What GLP‑1 Is and How It Works

Can obesity, menopause, and even Alzheimer’s risk be transformed with one class of medications? Triple board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen joins The Neuro Experience to unpack the science behind GLP-1 therapies, sustainable weight loss, and hormone health.

One of the earliest physicians to adopt GLP-1 treatments, Dr. Salas-Whalen has redefined how obesity and midlife health are managed—showing why weight gain isn’t about “willpower” but biology, inflammation, and longevity.

A leader in obesity and hormone medicine, Dr. Salas-Whalen founded StrengthMD and The Dry Revolution, sharing evidence-based wellness insights worldwide. Her upcoming book, Weightless: A Doctor’s Guide to GLP-1 Medications, Sustainable Weight Loss, and the Health You Deserve, launches Dec 30, 2025 (U.S./Canada) and early 2026 worldwide.

Follow Dr. Salas-Whalen:

• Instagram: @drsalaswhalen

• TikTok: @drsalaswhalen

• @strengthmd

• @thedryrevolution
  

Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey.

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I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics.

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Topics discussed:

00:00 – Intro

01:44 – Dr. Rocio’s Journey into Endocrinology

02:38 – Discovering the First GLP-1 Drug

03:29 – Early Results & FDA Approval

05:00 – GLP-1 101: What It Is + How It Works

06:28 – Natural vs Synthetic GLP-1s

07:09 – GLP-1s & Alzheimer’s Link

08:20 – GLP-1s vs Bariatric Surgery

09:32 – Rewiring Cravings in the Brain

11:24 – Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of GLP-1s

11:24 – Ad

15:19 – Ozempic, Mounjaro & Next-Gen GLP-1s

17:02 – GLP-1s & Women’s Hormones

19:26 – Will You Be on GLP-1 Forever?

21:35 – The Myth of Willpower

23:22 – Breaking Generational Obesity Cycles

24:43 – GLP-1 & Thyroid Cancer Myth

25:55 – Ad27:55 – GLP-1s Reduce Cancer Risk

29:12 – Inflammation & GLP-1s

30:00 – GLP-1s & Fertility (PCOS)

31:27 – GLP-1 Meds Cut Dementia Risk by 33%

32:04 – Muscle Loss on GLP-1s?

33:14 – Muscle: Your Body’s Anti-Inflammatory Organ

34:01 – How to Eat Enough Protein on GLP-1s

35:19 – Tracking Your Body Composition

36:57 – Build Muscle While Losing Weight

37:25 – GLP-1 Side Effects & How to Avoid Them

38:24 – The GPS Method (GLP-1 + Protein + Strength)

38:24 – Ad

41:15 – Exposing “GLP-1 Gummies” & Celeb Hype

41:34 – Microdosing & Maintenance Explained

45:01 – The Emotional Shift in Patients

46:07 – The Future of GLP-1s

48:04 – Ending Chronic Disease

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