As we close out 2025, I'm celebrating you—my listeners—by revisiting the year's most popular episodes. This isn't just a highlight reel; it's a roadmap to understanding why sustainable weight loss requires more than willpower.

I'm sharing the most impactful insights from 2025 that tackle the hidden barriers blocking your progress: stress hormones storing belly fat, sleep deprivation hijacking your hunger signals, and the surprising truth about fructose damaging your liver and kidneys. In this special compilation episode, I break down the science behind the struggles and give you actionable strategies that actually work in real life.

If weight loss feels harder than it should—even when you're doing everything "right"—this episode reveals why.

Featured Episodes:

• Episode 218: How Fructose Impacts Your Liver, Heart, and Kidneys

• Episode 206: Why the Scale Isn't Moving: 5 Hidden Weight Loss Blockers You Need to Know

• Episode 187: Breaking the Burnout Cycle with Dr. Judy Wright

• Episode 212: Game Changer: WeGovy Wins FDA Approval for Fatty Liver Disease

• Episode 219: Microdosing GLP-1s: Does It Actually Work?

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014. In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss, where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

If you're over 60 and using GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Zepbound, this episode could save your independence.

In this episode, I reveal the hidden danger of rapid weight loss without muscle protection—and the simple strategies that keep you strong, steady, and mobile as the pounds come off.

GLP-1 medications are transforming weight loss for older adults managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint pain. But there's a critical piece most people miss: sarcopenia. This age-related muscle loss accelerates during weight loss, putting you at risk for falls, fractures, and losing the strength you need for daily activities.

Tune in to learn how to lose weight safely while protecting the muscle that keeps you independent—and why strength training, protein intake, and staying active aren't optional on this journey.

Episode Highlights:

• Why GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are game-changers for adults 60+

• The connection between muscle loss, falls, fractures, and loss of independence

• How sarcopenia affects metabolism, blood sugar control, and bone health

• Protein requirements for older adults (25-30 grams per meal)

• Simple strength training routines you can do at home—no gym required

• Red flags that muscle loss is happening too fast

• Real patient story: turning weakness into strength on a GLP-1 journey

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014. In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss, where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

If you've been waiting for a GLP-1 weight loss medication that doesn't require injections, special timing, or refrigeration—this episode is for you. Learn about the groundbreaking oral pill that could hit the market as early as 2026.

For years, effective obesity medications have meant needles. But Orforglipron could change everything. In this episode, I break down the science, clinical trial results, and approval timeline for this first-of-its-kind once-daily pill that delivers GLP-1 benefits without the injection barriers.

Whether you're needle-averse, struggle with injection site reactions, or simply want more convenient options, this new medication could expand access to life-changing obesity treatment.

Episode Highlights:

• What makes Orforglipron different from Wegovy, Zepbound, and oral semaglutide

• Clinical trial results: 12.4% average weight loss over 72 weeks

• Why this oral pill doesn't require fasting or special timing like other oral GLP-1s

• The FDA accelerated review process and potential 2026 approval timeline

• Who benefits most: patients with needle phobia, injection site reactions, or seeking maintenance therapy

• What to expect regarding insurance coverage and access once approved

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014. In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss, where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

The average American gains 5-10 pounds during the holidays—weight that rarely comes off afterward. As we officially enter what I call "the holiday stretch," I'm giving you practical strategies to enjoy your celebrations without derailing your health goals. Here's the truth: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's are just ONE DAY each—not two months of non-stop eating.

In this episode, I'm sharing seven evidence-based strategies that work in real life—whether you're dealing with pushy relatives, office parties, or emotional eating triggers. I'll show you how to enjoy your holiday traditions while protecting your progress.

You'll learn the biggest mistake people make, master my simple plate method for balanced holiday meals, and get word-for-word scripts for setting boundaries when family pushes food on you.

Episode Highlights:

• The one mindset shift that makes holiday eating manageable

• Why "saving calories" for the big meal sabotages your control

• The plate method: A simple visual guide for balanced holiday portions

• How to handle relatives who pressure you to eat more

• Smart drink strategies that cut hundreds of hidden calories

• Why one indulgent day won't undo your progress (but giving up might)

• Movement tips that don't require gym time during busy holiday schedules

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014. In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss, where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

If you've ever been told to "just eat less and move more," or struggled with weight despite doing everything "right," this episode will validate your experience and challenge the harmful myths that still exist—even in medicine.

In this deeply personal episode, I will share what happened when a colleague dismissed obesity as "lifestyle driven" rather than a chronic disease. Her response is a powerful reminder that this condition is far more complex than willpower.

I will also open up about my own decades-long journey—including training for two full Ironmans and seven marathons—and why even with extreme dedication, I never reached a "normal" BMI. My story, combined with my clinical expertise, will reveal the biological, genetic, environmental, and social factors that make obesity a chronic disease affecting millions.

Episode Highlights:

• Why 40-70% of obesity cases are driven by genetics, not lifestyle choices

• The real struggles patients face: severe calorie restriction, exercising 6-7 days a week, and still not losing weight

• Medical conditions and medications that cause weight gain—from PCOS to antidepressants

• How food deserts, safety concerns, and financial barriers create obstacles beyond personal control

• Four practical ways to show compassion to someone living with obesity

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014. In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss, where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

In this powerful episode, I will break down one of the biggest developments in obesity and diabetes treatment in U.S. history.

