Ep. #1024: Spencer Nadolsky on Reasons to Use and Avoid Weight Loss Drugs

There’s a weight loss drug revolution happening right now. Medicines containing semaglutide (like Ozempic and Wegovy) used to treat diabetes have recently gained FDA approval for obesity, and many people are turning to drugs to help them lose weight. Weight loss drugs aren’t new—previous medications like fen-phen turned out to be dangerous, and even taken off the market. However, these newer drugs appear much safer and even more effective. So, are these medications the solution to the obesity epidemic, an unfair “easy-out” for people who need to learn to eat less and move more, or just the latest attempt by Big Pharma to cash-in on a problem created by Big Food? To help discuss the matter, I invited friend and obesity specialist Dr. Spencer Nadolsky back onto the podcast.

In case you’re not familiar with Spencer, he’s a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician, author of “The Fat Loss Prescription,” and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. He knows his stuff when it comes to hormones, fat loss, and yes, memes (which you can find all over his instagram). He’s also been on the podcast before to talk about PCOS, thyroid health, and heart disease.

In this interview, Spencer and I discuss . . .

- Why some people can’t seem to lose weight with diet and exercise

- The latest weight loss drugs and how effective they are

- How GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists like semaglutide work and help people lose weight

- The disadvantages and side effects of weight loss drugs

- Who should and shouldn’t take these medicines and who might have trouble coming off the drugs

- What really causes obesity (genetics versus environment)

- The role of Big Food in the obesity epidemic and how to fix the problem

- And more . . .

So, if you’re interested in learning about the latest science in the weight loss drug field, or have ever scoffed at the idea of someone taking a weight loss medicine when diet and exercise alone should work, listen to this podcast and let me know your thoughts!

Timestamps

(0:00) - Try Fortify today! Go to https://buylegion.com/fortify and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

(6:21) - What are the most popular obesity medicines and how effective are they?

(18:01) - Should an overweight person try obesity medicines first if they haven’t tried fundamental lifestyle changes?

(20:58) - Why wouldn’t you consider these drugs for just anyone?

(25:18) - Can this medicine help some people rewire their habits?

(29:48) - What are the driving factors of obesity?

(41:13) - What are your thoughts on big food companies and their responsibility with obesity?

(46:17) - Where can we find you?

Mentioned on the Show:

Try Fortify today! Go to https://buylegion.com/fortify and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

Spencer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnadolsky/

Spencer’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drspencer