The Weight Medicine Podcast

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ian Ellis, a board-certified emergency medicine physician who believes we may be approaching GLP-1 dosing the wrong way. Instead of automatically escalating patients toward higher and higher doses, Dr. Ellis focuses on finding each person’s individual therapeutic window — enough medication to make weight loss possible, without suppressing appetite to the point where eating, exercising and getting adequate nutrition become difficult. We talk about why more medication doesn’t necessarily mean better results, side effects, muscle loss, semaglutide vs. tirzepatide, maintenance and whether everyone really needs to stay on GLP-1 medication for life. Ian also shares his own experience with obesity and semaglutide — and how that eventually led him to develop a mathematical approach to precision dosing and an app designed to help clinicians individualize treatment. A fascinating conversation about moving away from “What dose are you on?” and toward a much more important question: “What dose actually works for you?” This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

fter losing more than 100 pounds with tirzepatide, Shelbi joins The Weight Medicine Podcast to talk about what happens after the weight loss. From navigating maintenance and fear of regain to ADHD, exercise struggles, body image, and staying on GLP-1 medication long-term, this is an honest conversation about the realities people rarely talk about. We also discuss obesity as a chronic disease, the stigma around weight medicine, and learning to build a life that isn’t entirely centered around shrinking yourself. You can find Shelbi at @thethinnerside on Instagram. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m talking to Dani, a PA who has spent the last decade working with GLP-1 medications and obesity treatment — long before most people had even heard of them. We talk about why obesity is still so misunderstood, the emotional side of weight loss treatment, and how explaining obesity as a chronic disease can completely change the way patients see themselves. Dani shares what she’s learned from years of working with people struggling with metabolic health, binge eating, shame, and the feeling that nothing works no matter how hard they try. We also dive into semaglutide, tirzepatide, dosing strategies, maintenance, compounded medications, and why sustainable treatment often matters more than rapid weight loss. Along the way, we discuss misinformation around GLP-1s, the future of obesity medicine, and why these medications may impact far more than just weight in the years ahead. A grounded, compassionate conversation about what real obesity care should actually look like — both medically and emotionally. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, the last of season one, I’m talking to Samantha about her lifelong struggle with weight, binge eating disorder, and the constant mental load of food noise. Samantha shares how GLP-1 medication changed her life — not just through weight loss of nearly 100 pounds, but by giving her relief from obsessive food thoughts and improving her mental health. We talk about living with conditions like lipedema and lymphedema, the challenges of maintaining weight loss, and why full appetite suppression isn’t the goal. This is an honest conversation about sustainability, brain health, and why GLP-1s should be seen as real medical treatment — not a shortcut. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Michelle Gordon is a board-certified obesity medicine physician — and she’s treated over 15,000 patients. In this episode, we talk about what obesity actually is. And what it isn’t. Not a lack of discipline. Not a simple equation of calories in and out. Not a moral failure. We talk about why weight regain is expected, not exceptional. Why GLP-1 is often a long-term treatment — not a quick fix. And why midlife women are often told to “try harder” when their biology is working against them. Dr. Gordon also shares her own experience with GLP-1 — and what changed when the constant fight with food finally quieted. This is a conversation about shifting the narrative from blame to biology. You can find Dr Gordon at www.drgordon.me or on Instagram: @drmichellegordon This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two years on GLP-1. Over 140 pounds lost. In this short follow-up (due to technical difficulties - sorry for the troubling sound at times), Shelbi shares what changed — not just on the scale, but in her life. This conversation is not about doing it "perfectly", nor is it our last one. Stay tuned for more from Shelbi in the near future! This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ana Reisdorf is a dietitian, GLP-1 user — and host of The GLP-1 Hub Podcast . In this episode, she shares her own journey with Ozempic, Mounjaro, and compounded tirzepatide — including losing weight, stopping, regaining, and starting again. We talk about what maintenance actually looks like. Why coming off medication isn’t always realistic. And how GLP-1 can shift your relationship with food — without restriction. This is an honest conversation about long-term use, cost, stigma, and what it really takes to sustain results. