Interview With Author Phyllis Pobee
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Dr. Phyllis Pobee, a triple-board-certified genetic weight loss physician, author, and founder of GeneLean360°, a program dedicated to helping women over 30 achieve sustainable weight loss through personalized, science-backed strategies. My passion for empowering women stems from my own 100-pound weight loss journey, which transformed my life and inspired me to share the groundbreaking science behind genetic weight loss.
I’ve written one book, Lean Genes: A Physician’s Guide to Genetic Weight Loss — Eat What You Love, Lose Weight for Good, and Break Free from Diets and Medications. It’s a deeply personal and practical guide that combines my medical expertise with actionable steps to help readers break free from the cycle of diets and discover a solution tailored to their unique genetic blueprint.
This book is the first of many, as I plan to expand on topics like mindset, longevity, and personalized health in future works. Writing allows me to connect with readers, share my expertise, and inspire them to take control of their health and confidence.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my latest book is Lean Genes: A Physician’s Guide to Genetic Weight Loss — Eat What You Love, Lose Weight for Good, and Break Free from Diets and Medications.
The inspiration for this book came from my own 100-pound weight loss journey. For years, I struggled with traditional diets and weight loss methods that didn’t work for me. It wasn’t until I discovered the science of genetic weight loss that everything changed. This breakthrough not only transformed my body but also my confidence, mindset, and approach to health.
I realized that so many women over 30 face similar frustrations—trying everything under the sun without sustainable results. I wrote Lean Genes to provide hope, clarity, and actionable tools for women who feel stuck and overwhelmed. My goal is to empower readers with the science behind their bodies, helping them break free from restrictive diets and embrace solutions tailored to their unique genetic blueprint. This book is a culmination of my personal experience, medical expertise, and passion for helping women reclaim their health and confidence.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t call my writing habits entirely unusual, but they’re definitely shaped by the realities of my busy life! As a mom and entrepreneur, I’ve had to get creative about finding time to write. One habit I’ve developed is using voice notes to capture ideas whenever inspiration strikes—whether I’m driving, walking, or even in the middle of cooking. This helps me capture my thoughts without losing momentum.
Another quirk is that I write in layers. Instead of completing one section before moving to the next, I sketch out the main points across multiple chapters and then go back to fill in the details. It’s almost like assembling a puzzle—I see the bigger picture first and refine each piece later.
I also need a quiet environment to write, but I pair it with a specific playlist of instrumental music that keeps me focused. While these habits may not be traditional, they’ve allowed me to balance writing with my other commitments and stay in touch with my creative flow.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Several authors and books have profoundly influenced both my writing style and my approach to health and wellness:
Maxwell Maltz (Psycho-Cybernetics): This book reshaped my understanding of how mindset and self-image influence success. It helped me realize that lasting transformation begins with the way we see ourselves, a theme I incorporate into my own work.
James Clear (Atomic Habits): His practical and science-based approach to habit formation inspires how I break down complex health strategies into simple, actionable steps for my readers.
Jen Sincero (You Are a Badass): Her relatable and empowering tone has influenced my own writing style, which I strive to make conversational and motivational while delivering real value.
Dr. Jason Fung (The Obesity Code): His groundbreaking work on the science of weight loss and metabolism aligns with my focus on genetic weight loss. It inspired me to communicate health science in an accessible and impactful way.
Brian Wansink (Mindless Eating): This book highlights the subtle cues that drive our eating behaviors, which resonates with my approach to creating sustainable weight loss solutions.
Each of these authors has reinforced the importance of combining storytelling, actionable insights, and scientific rigor, which I aim to emulate in my own writing. They’ve also inspired me to make my work deeply personal, empowering, and transformative for my readers.
What are you working on now?
’m currently working on expanding the impact of my book, Lean Genes: A Physician’s Guide to Genetic Weight Loss — Eat What You Love, Lose Weight for Good, and Break Free from Diets and Medications. Alongside the book, I’m developing companion resources, including a 90-day planner and a workbook, to help readers apply the strategies from the book to their daily lives. These tools are designed to make the concepts of genetic weight loss practical, actionable, and easy to integrate into real-world routines.
I’m also focused on creating digital courses and resources for my GeneLean360° program, which helps women over 30 achieve personalized, science-backed weight loss. This includes a video series, meal guides, and tools for managing cravings and boosting energy—all tailored to specific genetic patterns.
Beyond this, I’m exploring the idea of retreats and workshops to connect with women in person, providing hands-on support and inspiration. My mission is to continue empowering women to break free from restrictive diets and embrace health solutions that work for their unique genetic blueprint. Writing, teaching, and connecting are at the heart of everything I do right now!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method for promoting my books is building genuine connections with my target audience through social media, my website, and live events. Here’s what works best for me:
Social Media Platforms: Instagram and Facebook are my go-to platforms for connecting with women over 30 who resonate with my message. I share personal stories, practical tips, and behind-the-scenes moments to engage my audience and build trust.
