Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

A study of Black women diagnosed with breast cancer found that those with the highest intake of ultra-processed foods had a 40% higher relative rate of breast cancer mortality than those with the lowest intake. What does that finding mean, and what should we take away from it?   In this episode, I explain what the research tells us, why it does not establish that ultra-processed foods cause breast cancer deaths, and why we need to be careful about interpreting these results. I also clarify the difference between processed and ultra-processed foods. Frozen vegetables and canned beans, for example, can be convenient, nutritious choices.   Food choices matter, but so do food affordability, access to nutritious options, cancer stage, tumor biology, treatment, and access to care. Healthy eating advice must account for these realities rather than assume everyone has the same resources and options.   For breast cancer survivors, this research is not a reason to blame yourself for your diagnosis or outcome. Instead, it offers an opportunity to look at dietary quality and consider manageable changes that support overall health, without fear, guilt, or the expectation of eating perfectly.   Episode Highlights: What a study of 1,733 Black women with breast cancer found about ultra-processed food intake and breast cancer mortality Why a 40% higher relative rate does not mean a 40% chance of dying from breast cancer What observational research can and cannot tell us about food choices and cancer outcomes Why frozen vegetables and canned beans can still be part of a nutritious diet How overall dietary quality, calorie intake, and metabolic health may relate to the findings Why food affordability and access must be part of the conversation about nutrition Practical ways to improve dietary quality without eliminating every packaged food Why breast cancer outcomes depend on many factors, and why this research is not a reason to blame yourself Free or low cost mammogram:  Susan B Komen foundation. Breast Care Helpline: Call 1-877-GO-KOMEN (1-877-465-6636) National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP): Provides free or low-cost mammograms to uninsured or underinsured individuals ages 40 to 64 meeting income guidelines. Call 1-800-232-4636 or visit the CDC Website. American Cancer Society: Call 1-800-227-2345 for local screening resources. American Breast Cancer Foundation: Apply for assistance through their Breast Cancer Assistance Program.   Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly   Website | drshellymd.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd Instagram | @drshellymd Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd Twitter | @drshellymd   About Dr. Alicia Shelly Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''. Resources: FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click HERE  

Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause is not simply a matter of eating less or exercising more. Hormonal changes, shifts in body composition, muscle loss, sleep, stress, and metabolic health can all play a role in how your body changes during this stage of life. In this episode of Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss, I'm joined by Dr. Tracy Norfleet, a triple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine. Together, we explore why many women notice changes in their waist circumference and weight during the menopause transition, even when their eating and exercise habits haven't changed. We discuss how declining estradiol levels can affect body fat distribution and lean muscle mass, why the number on the scale may not tell the whole story, and how women can adjust their approach to protecting their metabolic health. Dr. Norfleet also shares practical guidance on resistance training, protein intake, restorative sleep, and the role of obesity medications and hormone therapy. We also address weight bias in healthcare and why women deserve to have their symptoms taken seriously, receive evidence-informed care, and be treated with respect. If you're navigating perimenopause or menopause and wondering why the strategies that worked in your 20s and 30s no longer seem as effective, this conversation will help you better understand what may be happening and what you can discuss with your healthcare provider.   Episode Highlights Why can your body composition change during menopause even when your weight stays the same? How do declining estradiol levels affect muscle mass, fat distribution, and metabolic health? Why should resistance training become a priority alongside cardiovascular exercise? What roles do protein, sleep, and stress management play in supporting healthy weight management? How do hormone therapy and obesity medications differ, and when might treatment be appropriate? Why is it important for healthcare professionals to address weight bias and listen to women's menopause symptoms? If this conversation helped you, share it with a woman who may be experiencing similar changes. Subscribe to Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss for more conversations about sustainable weight management and better health.   About Our Guest Tracy Norfleet, MD, MBA, FACP, DABOM, DipABLM, FOMA Dr. Norfleet is a triple board-certified physician specializing in internal medicine, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine. She has more than 20 years of clinical experience and practices in the St. Louis, Missouri, area. She is the founder of Weight Liberation®, a health coaching and consulting organization dedicated to sustainable weight management, patient empowerment, and health advocacy. Website | www.myweightliberation.com  LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/drtracymd  Facebook | www.facebook.com/DrTracyMD  Instagram | www.instagram.com/thedrtracymd    Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | drshellymd.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd Instagram | @drshellymd Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd Twitter | @drshellymd About Dr. Alicia Shelly Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''. Resources: FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click HERE  

