GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are changing how the medical system approaches obesity and metabolic disease. But are they a replacement for dietary intervention? Or are dietary interventions a replacement for these medications? Could they be used together for even better outcomes?

In this conversation, Dr. David Ludwig (Harvard, Boston Children’s Hospital) and journalist Gary Taubes explore the science behind GLP-1s, their impact on insulin, weight loss, and chronic disease, and where dietary strategies like low carb or ketogenic therapy fit in.

They break down:

The overlap between GLP-1 drugs and low carb diets
Why long-term use of these drugs may come with hidden costs
How shared mechanisms open the door to combination therapy
What current studies are missing and the urgent need for better trials
Why metabolic health (not just weight loss) should be the focus

This conversation challenges the idea that the answer is either medication or nutrition therapy. The reality is that every individual is different, and for many, the most effective path to healing may involve a thoughtful combination of both. Rather than choosing one over the other, we should focus on tailoring care to the unique needs of each individual with the goal of getting the best outcomes.

Expert Featured:

Dr. David Ludwig

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Gary Taubes

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Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at https://metabolicmind.org/

About us:

Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.

Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.

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