64: We Got Weight Loss Wrong - The Real Meaning of GLP-1s and Metabolic Health with Ashley Koff

What if the future of weight care is not about losing pounds, but about supporting metabolic health, nourishment, and sustainability?

In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, host McCall McPherson sits down with Ashley Koff, registered dietitian, entrepreneur, and author of the upcoming book Your Best Shot. Together, they unpack the rapidly evolving conversation around GLP-1 hormones, GLP-1 agonist medications, and what true weight health really means.

Ashley brings a balanced, evidence-informed perspective to a topic often dominated by extremes. She explains the science behind GLP-1s, clarifies common misconceptions, and emphasizes why medications alone are never the full solution. This conversation centers on personalized nutrition, comprehensive assessment, and moving away from diet culture toward sustainable, root-cause care.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

1. What GLP-1 hormones are and how they function in the body
2. How GLP-1 agonist medications work and what they do and do not address
3. The difference between weight loss and weight health
4. Why metabolism, muscle, gut health, and nutrient status matter
5. Common pitfalls of relying solely on medication for weight management
6. The importance of comprehensive health assessments before and during GLP-1 use
7. How diet culture oversimplifies weight and wellbeing
8. Why personalized nutrition is essential for long-term success
9. Supporting metabolic health without shame, restriction, or extremes

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn

1. Why GLP-1 medications are tools, not cures
2. How weight health differs from scale-based outcomes
3. What people often overlook when starting GLP-1 therapy
4. Why nutrition adequacy and protein intake are critical
5. How to protect muscle mass and metabolic function
6. The role of individualized care in sustainable weight outcomes
7. Why one-size-fits-all approaches fail most people

🎯 Episode Takeaways

1. Weight health is about function, not just numbers
2. GLP-1 medications can be helpful, but only within a comprehensive care plan
3. Nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress all shape metabolic outcomes
4. Sustainable health requires personalization, not diet rules
5. Long-term wellbeing comes from addressing root causes, not chasing quick fixes

📘 About the Guest

Ashley Koff, RD, is a nationally recognized nutrition expert, entrepreneur, and founder of The Better Nutrition Program. She specializes in personalized nutrition, weight health, and helping individuals move beyond diet culture toward sustainable wellbeing. Ashley is the author of the upcoming book Your Best Shot, which explores a smarter, more human approach to weight and health.

Connect with Ashley Koff:

🌐 Website: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/about/

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-koff/

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