A Real Talk about Hormones, Ozempic & Midlife Weight Gain with my Mom
In this vulnerable and unfiltered episode, I sit down with my mom to talk about something many women go through, but few talk about openly: midlife weight gain, hormonal changes, and starting a GLP-1. After gaining 55 pounds with no major lifestyle changes and struggling with symptoms like fatigue, hot flashes, anxiety, and loss of muscle, my mom found herself at a health crossroads. We walk through the emotional and physical toll this took, her experience going off hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and what finally led her to try tirzepatide (a GLP-1 medication similar to Ozempic).
This episode isn’t just about weight loss, it’s about reclaiming your life, making empowered health choices, and what happens when you start advocating for your own wellness. We also talk anxiety, alcohol, sleep, family dynamics, and yes, why my mom is already seeing mental clarity within days of her first dose.
If your mom (or you!) is silently dealing with hormone chaos, frustrating weight gain, or health confusion, this episode will make you feel seen, supported, and informed.
00:00 Life updates, small talk & avocado toast inflation
04:00 My mom’s health scare & going off HRT
07:00 Symptoms spiral after stopping hormone therapy
10:00 Shocking lab results: cholesterol, blood sugar & hormone crash
12:00 The decision to start tirzepatide (Ozempic-like medication)
15:00 What happened after her first dose (mental clarity, food noise, no cravings)
18:00 My evolving opinion on Ozempic
20:00 Women’s hormones are misunderstood—here’s what we’ve learned
24:00 Monitoring with InBody scans, strength training, and muscle preservation
27:00 Our honest feelings on weight, lifestyle changes & identity
33:00 Why I might never drink alcohol again (full breakdown)
44:00 10 facts that made me rethink alcohol for good
48:00 Newsletter updates & book recs from my mom
54:00 What we’re reading this summer
56:00 Travel talk & life reflections
59:00 Wrapping up + dinner’s ready!
Karen’s Kindle Newsletter Signup: https://karenskindle.beehiiv.com/subscribe
My Newsletter Signup: https://xotori.beehiiv.com/subscribe
One Golden Summer by Carly Fortune: https://bit.ly/4lN9CLH
Follow Tori on Instagram: @toristerling_
Follow Tori on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toridesimone_?lang=en
Shop Tori’s Favorites on LTK: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/Toridesimone
ShopMy Links: https://shopmy.us/toridesimone
Listen to Manifest with Tori DeSimone on Apple Podcasts and rate 5 Stars! https://podcasts.apple.com/gr/podcast/manifest-with-tori-desimone/id1462579812
Listen to Manifest with Tori DeSimone on Spotify and rate 5 Stars! https://open.spotify.com/show/5Efqq0renJcUzsdBN9jfoH?si=215a699dff1e4871
Topics Discussed:
Midlife weight gain despite healthy habits
The importance of hormone testing and personalized care
HRT (hormone replacement therapy) pros and cons
Starting GLP-1 medications (tirzepatide/Ozempic)
Mental relief from food noise and obsessive thoughts
Female brain + heart health in menopause
Family support through health challenges
Alcohol and anxiety: real talk
Journaling through newsletters
Book recs & fun family updates
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