Losing weight is only part of the goal. Preserving muscle, maintaining strength, and improving your overall health matter just as much. In this episode, I'm discussing why muscle preservation deserves more attention during weight loss, particularly as GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide make substantial weight reduction possible for more people. Some lean mass loss can occur during significant weight loss, but lean mass is not the same as muscle. The goal isn't to make you afraid of weight loss medications. It's to help you understand how to protect your muscle, support your nutrition, and focus on the quality of the weight you lose. I'll explain why adequate protein and resistance training matter, what to watch for when medication suppresses your appetite, and why the number on the scale doesn't tell the whole story. I'll also discuss practical ways to track body composition and physical function as you progress. Because successful weight loss should help you become healthier, stronger, and better able to enjoy your life. Episode Highlights Why losing weight and losing body fat aren't exactly the same thing What research tells us about lean mass changes during GLP-1-assisted weight loss Why eating too little when your appetite is suppressed deserves attention How much protein may help support muscle preservation, and why individual needs vary Why resistance training and measures beyond the scale matter during weight loss Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | drshellymd.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd Instagram | @drshellymd Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd Twitter | @drshellymd   About Dr. Alicia Shelly Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''. Resources: FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click HERE

If someone tells you, "It's just a peptide," that should be the beginning of the conversation, not the end. Peptides are chains of amino acids, but the word tells you very little about what you're actually taking. It doesn't tell you whether something is a supplement, medication, investigational drug, FDA approved, or even whether the product contains what the label says it does. In this episode, I break down what "peptide" really means and why the term has become so confusing in the world of weight loss. I explain the differences between FDA-approved medications, compounded medications, investigational drugs, and research peptides sold online. I also discuss retatrutide, an investigational medication that targets three hormone receptors, and why calling something a peptide does not automatically make it natural or safe. Most importantly, I'll walk you through the questions you should ask before taking any peptide or weight loss medication, including what it is, where it came from, whether it has been studied, and whether you have appropriate medical supervision.   Episode Highlights: ● Why "peptide" describes a type of molecule, not a safety rating ● What retatrutide is and how it differs from semaglutide and tirzepatide ● The differences between FDA-approved, compounded, investigational, and research products ● Why dramatic results and social media testimonials don't prove safety ● The questions you should ask before taking peptide or weight loss therapies ● Why "natural" does not automatically mean safe or effective ● What it really means to be your own health advocate   Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | drshellymd.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd Instagram | @drshellymd Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd Twitter | @drshellymd   About Dr. Alicia Shelly Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''. Resources: FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click HERE

Obesity treatment may be moving beyond weekly injections. In this episode, I'm taking a closer look at Maritide, an investigational obesity medication that is still being studied and is not FDA approved for the treatment of obesity. What makes Maritide particularly interesting is that it takes a different approach to the hormonal pathways involved in weight regulation. Unlike tirzepatide, which activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, Maritide activates the GLP-1 receptor while blocking the GIP receptor. I also break down one of its most intriguing possibilities: less frequent dosing. Maritide has been studied with dosing intervals of four and eight weeks, potentially moving obesity treatment beyond the traditional weekly injection. But does it work? I walk through the Phase 2 results, including the approximately 12–16% average weight reduction at 52 weeks in participants with obesity without diabetes, as well as the results seen in participants with type 2 diabetes. I also explain why those numbers are promising but still need to be confirmed through larger and longer Phase 3 trials. Episode Highlights: What Maritide is and how it works How Maritide differs from tirzepatide Why its potential dosing schedule is so interesting What the Phase 2 weight-loss results showed Why some participants had not clearly reached a weight-loss plateau at 52 weeks The most common side effects seen so far What researchers still need to learn about long-term safety What the Phase 3 Maritime program is studying How obesity treatment may be moving toward more individualized and less frequent treatment Maritide is promising, but promising does not mean proven. We still need Phase 3 data to better understand its effectiveness, safety, tolerability, dosing, and long-term ability to maintain weight loss. Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | drshellymd.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd Instagram | @drshellymd Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd Twitter | @drshellymd About Dr. Alicia Shelly Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''. Resources: FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click HERE

