GLP-1s and Midlife Metabolism: Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen Breaks Down the Science of Weight Loss and Menopause: Part 2

Nov 18, 2025

Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, a triple board-certified endocrinologist and founder of New York Endocrinology, shares insights into the effects of GLP-1 medications on weight loss and menopause. She highlights the overlooked mental and physical changes post-weight loss and emphasizes the importance of the maintenance phase. Dr. Salas-Whalen also discusses the cost crisis surrounding GLP-1s, the psychological impacts of rapid weight loss, and the necessity of therapy for emotional support. Her expertise includes handling emerging treatments and ensuring effective patient care.

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ADVICE

Demand Muscle-Focused Care

Ask your provider about muscle preservation, protein targets, and body composition from the first visit.
Prioritize providers who discuss protein, strength training, and monitoring beyond the scale.

ANECDOTE

Elderly Patient Felt Muscle Save Her

A 76-year-old patient gained muscle and felt her core stop a fall, improving confidence and safety.
Feeling physical strength motivated her to continue training and value muscle mass.

ANECDOTE

Strength Training Prevented A Fall

Mary Claire avoided a serious injury at night because strength training improved her balance.
She credits resistance training for protecting her from a potential fall in a dark hotel room.

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What happens after you lose the weight? Few are focused on this important question about GLP-1 medications. In Part 2 of this conversation on GLP-1s and Midlife Metabolism, triple board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen continues her discussion with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, going deeper into what happens after weight loss including the physical and emotional changes no one prepares you for, and what the future of these medications looks like.

Dr. Salas-Whalen, founder of New York Endocrinology and author of the upcoming book Weightless, tackles the questions women are actually asking: How do I know if I'm getting good care? What about compounding pharmacies? Will I need therapy? And what comes next in obesity medication?

The conversation addresses the psychological shifts that happen when you reach your goal weight for the first time in your life. Dr. Salas-Whalen shares what she's learned from following patients long-term and why the maintenance phase is actually the most important part of treatment.

Dr. Salas-Whalen also addresses the cost and accessibility crisis around Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, the environmental impact of single-use injection pens, and why direct-from-manufacturer vials (like Eli Lilly's Zepbound vials) are making treatment more affordable. She shares her standard of care for obesity treatment and explains exactly what questions to ask before starting GLP-1 therapy.

For women experiencing perimenopause and menopause weight gain, this episode provides useful information about what to expect beyond initial weight loss, how to maintain results long-term, and why proper medical supervision with body composition monitoring is essential for protecting muscle mass and metabolic health.

Guest links:

Meet Your Endocrinologist - Dr. Salas-Whalen (NY Endocrinology)
Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen (Instagram)

Books

“Weightless: A Doctor's Guide to GLP-1 Medications, Sustainable Weight Loss, and the Health You Deserve” by Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen

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