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

Have you heard about people buying weight loss medications from unregulated sources online? The rise of black market weight loss drugs is putting lives at risk.

In this episode, I discuss the concerning trend of people purchasing Retatrutide—a medication still in clinical trials—through illegal channels. Known as the "Godzilla Jab" for its potential power, early studies suggest this drug could help people lose up to 24% of their body weight. I explain what Retatrutide is and how it compares to FDA-approved medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. We explore why people take dangerous risks with black market drugs, from social media hype to cost concerns and access issues. Most importantly, I share the serious health and legal risks of buying unregulated medications and provide clear guidelines for safely accessing weight loss treatments through licensed providers.

Tune in to learn how to protect yourself and make informed decisions about weight loss medications the safe way.

Episode Highlights:

• What is Retatrutide

• The dangers of purchasing unregulated medications online

• Factors driving people to illegal sources

• Legal risks of buying unapproved drugs and potential health complications from unregulated substances

• Safe Medication Practices

• Understanding that medication works best when combined with healthy eating, physical activity, adequate rest, and emotional support

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

Are you wearing your ability to "push through" like a badge of honor, even when your body and mind are telling you to stop?

In this episode, Dr. Judy Wright, a board-certified physician and burnout prevention expert, explores why constantly pushing through obstacles can actually sabotage your progress. She discusses the difference between true grit and "masking grit," and how the latter can lead to chronic fatigue, brain fog, and derailed weight loss goals. Dr. Judy shares practical strategies including the power of three non-negotiables, the importance of self-compassion, and why sometimes you need to slow down to speed up. She covers the physical and emotional red flags of burnout, the science behind stress hormones and their impact on your body, and actionable steps to reset when you're running on empty.

Tune in to discover how to build sustainable success without burning yourself out, and learn why taking care of yourself isn't selfish, it's essential for long-term achievement.

Upcoming Masterclass: How to Triple Your Impact without Tripling Your Stress: Maximize your results and success without burnout.

Time: Sept. 16, 2025 , 12 PM EST

To Register: https://bit.ly/triple-impact-not-stress-share

Episode Highlights:

• Why society celebrates the "hustle" mentality and how it can become dangerous for high achievers

• True Grit vs. Masking Grit

• Recognizing signs of burnout

• How stress hormones impact hunger, cognition, and overall health, especially during perimenopause and menopause

• The Three Non-Negotiables Strategy

• Building sustainable habits rather than relying on fleeting motivation

Connect with Judy Wright, MD

• Website | www.judywrightmd.com

• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/judywrightmd

• Instagram | @judywrightmd

About Judy Wright, MD

Judy Wright, MD is a physician, speaker, and burnout expert and coach. She brings over 20 years of experience to her clients - empowering high-achieving professionals to prioritize well-being, prevent burnout, and achieve sustainable high performance. She's the the Founder and CEO of JW Health Consulting and the author of "Girl! Get Your Life Off The Fault Line: The Busy Professional's Guide For Mastering Balance to Shift From Overwhelmed To Empowered." She is also the host of the Balance to Excellence Show, a podcast for health professionals on managing their high-stress careers and finding balance as a path to true success.

Dr. Wright has been featured on NBC, ABC, CBS, PBS, ScrippsTV, NY Weekly, and more.

Recognized as one of SUCCESS Magazine's 2023 Women of Influence, Dr. Wright balances her impactful career with family life as a wife and mother, while enjoying DIY pursuits.

Resources:

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

Your liver could be silently struggling right now and the good news is, you can turn it around.

In this episode, I dive deep into the topic of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, also known as fatty liver disease. I explain what it is, why the medical community updated the name, and why it matters for long-term health. I highlight who is most at risk, including people with obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol and why the condition is often called a "silent disease" since many don't realize they have it. I also break down the potential dangers if it progresses, from inflammation to cirrhosis, and share the encouraging news that it's often reversible with lifestyle changes. My goal is to empower listeners to protect their liver and overall health with small, sustainable changes.

Take control of your health and tune in to this episode to learn how you can prevent, reverse, and protect your liver from fatty liver disease with simple, sustainable steps!

Episode Highlights:

• What MASLD is and why the name changed from NAFLD

• Why fatty liver disease is becoming more common and who's most at risk

• Signs, symptoms, and why it's often called a "silent disease"

• Potential complications, including inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis

• How fatty liver is diagnosed through blood tests, imaging, or scans

• Lifestyle strategies to reverse or prevent progression

• The role of managing diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure in protecting liver health

• FDA-approved medications such as Wegovy and others that may help in treatment

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

Did you know that nearly one in three people with obesity may have fatty liver disease without even knowing it?

In this episode, I talk about groundbreaking news in obesity and liver health, focusing on the FDA's recent approval of WeGovy to treat metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH) with moderate to advanced fibrosis. I share a personal story about a friend who once struggled with fatigue, abnormal liver tests, and fatty liver disease, highlighting how limited treatment options used to be. I explain what MASH is, why it's so serious, and how common it is, especially among people with obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Furthermore, I dive into the ESSENCE trial, which showed that WeGovy not only improved liver inflammation and scarring but in some cases even reversed the disease, all while emphasizing that it works best when combined with lifestyle changes like healthy eating and regular activity.

Don't miss this episode where I break down the latest breakthrough in liver and weight loss care that could change your health journey!

Episode Highlights:

• FDA approval of WeGovy for treating MASH with fibrosis

• The ESSENCE trial results showing improvements in liver health

• Understanding what MASH is and why it's so common

• Importance of combining medication with lifestyle changes

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