Confronting An Obesity Doctor About Ozempic & Weight Loss | Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen
Oct 11, 2023
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Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen discusses the science behind Ozempic injections for weight loss. They explore the use of FDA-approved medications for weight loss, the benefits of weight loss maintenance medication, and the side effects and risks associated with these medications. They also touch on the concerns of off-label usage, the need for FDA regulation of supplements, and the importance of prioritizing patient health.
Ozempic and related medications for weight loss require a healthy lifestyle and are not a quick fix.
The incretin class of drugs, including ozempic, offers multiple options with potential improved effectiveness and fewer side effects for weight loss.
Muscle mass and body composition, not just BMI, are important factors to consider for weight loss and personalized treatment plans.
Deep dives
The Benefits and Challenges of Ozempic and Related Medications
In this podcast episode, Dr. Rosio Salas-Wailin, a triple board certified specialist in internal medicine, endocrinology, and obesity medicine, discusses the use of ozempic and related medications for weight loss. She emphasizes the importance of incorporating a healthy lifestyle alongside these medications and dispels the misconception that they are a quick fix. Dr. Salas-Wailin highlights the need for personalized treatment plans and explains how a patient's genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, and environmental factors can impact their weight loss journey. She also addresses the shortage of obesity specialists and encourages primary care physicians to educate themselves to effectively treat patients with obesity. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Salas-Wailin emphasizes the importance of considering the individual needs and motivations of each patient when determining the best approach for weight loss.
Understanding the Variety of Medications for Weight Loss
Dr. Salas-Wailin provides insights into the different medications available for weight loss, specifically focusing on the incretin class of drugs. She explains that while ozempic has gained popularity, there are multiple medications within this class with similar or related active ingredients. Dr. Salas-Wailin discusses the advantages of having various medications in this class, including the potential for improved effectiveness and fewer side effects. She highlights the ongoing research and development of new medications in this class by different pharmaceutical companies, which may lead to more affordable options in the future.
The Importance of Considering Muscle Mass and Body Composition
In this segment, Dr. Salas-Wailin emphasizes the significance of muscle mass and body composition in weight loss and maintenance. She discusses how relying solely on body mass index (BMI) to diagnose obesity may not accurately reflect a person's metabolic health or distribution of body fat. Dr. Salas-Wailin explains the concept of sarcopenic obesity, which refers to individuals who have a normal BMI but a higher percentage of body fat compared to muscle mass. She encourages healthcare providers to assess factors like percentage body fat, muscle mass, and visceral fat to better determine the need for weight loss medications and to develop personalized treatment plans.
The Shift in Perspective Towards Obesity as a Chronic Disease
Dr. Salas-Wailin highlights the societal perspective shift towards recognizing obesity as a chronic disease rather than solely a result of lifestyle choices. She explains that this change helps relieve patients of the guilt and responsibility they often feel, and allows for more acceptance of using medications for long-term management. Dr. Salas-Wailin discusses the importance of educating patients about the genetic and hormonal factors contributing to obesity, as well as the need for ongoing medication and lifestyle modifications to control the condition. She also encourages healthcare providers to embrace this perspective shift and take steps towards destigmatizing obesity.
Balancing Medication Use and Healthy Lifestyles
Dr. Salas-Wailin addresses the misconception that weight loss medications are an easy way out or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. She emphasizes that these medications should be used in conjunction with proper nutrition, exercise, and other lifestyle changes. Dr. Salas-Wailin acknowledges that medication can provide a kickstart to weight loss and help with motivation, but it should not replace ongoing efforts to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. She advises patients to work closely with their healthcare providers and incorporate muscle-building activities, balanced nutrition, and regular exercise to ensure long-term success and potentially reduce the need for medication.
Watch the full video interview here: https://go.doctormikemedia.com/youtube/RSWOzempic
Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen is a double board-certified physician with broad experience across all facets of endocrinology, with a particular emphasis on obesity, diabetes and thyroid disorders. She has been an outspoken proponent of Ozempic injections to help patients navigate diet and weight. I've been a bit skeptical about the emergence of Ozempic, so I wanted to dive in with an expert who can really discuss the nuts and bolts of the science to get to the bottom of who exactly should be taking these medications and what impacts they can actually have.
Follow Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsalaswhalen/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newyorkendocrinology/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkendocrinology
00:00 Intro
01:00 Ozempic overview
03:44 BMI, Diabetes, Skinny Fat
06:44 Who Needs Ozempic?
09:13 Fat Bias
17:20 Every obese patient should be on Ozempic?
20:55 Big Food vs. Big Pharma
23:02 Celebrity Use
25:55 Side Effects
27:30 Professional Athletes
29:26 Quick Fix
32:28 Getting Off Ozempic
38:49 Ozempic Shortages
44:18 Snake Oil
47:17 Advice for patients
Host and Executive Producer: Doctor Mike
Produced by Dan Owens and Sam Bowers
Art by Caroline Weigum
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