DeepSummary
In this episode, Dr. Mike interviews Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, an endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist, about the use of medications like Ozempic for weight loss. Dr. Salas-Whalen discusses the benefits and potential risks of these medications, highlighting that they should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet, rather than as a quick fix. She emphasizes the importance of addressing obesity as a chronic disease and not solely relying on body mass index (BMI) as a diagnostic tool.
Dr. Salas-Whalen explains that while these medications can be effective for weight loss, they are not a magic solution and require close monitoring and follow-up with healthcare professionals. She addresses concerns about potential side effects and the importance of assessing each patient's individual needs and risks before prescribing these medications. Additionally, she touches on the controversies surrounding the use of compounded or unregulated versions of these drugs.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Salas-Whalen stresses the need for a holistic approach to weight management, combining medication with lifestyle changes, education, and support. She encourages patients to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a personalized plan that addresses their specific needs and goals.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Medications like Ozempic should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet, rather than as a quick fix.
- Close medical supervision and follow-up are essential when using these medications, as they may have potential side effects and require ongoing monitoring.
- Obesity should be recognized as a chronic disease, and treatment should address various contributing factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, and environmental factors.
- The use of body mass index (BMI) as the sole diagnostic tool for obesity has limitations, and other measurements like body composition and body fat percentage should be considered.
- Building and maintaining muscle mass through resistance training and a high-protein diet can aid in long-term weight maintenance and potentially reduce the need for these medications.
- There is a need for education and open-mindedness regarding the responsible use of these medications and the challenges faced by patients with obesity.
- Compounded or unregulated versions of these medications should be avoided due to potential safety and quality concerns.
- A holistic approach, combining medication, lifestyle changes, education, and support, is essential for successful and sustainable weight management.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I do believe that beyond just the weight loss, we are doing other things for the patient's health. We are seeing now it has cardiovascular benefits.“ by Doctor Rocio Salas-Whalen
- “I think we have to have an open mind. Right. I think we have to see more far away. And when me talking to patients with obesity every day, multiple times a day, I'm learning so much. I'm learning that we are so misinformed in regards to patients with obesity. They're trying. They're following. Many of them are eating healthy, many of them are on exercise routines, many of them read books about nutrition.“ by Doctor Rocio Salas-Whalen
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Episode Information
The Checkup with Doctor Mike
DM Operations Inc.
10/11/23
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