Email Marketing: My email list is a powerful tool for promoting my book. I use it to provide valuable content, exclusive updates, and sneak peeks into my work, which keeps my audience engaged and excited about new releases.
Author Website: My website serves as the hub for all things related to my book, Lean Genes. It features information about the book, companion resources, and links to purchase. It’s also where I host my blog and additional tools that align with my readers’ needs.
Virtual Events and Webinars: Hosting virtual events allows me to connect directly with my audience, discuss the science behind my book, and answer questions in real time. These events are highly engaging and often lead to book sales.
Collaborations: Partnering with other health and wellness influencers or being featured on podcasts and blogs expands my reach and introduces my book to new audiences who are aligned with my message.
The key to all of this is authenticity—focusing on serving my audience rather than just selling. By building trust and providing value, I’ve been able to promote my book effectively while creating a meaningful connection with my readers.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Absolutely! Here’s my advice for new authors:
Own Your Voice: Your unique story and perspective are your greatest assets. Write authentically and don’t try to imitate others. Readers connect with realness and honesty.
Start Before You’re Ready: Don’t wait for the perfect idea or the perfect time to start writing. Begin with what you have, and let the process guide you. Writing is about progress, not perfection.
Outline Your Ideas: Especially for nonfiction, having a clear roadmap helps keep your message focused. A well-organized outline saves time and ensures your content flows logically.
Be Open to Feedback: Constructive criticism is invaluable. Seek out beta readers, editors, or mentors who can offer insights to improve your work. That said, stay true to your vision and what matters most to you.
Invest in Professional Help: Editing, cover design, and formatting are crucial for making your book polished and professional. These are worth investing in, especially if you’re self-publishing.
Build Your Platform Early: Start engaging with your potential readers long before your book is finished. Use social media, a blog, or an email list to share your journey and build anticipation for your book.
Be Patient and Persistent: Writing and publishing are marathon endeavors, not sprints. Embrace the process, celebrate small wins, and remember that every step brings you closer to your goal.
Focus on Your Reader: Always keep your ideal reader in mind. Think about how your book will serve them, solve a problem, or inspire them. Writing with a clear purpose makes your work impactful.
Above all, enjoy the journey! Writing a book is a transformative experience that allows you to share your passion and leave a lasting impact. Stay committed, and trust that your words will find the audience they’re meant to reach.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve ever heard is: “Progress, not perfection.” This simple but powerful reminder has guided me in both my writing and personal journey. It’s so easy to get caught up in trying to make everything perfect that we end up delaying—or even abandoning—our goals. But progress, even small steps, adds up to big results over time.
This advice resonates deeply with my weight loss journey and my writing process. Losing 100 pounds didn’t happen overnight—it was the result of consistent, small changes. Similarly, writing my book Lean Genes wasn’t about crafting perfect sentences from the start; it was about showing up every day, putting words on the page, and refining over time.
It’s a principle I pass on to my readers, too. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, write a book, or achieve any goal, perfection isn’t required. Consistency, effort, and resilience are what truly make the difference.
What are you reading now?
Right now, I’m reading You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero. It’s one of my go-to books for a mindset reset and a dose of inspiration. Her empowering tone and practical advice always motivate me to think bigger and push past self-doubt.
I’m also diving into Forever Strong by Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, which focuses on longevity and health through strength-building strategies. It aligns closely with my own work in genetic weight loss and wellness, giving me new insights to incorporate into my programs and writing.
Reading books that blend science, self-improvement, and actionable strategies not only keeps me inspired but also sharpens my ability to serve my audience with fresh ideas and perspectives. What I’m reading now often becomes part of the conversation I have with my readers and clients.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As a writer, I’m focused on expanding the reach and impact of my work. Following the release of my book, Lean Genes: A Physician’s Guide to Genetic Weight Loss — Eat What You Love, Lose Weight for Good, and Break Free from Diets and Medications, I’m developing companion resources like a workbook and a 90-day planner. These tools will help readers take the strategies from the book and apply them in their daily lives for transformative results.
I’m also exploring the possibility of hosting retreats and creating online courses to connect with readers and clients on a deeper level. These would combine personalized coaching, mindset work, and practical tools to amplify the lessons in my writing.
In the long term, I plan to write more books that delve into related topics, such as mindset shifts for sustainable transformation, the connection between hormones and health, and even longevity strategies for women. Writing is my way of sharing not just my knowledge but my mission to help women reclaim their health, confidence, and joy.
The journey is just beginning, and I’m excited to see where it takes me next!
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
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