Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

The average American gains 5-10 pounds during the holidays—weight that rarely comes off afterward. As we officially enter what I call "the holiday stretch," I'm giving you practical strategies to enjoy your celebrations without derailing your health goals. Here's the truth: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's are just ONE DAY each—not two months of non-stop eating. In this episode, I'm sharing...

If you've ever been told to "just eat less and move more," or struggled with weight despite doing everything "right," this episode will validate your experience and challenge the harmful myths that still exist—even in medicine. In this deeply personal episode, I will share what happened when a colleague dismissed obesity as "lifestyle driven" rather than a chronic disease. Her response is a powerf...

In this powerful episode, I will break down one of the biggest developments in obesity and diabetes treatment in U.S. history. Two major pharmaceutical companies - Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk - have reached a groundbreaking agreement with the administration that will drastically reduce the prices of popular medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound. This pricing model could transform how obesi...

Seen TikTok videos about taking "just a little bit" of Ozempic or counting pen clicks instead of using the prescribed dose? That's microdosing, and it's showing up everywhere—from social media to patient discussions. In this episode, I will cut through the hype to explain what microdosing GLP-1 medications really means, why people are trying it (spoiler: cost and side effects), and what the resear...

Ever wonder why you still feel hungry after drinking a sugary soda? It turns out fructose doesn't trigger the same fullness signals in your brain that other sugars do. In this episode, I break down the science of fructose and how it affects your body differently than the natural sugars found in whole fruits. We explore how excess fructose from sodas, processed foods, and fruit juices can lead to f...

Can body positivity and weight loss medications like Ozempic and WeGovy coexist. Or are they destined to clash? This question has sparked debates across social media and medical offices everywhere. In this episode, I will explore the history of the body positivity movement from its 1960's roots with the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance to its social media explosion in the 2010's. I w...

A new study shows weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound don't just help with losing weight they may also protect the heart and save lives. In this episode, we look at a new study that followed over 90,000 people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure. The results show that drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound don't just help with weight loss, they can cut the risk of death or hospitalizat...

Have you heard about people buying weight loss medications from unregulated sources online? The rise of black market weight loss drugs is putting lives at risk. In this episode, I discuss the concerning trend of people purchasing Retatrutide—a medication still in clinical trials—through illegal channels. Known as the "Godzilla Jab" for its potential power, early studies suggest this drug could hel...

Are you wearing your ability to "push through" like a badge of honor, even when your body and mind are telling you to stop? In this episode, Dr. Judy Wright, a board-certified physician and burnout prevention expert, explores why constantly pushing through obstacles can actually sabotage your progress. She discusses the difference between true grit and "masking grit," and how the latter can lead t...

Your liver could be silently struggling right now and the good news is, you can turn it around. In this episode, I dive deep into the topic of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, also known as fatty liver disease. I explain what it is, why the medical community updated the name, and why it matters for long-term health. I highlight who is most at risk, including people with ob...

Did you know that nearly one in three people with obesity may have fatty liver disease without even knowing it? In this episode, I talk about groundbreaking news in obesity and liver health, focusing on the FDA's recent approval of WeGovy to treat metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate to advanced fibrosis. I share a personal story about a friend who once struggled w...

Sometimes the most tempting quick fixes, like eating only one type of food, can actually set you back on your health journey. In this episode, I explored the viral TikTok trend known as the watermelon diet, breaking down why it may seem tempting but is ultimately risky and unsustainable. I shared a story about a friend who was pressured to try it and explained how social media can create unrealist...

When it comes to weight loss, the scale isn't the only thing that changes—your reflection and self-image often transform too. In this episode, I talk about a topic gaining attention in the media and social circles: "Ozempic face" and the emotional and physical effects of rapid weight loss, especially for those using GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, or Ozempic. I share a story about a frien...

More people than ever are turning to medicine for weight loss, but how do you know if it's right for you? In this episode, I dive into the hot topic of weight loss medications and tackle the myths, science, and facts behind them. As a board-certified obesity medicine specialist, I explain who qualifies for medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, and others, how they work, and why obesity is a chronic c...

Did you know that high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener found in everything from soda to salad dressing, has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and inflammation? In this episode, I explore a surprising claim by Donald Trump that Coca Cola may switch from high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar—and use this as a springboard to explore the health concerns around high fructose corn syrup. I break down...

Did you know that stopping GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Wegovy can trigger powerful biological and emotional changes that impact your weight journey? In this episode, I talk about what happens when you stop taking a GLP-1 medication, like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound. I explain how these medications work by slowing stomach emptying, reducing appetite, and helping with insulin regulation, whic...

Sometimes it's not about eating less or moving more—it's about understanding what's really holding your body back. In this episode, I dive into five surprising reasons why you might not be losing weight—even when it feels like you're doing everything right. From the sneaky effects of stress and poor sleep, to the hidden dangers of under-eating, emotional eating, and overestimating your workouts, I...

Motivation may spark change, but it's small, consistent actions that keep the fire burning, especially when you're just not feeling it. In this episode, I talk about what to do when you're feeling completely unmotivated to stick with healthy habits. I dive into the truth that motivation is fleeting and often unreliable, and instead, I share practical strategies to keep moving forward even when you...

Did you know that one 20-ounce soda can pack more sugar than five donuts—and still leave you hungry? In this episode, I unpacked the deceptively sweet world of sugar-sweetened beverages from sodas and sweet teas to fruit juices and even those "healthy" smoothies. I busted eight common myths that might be sabotaging your wellness journey without you even realizing it. We talked about how liquid cal...

Did you know a daily weight loss pill might soon replace weekly injections for managing obesity? In this episode, I explore the exciting new development of a once-daily oral weight loss medication, oral semaglutide 50mg highlighting results from the OASIS 1 trial. With this, I explain how this pill could be a game-changer for people who are hesitant about injections like Wegovy or Zepbound. I brea...

Did you know that your body has its own unique weight loss blueprint and it might be the key to finally seeing results? In this episode, I explore the concept of obesity phenotypes and why one-size-fits-all approaches to weight loss often fail. I dive into the four main types I see in my practice: Hungry Brain, Emotional Hunger, Hungry Gut, and Slow Burn, and how understanding which one you align...

Did you know that some weight loss medications can help people lose up to 20% of their body weight, comparable to bariatric surgery outcomes? In this episode, I dive into the latest research comparing two major weight loss medications, Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide), based on findings from the 72-week SURMOUNT-5 trial. I explain how Zepbound led to greater weight loss (about 20.2%...

Episode 200 is a celebration of your journey and questions, as I dive deep into the realities of weight loss, medications, and staying consistent through it all. In this episode, I celebrate a huge milestone—our 200th episode of the Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss podcast! I take this opportunity to answer your most frequently asked questions from TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and podca...

Did you know that simply tracking your steps each day can double your chances of reaching your weight loss goals? In this episode, I explored how digital tech tools like fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, smart scales, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), streaming fitness apps, and sleep tech can support your weight loss journey. I shared personal experiences using devices like the Fitbit, App...

Have you ever wondered how obesity can raise the risk for certain cancers? Today's episode breaks down the real connection in a simple, honest way — and why it matters for your health and future. In this episode, I talk about how excess body weight can lead to chronic inflammation, raise hormone levels like estrogen and insulin, and create an environment where cancer cells can grow more easily. I...