’s Health

Dr. Kackley’s interest in women’s health is deeply personal. “I come from a family of strong women,” she revealed. “I have a single mom and two sisters, one with PCOS and another navigating perimenopause. Additionally, cognitive decline has impacted several family members, which initially drew me to the low-carb literature and, eventually, to my work with Jeff Volek.”

Her background as a former boxer with a record of 16-1 also fueled her interest in exercise physiology and the unique challenges faced by female athletes. “I experienced the female athlete triad, now known as RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), which further motivated me to explore how dietary and exercise interventions can support women’s health.”

Don’t Miss This Groundbreaking Event

In addition to the exciting focus on Women’s Health, the Symposium will feature a comprehensive range of presentations covering the impact of therapeutic carbohydrate reduction on conditions such as diabetes management, obesity treatment, cardiovascular health, and mental health. Leading experts will share insights on the global implications of carbohydrate reduction and its potential to reshape public health policies, providing attendees with the latest research and actionable strategies.

Can you plan to arrive early on Thursday?

Don’t miss the bonus workshop on Thursday, January 23rd, where you’ll gain practical insights on implementing ketogenic and therapeutic carbohydrate reduction therapies. This hands-on session will offer valuable tools for both healthcare professionals and laypeople, equipping you with strategies to apply these approaches effectively in everyday practice.

If you aren’t one of the many who’ve already registered, we invite you to join us in Boca Raton, January 24-26, 2025, for this one-of-a-kind event that blends science, real-world application, and community—starting your new year on the right foot!

Confirmed Speakers (More Incredible Speakers Coming Soon):

• Robert Cywes, MD, PhD
• Ben Bocchicchio, PhD, MHP
• Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, MD
• Mark Cucuzzella, MD, FAAFP, MHP
• Jodi Nishida, PharmD, MHP
• Annette Bosworth, MD
• Erin Bellamy, PhD, MHP
• Lily Johnston, MD, MHP
• Andrea Salcedo, DO, MPH
• Barbara Levy, MD, FACOG, FACS, MSCP
• Dr. Wafaa Abdel-Hadi
• Madison Kackley, PhD, CSCS
• Eric Westman, MD, MHS
• Dominic D’Agostino, PhD
• Philip Ovadia, MD

We look forward to welcoming you to this incredible event—don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn from the best in the field!

For more information and to register, visit the event page here.