Have you noticed that your body seems to be changing even though you haven't changed what you're doing? Maybe the weight is starting to settle around your middle. Your sleep isn't what it used to be. You're struggling to maintain muscle, your energy feels different, and suddenly the things that worked for you in the past aren't working anymore. If that sounds familiar, you may be wondering whether it's simply aging or whether something else is happening. In this episode, I'm joined by Casey Peterson, a nurse practitioner who specializes in medical weight management and hormone health, for a conversation about perimenopause, hormones, body composition, and weight gain. We talk about what can happen to your body during perimenopause and why weight management can become more challenging during this stage of life. We also discuss the role of nutrition, protein, resistance training, sleep, stress, and hormone therapy. Most importantly, this is a conversation about understanding what's happening instead of simply accepting that you have to feel different or struggle with your weight as you get older. If you're in your late 30s, 40s, or beyond and your body suddenly seems to be responding differently, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: ● What perimenopause can look like before you actually reach menopause ● Why weight can start changing even when your habits haven't changed ● What may be happening with body composition during perimenopause ● Why the weight around your middle deserves attention ● The role protein and resistance training can play during this stage of life ● How poor sleep and chronic stress can affect weight and appetite ● What women should know about hormone therapy and weight management ● Why you don't necessarily have to simply "wait it out" About Casey Peterson Casey Peterson is a nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, and owner of The Balanced Life, The Balanced Woman, and The Balanced Man, telemedicine practices focused on medical weight management and hormone health. She began her career as an emergency room nurse and has since treated more than 1,500 patients in the areas of GLP-1–based weight management and men's and women's hormone health. Casey has completed advanced training in women's hormone therapy and is especially passionate about helping women better understand and navigate perimenopause and menopause. Her approach emphasizes practical, individualized care that addresses symptoms, hormones, weight, strength, nutrition, and long-term health. As a wife and mother of four teenagers, Casey also understands firsthand how easy it can be for women to put their own health last during one of the busiest seasons of life. This perspective helps shape her commitment to empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being. Website | www.thebalancedlifehealth.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/thebalancedlife411 Instagram | @Thebalancedlifehealth Tiktok | @Thebalancedlife411 Youtube | @TheBalancedLife411 Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | drshellymd.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd Instagram | @drshellymd Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd Twitter | @drshellymd About Dr. Alicia Shelly Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''. Resources: FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click HERE

You're taking a GLP-1 medication, but the scale isn't moving the way you expected. Maybe you've even watched someone else say they lost 20 pounds in two months and wondered, "Why isn't this working for me?" If you've been asking yourself that question, I want you to know that your experience with a GLP-1 medication may look very different from someone else's. In this episode, I'm breaking down four reasons you may not be losing as much weight as you expected on a GLP-1, and what I look at when a patient tells me their medication isn't working. I'll also talk about something that can easily get lost when we compare our weight loss journey to what we see on social media. Before you decide that your GLP-1 has failed, there are some important questions to consider. Your dose, your overall health habits, your nutrition, and your treatment plan can all be part of the bigger picture. If you're frustrated by slow weight loss on a GLP-1, listen to this episode before you assume you're doing something wrong. Episode Highlights: Why your weight loss may not look like someone else's, even when you're taking the same type of medication What I look at when a patient feels their GLP-1 isn't working When your dose may be part of the picture Why nutrition and lifestyle still matter during GLP-1 treatment A question you may not expect to ask when your appetite has changed When it may be time to reassess your treatment plan Why comparing your progress to someone on social media can be misleading The mindset I want you to have when your weight loss isn't moving as quickly as you hoped Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | drshellymd.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd Instagram | @drshellymd Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd Twitter | @drshellymd About Dr. Alicia Shelly Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''. Resources: FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click HERE

Have you ever wondered whether compounded GLP-1 medications are as safe and effective as brand-name medications? Or how you can tell if a GLP-1 or peptide product is fake? In this episode of Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss, I'm continuing my Ask the Obesity Doctor series, where I answer real questions you've left on my YouTube videos and social media. This time, I'm talking about safety. I'll answer five questions about compounded GLP-1 medications, counterfeit and black-market products, medication interactions, side effects, and something I hear frequently from patients: "Ozempic face." I'll explain the difference between brand-name and compounded medications and why compounded medications have not gone through the same rigorous testing as brand-name medications. I'll also talk about why you can't reliably tell whether a GLP-1 or peptide product purchased from the black market is authentic or counterfeit. I'll discuss medication combinations that require extra caution when taking GLP-1 medications, including oral birth control and warfarin, and what you should do if you experience symptoms that concern you. Finally, I'll explain what people mean when they talk about "Ozempic face," why it doesn't happen to everyone, and why you shouldn't assume your experience with a GLP-1 medication will be the same as someone else's. These are questions I hear frequently, and my goal is to help you better understand what to discuss with your own healthcare provider. This episode is for education only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Episode Highlights: The difference between brand-name and compounded GLP-1 medications Why compounded medications have not gone through the same rigorous testing as brand-name medications Why you cannot reliably tell if a black-market GLP-1 or peptide product is authentic Why I recommend avoiding counterfeit and black-market peptide products Medication combinations that require extra caution when taking GLP-1 medications What to do if you experience unusual or concerning side effects What "Ozempic face" actually means and why it doesn't happen to everyone Why you should not compare your GLP-1 experience to someone else's If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, I recommend starting there and then continuing with this episode for the second set of questions. Listen to Part 1: #254: Ask the Obesity Doctor Part 1: GLP-1, Contrave, Thyroid, Dosing & Calories https://bit.ly/BackOnTrackEpisodes  If you're using a GLP-1 medication, considering one, or simply trying to understand the information you're seeing online, I hope this episode helps you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider.   Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | drshellymd.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd Instagram | @drshellymd Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd Twitter | @drshellymd   About Dr. Alicia Shelly Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''. Resources: FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click HERE  