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea is a dietitian. She understands nutrition. She knows what to do. And still — it felt like she was constantly fighting her own body. In this episode, we talk about what it means to not fit the stereotype of a GLP-1 user. Chelsea was never in the obese category. But the struggle was still there — the constant effort, the “white-knuckling” and the feeling that no matter how disciplined you are, your body doesn’t fully respond. She shares how she came into GLP-1 through her husband, and what changed when that constant internal fight finally quieted. This episode is about nuance. About who “deserves” help. And what it feels like when things finally get a little easier. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennie’s story begins long before GLP-1. She grew up in the shadow of divorce, bullying, and childhood abuse. Food became comfort. Protection. Control. By her teenage years, she was living with binge eating disorder and bulimia, while navigating the toxic diet culture of the 80s and 90s. For decades, she carried not just weight — but shame. In this conversation, Jennie speaks openly about trauma, depression, food addiction, and what it’s like to live in a body that society constantly judges. She talks about the professional and social consequences of weight stigma, and the quiet humiliation of eating in public when you already feel watched. GLP-1 helped her lose 30 pounds. But more importantly, it quieted the obsession. She’s clear about one thing: medication is not magic. It requires mental work, emotional honesty, and ongoing healing. This episode is about understanding obesity as a disease. About separating coping from character. About realizing that survival strategies aren’t moral failures. And about what happens when shame finally loosens its grip. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mollee had only been on GLP-1 for six weeks when we recorded this episode. But this conversation isn’t about rapid weight loss. It’s about inflammation, chronic pain, ADHD, postpartum survival — and what happens when your body finally starts cooperating. Mollee shares her history with psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, lipedema, and years of trying to “discipline” herself into better health. She talks about growing up in diet culture, cycling between restriction and overeating, and later realizing how ADHD shaped her relationship with food. She didn’t start GLP-1 to be smaller. She started it to feel better. Within weeks, she experienced reduced inflammation, clearer thinking, less anxiety, more energy — and the ability to be more present with her children. She calls the medication a catalyst. Not a cure. Not magic. But a turning point. This episode is for anyone whose body story is layered. For anyone using GLP-1 for health, not headlines. And for anyone who just wants their life back. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by therapist Laura Grabow, who has worked in obesity medicine for over two decades, focusing on what she calls “head work” — the emotional and psychological side of treating obesity. We talk about what GLP-1 medications can do — and what they can’t. Medication can reduce hunger and quiet cravings. But it doesn’t automatically heal emotional eating, trauma, or shame. Lora explains why shame doesn’t create lasting change, how emotional eating is often a coping strategy, and why learning to pause, name feelings, and practice self-compassion is essential for long-term success. Obesity treatment isn’t just medical. It’s mental, too. Lora is also hosting a 4-week virtual class on this deeper mindset work start March 3rd so head on over to loragrabow.com This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by Cath, who shares a story that spans decades of dieting, bariatric surgery, food addiction treatment, trauma, grief, and finally — relief. Cath talks about growing up with food scarcity, learning early that willpower defined her worth, and building an identity around restriction and calorie counting. She reached 350 pounds and spent years trying to out-discipline a disease that was never about discipline. We talk about her first marriage, the emotional fallout that followed, binge eating disorder treatment, a PTSD diagnosis, endometrial cancer, and traveling to Mexico for gastric sleeve surgery after facing long wait times in Canada. She lost weight — and then struggled again. Grazing returned. The obsession never fully left. After losing her brother to complications related to obesity, Cath made a promise to herself: she would keep fighting this disease. GLP-1 medication changed everything. We talk about what it feels like when the noise finally quiets, the difference between surgery and metabolic treatment, and why obesity must be treated as a chronic medical condition — not a moral failure. This conversation is honest, raw, and hopeful. And if you’ve ever wondered why willpower wasn’t enough, Cath’s story might feel very familiar. