Psychological Effects of Weight Loss and Identity

What if everything you thought GLP-1s were for—was just the beginning? I sit down with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, a board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist with over 15 years of experience prescribing GLP-1s, to explore what these medications are really doing in the body.

Whether you’re already taking Ozempic or Wegovy, considering starting, or just curious, this conversation will change how you think about metabolism, hormones, and health. Dr. Salas-Whalen explains how GLP-1s go far beyond appetite suppression and weight loss—they can impact fertility, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, and even how your brain responds to addictive cravings and stress.

You’ll also hear how body composition, not BMI, is the future of metabolic health, and what to ask your doctor before starting GLP-1s.

👇 Reflect or share: What’s something you thought GLP-1s were only for… that surprised you in this episode?

🎧 What you’ll learn:

• Why GLP-1s reduce more than appetite—they shift behavior, cravings, and brain chemistry
• How they’re helping patients with PCOS, insulin resistance, and fertility challenges
• What inflammation and visceral fat have to do with autoimmune disease
• How GLP-1s may help during perimenopause and hormonal transitions
• Why muscle is your strongest anti-inflammatory tool—and how to protect it
• What the scale doesn’t tell you about your health (and why you need a body comp scan)

Dr. Salas-Whalen also shares powerful real-life examples from her practice—like the parent whose child's treatment could break generational cycles of obesity. You’ll walk away with a science-backed, compassionate understanding of GLP-1s that goes way beyond headlines.

✨ Homework: If you're considering GLP-1s, ask yourself: what could change in your life if food noise, weight shame, or inflammation were no longer in the way?

If you’ve been waiting to feel more like yourself again—this might be your sign to explore a new path to metabolic health.

For more from Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen:

• Pre-Order Her Book: Weightless: A Doctor's Guide to GLP-1 Medications, Sustainable Weight Loss, and the Health You Deserve
• Visit Her Practice: https://www.nyendocrinology.com
• Her Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsalaswhalen
• Her Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.RocioSalasWhalen

Ready to uplevel every part of your life? Order Liz’s book 100 Ways to Change Your Life: The Science of Leveling Up Health, Happiness, Relationships & Success now! 

Connect with Liz on Instagram @lizmoody or online at www.lizmoody.com. Subscribe to the substack by visiting https://lizmoody.substack.com/welcome. Buy our cute sweatshirts, conversation cards, and more at https://shop.lizmoody.com/.

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This episode is brought to you completely free thanks to the following podcast sponsors:

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The Liz Moody Podcast cover art by Zack. The Liz Moody Podcast music by Alex Ruimy.

Formerly the Healthier Together Podcast. 

This podcast and website represents the opinions of Liz Moody and her guests to the show. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for information purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.
The Liz Moody Podcast Episode 375.

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