What questions do you have about GLP-1 medications and weight loss? In this episode of Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss, I'm doing something a little different. I'm answering five real questions that viewers have left on my YouTube videos and social media about weight loss medications. I'll talk about whether you can take Contrave with a GLP-1, whether GLP-1 medications are an option if you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's disease, and whether it's safe to increase your dose faster if you aren't experiencing side effects. I'll also explain what to do if you need to change your injection day or miss a dose, and how to think about calorie intake when you're trying to lose weight. These are questions I hear frequently, and I want to give you a better understanding of the issues to discuss with your own healthcare provider. This podcast is for education only, and because I don't know your individual medical history, it's important to talk with your own doctor about what's right for you. Episode Highlights: Can Contrave can be taken with a GLP-1 How Contrave may help with hunger, cravings, and food noise GLP-1 medications and hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's disease Which thyroid conditions are contraindications for GLP-1 medications Why I recommend starting at a low dose and increasing slowly How I decide when it may be time for a patient to increase their dose What to do if you need to change your GLP-1 injection day What happens if you miss a GLP-1 dose Why eating too little can work against your weight-loss efforts How the NIH Body Weight Planner can help you determine your calorie needs Why fueling your body with balanced meals is important during weight loss And this is just Part 1. In Part 2 of Ask the Obesity Doctor, I'll answer more questions about GLP-1 safety, compounded and counterfeit medications, black-market peptides, medication interactions, side effects, and "Ozempic face." If you're using a GLP-1 medication, considering one, or simply have questions about weight loss medications, I hope these answers help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider. Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | drshellymd.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd Instagram | @drshellymd Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd Twitter | @drshellymd About Dr. Alicia Shelly Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''. Resources: FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click HERE

One month into the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, I've learned that getting approved is less complicated once you understand the pathway. But there are several important details that can cause delays if you don't know what to look for. In this episode, I walk you through what I've learned from helping patients navigate the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge during its first month. We cover who qualifies, which medications and formulations are included, when you may need to use Medicare Part D instead, and what your doctor, pharmacy, and you need to do to keep the process moving. I'll also explain why your current BMI may not be the BMI that matters, why the pharmacy claim needs to happen before the prior authorization, and why staying engaged with both your pharmacy and doctor's office can make a difference. And once you actually get your medication, I shift the conversation to what you should be doing to maximize your results, including getting adequate protein, moving your body, strength training, and staying engaged with your medical team. If you're trying to navigate the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program for yourself or a loved one, this episode will help you understand the process and the questions you need to ask. Episode Highlights: ● What the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program is and how it differs from Medicare Part D ● The three main eligibility pathways for the Bridge program ● Why your BMI when you started GLP-1 therapy may matter more than your current BMI ● When certain medical conditions may require you to use the regular Medicare Part D pathway ● Why having eligible Medicare Part D coverage matters ● Which GLP-1 medications and formulations are included in the Bridge program ● Why the correct Zepbound formulation matters ● What your pharmacy needs from your Medicare information ● Why the pharmacy claim needs to happen before the prior authorization ● How to follow up when your prescription seems stuck in the process ● What to focus on once you actually receive your medication ● Why protein, exercise, strength training, and medical follow-up remain important ● What we currently know about what happens when the Bridge program ends   Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | drshellymd.com Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd Instagram | @drshellymd Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd Twitter | @drshellymd About Dr. Alicia Shelly Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH.  Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014.  In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss,  where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''. Resources: FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click HERE