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m joined by Whitney, a registered dietitian who is also a GLP-1 patient herself. Whitney lives with type 1 diabetes, PCOS, Hashimoto’s, and a long history of weight struggle — and she brings a perspective that sits on both sides of the table: clinician and patient. We talk honestly about intuitive eating, food noise, and why “just eat intuitively” often isn’t enough for people living with obesity and complex medical conditions. Whitney shares how GLP-1 medication didn’t replace intuitive eating for her — it finally made it possible. We also get into thin privilege within the intuitive eating space, the judgment many patients (and professionals) face for using weight loss medication, and the emotional weight of being taken more seriously only after losing weight. We discuss stigma around GLP-1s, misinformation online, access and affordability, and why obesity treatment should be viewed the same way we view long-term care for diabetes or mental health — not as a shortcut, but as support. This is a grounded, nuanced conversation about weight, bias, relief, and what it means to stop having to prove your struggle in order to deserve help. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m talking to Elisa from @foodnoisebegone about a long, complex weight journey shaped by hormones, illness, and repeated attempts to “do everything right.” Elisa shares how her weight gradually increased after college, through years of yo-yo dieting, thyroid issues, hormonal changes, and the lifestyle shifts brought on by the COVID pandemic. We talk about structured programs, extreme calorie restriction, and what happens when weight loss efforts collide with real medical crises — including uterine bleeding that required surgery, a hysterectomy, and later a diagnosis of stage 1 lung cancer. We explore how recovery, stress, inflammation, and repeated interventions affected her body — and how weight regain followed even her most disciplined efforts. Elisa opens up about reaching a breaking point with rigid programs, and why she began looking for a more sustainable, medically grounded approach. This is a thoughtful conversation about personalization, patience, and realism — about moving away from extremes, respecting biology, and building a weight-care plan that can coexist with real life and real health challenges. An episode about resilience, informed choice, and why sustainable weight care often begins when we stop forcing our bodies to comply. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m talking to Jo, a 60-year-old Australian feminist who quietly reached her goal weight — without telling anyone she was using weight-loss medication. Jo shares a lifetime of thinking about weight, researching solutions, and circling the idea of medical treatment long before she ever started. For years, the knowledge was there — but timing, fear, stigma, and internal AND external resistance kept her waiting. When she finally did begin treatment, it wasn’t dramatic or public. It was private, intentional, and deeply personal. We talk about a life shaped by weight struggles, even after healing from eating disorders. This conversation explores secrecy, autonomy, feminism, and Jo offers a powerful perspective on aging, bodily control, and the quiet relief of finally living in a body that feels manageable — without explanations, before-and-after photos, or public permission. A reflective, honest episode about timing, privacy, and what it means to choose yourself — even when no one else knows. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m talking to Marianne about her long and complex journey with weight, food, and finally finding relief with GLP-1 medication after more than 20 years of trying to make diets work. Marianne shares her background as a former competitive gymnast, where being weighed weekly shaped her relationship with her body from a young age. We talk about what happened after she stopped competing, the cycle of dieting and regaining weight, and her experience with treatments like the gastric balloon — all while being told, implicitly or explicitly, that more discipline should be enough. We dive into what changed when she started Ozempic in spring 2024, how it helped quiet emotional eating and food cravings, and why GLP-1 medication has been about so much more than weight loss. Marianne opens up about navigating grief after losing her father, and how the medication supported both her and her mother in maintaining stability during an incredibly difficult time. We also talk about media narratives around GLP-1s, the frustration of seeing them dismissed as a “diet trend,” and the importance of recognizing obesity as a chronic disease — not a failure of willpower. Along the way, we reflect on non-scale victories, mental clarity, confidence, and how this journey has given Marianne the freedom to pursue new paths in health coaching, hypnotherapy, counseling, and nutrition. This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about reclaiming your life, shifting focus away from the scale, and finally being able to imagine a future that isn’t defined by food or weight. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m talking to Lauren, my first guest from Scotland, about her journey through weight loss, medication, and motherhood. Lauren shares how years of struggling with her weight, especially after having kids, left her overwhelmed and exhausted, and how choosing to prioritize her health became a turning point. We talk about her experience losing over 50 pounds with the support of medication, navigating stigma around weight loss, and what it was like to physically confront that change by seeing the number on the scale — and feeling the weight she no longer carries. We also dive into the practical realities of life on GLP-1 medication: dosing schedules, managing side effects, adjusting meal routines, and learning to listen to your body rather than following rigid rules. Lauren opens up about being needle-phobic, we discuss transitioning between medications due to cost, and she shares that her relationship with food has shifted from restriction to balance — including enjoying food, snacks, and social situations without guilt. This is an honest conversation about sustainability, self-compassion, and why weight loss doesn’t happen in a vacuum — especially for working mothers. We also talk about the backlash Lauren faced online while sharing her journey, and why telling these stories still matters. A grounded, relatable episode about real life, real bodies, and finding a way forward that actually works. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m talking to endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen about her new book Weightless — a compassionate, evidence-based guide to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound, and what it really means to take back control of your health. She shares how her father’s diabetes diagnosis led her into endocrinology, and why she believes obesity must finally be treated as the chronic, biological disease it is — not a moral failure. Together, we talk about: What GLP-1 medications actually do in the body, and how they calm food noise, emotional eating, and constant hunger The five key drivers of obesity: heredity, hormones, aging, environment, and lifestyle The mental and emotional benefits of GLP-1s that are rarely discussed Why short-term prescriptions aren’t enough, and what long-term medical care should look like How PCOS, perimenopause, and hormonal shifts affect women’s weight and health The psychological side of major weight loss, including fear of regain, identity shifts, and the need for emotional support Common myths, misinformation, and why compassion must replace judgment in the obesity conversation This is an episode grounded in both science and empathy — for anyone who has ever felt unheard, ashamed, or confused about their weight. The book Weightless by Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen releases December 30 (US) and January 1 (UK). Follow her on Instagram @drsalaswhalen. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I’m talking to Summer, a dietitian who also has lived experience of obesity. She shares her personal journey of losing and regaining over 100 pounds, trying intuitive eating, and struggling with constant food obsession — even with all her professional knowledge. We talk about why intuitive eating rarely work for people with obesity, and how biology, hormones, and food noise can override hunger cues and best intentions. Summer opens up about how GLP-1 medication changed her relationship with food — not by removing appetite, but by quieting the obsession and allowing her to eat intuitively without tracking, restriction, or guilt for the first time. We also discuss barriers to accessing medication, the divide within the dietitian community, the risks around compounded GLP-1s, and why comprehensive support — including dietitians — matters whether or not someone is on medication. This is an honest, thoughtful conversation about food freedom, long-term maintenance, and why obesity care must move beyond willpower and ideology. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Amy, a dietitian who has dedicated her career to supporting people living with obesity — especially those using GLP-1 medications. Amy shares how her work has evolved from studying bariatric surgery in Sweden to helping patients in the U.S. navigate nutrition, side effects, and realistic habits while on treatment. We dive into what personalized obesity care really looks like: the balance between protein, fiber, and fullness; how to spot when weight loss is happening too quickly; and why sustainable change often comes from simple shifts rather than perfection. Amy offers practical tools for everyday life — from “snacky meals” to hydration strategies, colorful plates, and building meals that support both muscle and metabolism. A grounded, honest conversation with a dietitian who truly understands the biology, the behavior, and the lived experience behind obesity care. This podcast shares lived experiences and opinions. It’s for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider for personal medical guidance. Run by: @lidellan Edited by: @literalcreations Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.