Two major pharmaceutical companies - Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk - have reached a groundbreaking agreement with the administration that will drastically reduce the prices of popular medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound. This pricing model could transform how obesity medications are covered, distributed, and accessed across Medicare, Medicaid, and direct-to-consumer platforms.

Tune in to learn what this new deal means for patients, healthcare providers, and public health overall—and why it's being called a game changer for people struggling with obesity and related health conditions.

Episode Highlights:

• Major price cuts announced for Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound under a new federal deal

• Medicare to cover obesity drugs for the first time through a five-year pilot program

• Medicaid given the option to join discounted pricing starting 2026

• Team Rx launches a direct-to-consumer model cutting out costly middlemen

• Lower cash prices for GLP-1 medications and upcoming oral versions

• Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to invest billions in U.S. manufacturing

• Program expected to improve access, affordability, and supply of obesity and diabetes meds

• Ongoing push for the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act to expand national coverage

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014. In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss, where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

Seen TikTok videos about taking "just a little bit" of Ozempic or counting pen clicks instead of using the prescribed dose? That's microdosing, and it's showing up everywhere—from social media to patient discussions.

In this episode, I will cut through the hype to explain what microdosing GLP-1 medications really means, why people are trying it (spoiler: cost and side effects), and what the research actually says. I will discuss the concept of "super responders" who seem to do well on lower doses, the lack of scientific backing for DIY microdosing, and the real risks of using compounded or diluted versions of these medications.

Tune in to learn why working with your healthcare provider is essential for safe, effective dosing—and discover legitimate ways to manage side effects and costs without compromising your results.

Episode Highlights:

• What microdosing GLP-1s actually means

• The difference between super responders and unsafe microdosing

• Why professional organizations don't endorse microdosing

• Hidden risks of compounded and diluted medications

• Safe alternatives for managing side effects and medication costs

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014. In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss, where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

Ever wonder why you still feel hungry after drinking a sugary soda? It turns out fructose doesn't trigger the same fullness signals in your brain that other sugars do.

In this episode, I break down the science of fructose and how it affects your body differently than the natural sugars found in whole fruits. We explore how excess fructose from sodas, processed foods, and fruit juices can lead to fat buildup in your liver, raise your triglyceride levels, and increase your risk for metabolic dysfunction associated with liver disease. I also discuss how fructose impacts your heart health by causing inflammation and stiffness in your blood vessels, which can raise blood pressure. Plus, we talk about the connection between high uric acid levels from fructose and kidney damage over time.

Tune in to learn practical steps you can take this week to reduce added sugars without feeling deprived, including simple swaps that protect your liver, heart, and kidneys.

Episode Highlights:

• The difference between natural fructose in whole fruits versus processed fructose

• How the liver processes fructose

• The impact of fructose on weight gain and hunger signals

• Cardiovascular effects of excess fructose

• The connection between fructose, uric acid levels, and kidney health

• Practical strategies to reduce fructose intake

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014. In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss, where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

Can body positivity and weight loss medications like Ozempic and WeGovy coexist. Or are they destined to clash? This question has sparked debates across social media and medical offices everywhere.

In this episode, I will explore the history of the body positivity movement from its 1960's roots with the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance to its social media explosion in the 2010's. I will discuss how the movement challenged diet culture and promoted self-love regardless of size. Then, I will also talk about today's weight loss medication revolution and the tension it creates. Some feel that taking these drugs contradicts body positivity principles, while others face judgement for choosing medical intervention. I will address the stigma from both sides, the challenge of redefining health, and how to separate personal choice from cultural pressure.

Tune in to discover why these two movements don't have to be at war and how you can find a middle ground of honoring your own health journey without judgment.

Episode Highlights:

• The history and evolution of body positivity movement

• How society judges people based on size and the ongoing work needed.

• The rise of drugs like Zepbound and WeGovy and their health benefits

• The tension between these two movements seeing it as incompatible to each other's principles.

• How to embrace both self-acceptance and medical tools for health.

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014. In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss, where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click

A new study shows weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound don't just help with losing weight they may also protect the heart and save lives.

In this episode, we look at a new study that followed over 90,000 people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure. The results show that drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound don't just help with weight loss, they can cut the risk of death or hospitalization for heart failure nearly in half. We'll talk about why that matters, how these medications actually work in the body, and what you should know about side effects and access. Most importantly, we'll explore why this research could change how we think about treating obesity not just as a matter of weight, but as a way to save lives.

Tune in to the full episode to hear how these weight loss drugs could also protect your heart.

Episode Highlights:

• The new JAMA study on Wegovy and Zepbound and their impact on heart health.

• How GLP-1 medications work in the body to lower risk.

• Why this matters for people with obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

• Side effects, diet, and exercise considerations when using these drugs.

• Challenges with access and cost of these medications.

Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:

• Website | drshellymd.com

• Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd

• Instagram | @drshellymd

• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd

• Twitter | @drshellymd

About Dr. Alicia Shelly

Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014. In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss, where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, "Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.

Resources:

FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click