Conquer Your Weight

Can you take a GLP-1 medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide while breastfeeding? For years, the answer has largely been an automatic “no,” but emerging research is making this conversation much more nuanced. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh discusses the newest data on GLP-1 medications and breastfeeding, including studies measuring semaglutide and tirzepatide directly in human breast milk. Semaglutide was not detected in the breast milk samples studied, while tirzepatide was undetectable in 164 of 171 samples, with only extremely small amounts detected in the remaining samples.

Dr. Stombaugh also discusses why this conversation is about much more than postpartum weight loss. Women with obesity, prediabetes, a history of gestational diabetes, or type 2 diabetes may spend pregnancy and potentially years of breastfeeding without treatment for a significant metabolic disease. At the same time, breastfeeding itself provides important benefits and may support postpartum metabolic health. Rather than asking women to choose between breastfeeding and treating their metabolic health, we need thoughtful shared decision-making that considers milk supply, infant age, maternal nutrition, breastfeeding goals, and the severity of the mother's metabolic disease.

You'll also learn why adequate calories, hydration, and frequent milk removal are especially important when considering GLP-1 treatment during breastfeeding, why aggressive calorie restriction and ketogenic diets can be dangerous during lactation, and why oral and injectable GLP-1 medications shouldn't necessarily be treated the same way. Dr. Stombaugh shares how she approaches GLP-1 prescribing once breastfeeding and milk supply are well established and why she believes women deserve a more individualized conversation than simply being told these medications are off-limits. If you're breastfeeding and wondering whether restarting a GLP-1 could be appropriate for you, Dr. Stombaugh is accepting patients and would be happy to help you navigate that decision.

Learn more about seeing Dr. Stombaugh as a patient at www.sarahstombaughmd.com

Missing a dose of your GLP-1 medication happens. Maybe you're traveling and forgot your medication, your pharmacy can't get it in stock, insurance is delaying your refill, or you've been instructed to hold your medication for a surgery or procedure. Whatever the reason, one of the biggest questions is what to do next. Can you simply take your medication when you remember, or do you need to wait until your next scheduled dose?

In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explains what happens when you miss a dose of a GLP-1 medication and why the length of time you've been off treatment matters. She discusses missed doses during travel, medication shortages, insurance delays, and interruptions surrounding surgery or procedures. She also explains what you might notice as the medication wears off, including changes in hunger, fullness, cravings, and food noise.

Most importantly, Dr. Stombaugh answers the common question, "Can I restart at my old dose?" You'll learn why missing a single dose is very different from being off medication for several weeks, what factors your prescriber considers when deciding where to restart, and why jumping right back to your previous dose isn't always the best choice. If you've ever missed a dose or worried about an interruption in your GLP-1 treatment, this episode will help you understand what to expect and how to safely get back on track.

Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com

If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

Have you noticed that alcohol suddenly doesn’t sound as appealing since starting a GLP-1 medication? Maybe you used to look forward to a glass of wine at the end of the day, but now you barely think about it. Or perhaps you’ve tried drinking and discovered that you can’t finish your usual drink, or that alcohol leaves you feeling nauseated, overly full, or just plain awful. These are experiences I hear about frequently from patients taking medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro.

In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, we’re talking about the relationship between GLP-1 medications and alcohol. We’ll explore why alcohol cravings may decrease, why some people suddenly lose interest in drinking altogether, and why alcohol may be harder to tolerate while taking these medications. We’ll also talk about the emerging research looking at GLP-1 medications and alcohol use, including the fascinating possibility that the same pathways that quiet “food noise” may also quiet what we might call “drinking noise.”

Finally, we’ll answer one of the most common questions I hear: Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking a GLP-1 medication? We’ll discuss why there isn’t one answer that applies to everyone, what factors you should consider before drinking, and why your previous alcohol tolerance may not be the same after starting a GLP-1. Whether alcohol has completely lost its appeal or you’re simply wondering how an occasional drink fits into your treatment, this episode will help you understand what may be happening and what we’re learning about the broader effects of these medications on cravings and reward.

Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com

If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

One of the most common questions people ask when starting a GLP-1 medication is, “When will this start working?” Maybe you’ve taken your first injection and you’re still hungry, you’re still thinking about food, and you’re wondering whether that means the medication isn’t going to work for you. In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explains why the first few days or weeks of treatment don’t necessarily predict your long-term response.

We’ll talk about when you might start noticing appetite suppression, how changes in food noise can show up, and why some people feel a dramatic difference right away while others need more time or higher doses. We’ll also discuss why nausea and other side effects are not signs that the medication is “working,” and why the goal of treatment isn’t necessarily to eliminate hunger completely.

Finally, we’ll tackle the comparison trap, especially when you see “super responders” online who seem to lose large amounts of weight almost immediately. You’ll learn why someone else’s first month tells you very little about what your own long-term results will look like, what signs can help you recognize that your medication is starting to work, and when it may be appropriate to talk with your doctor about whether your treatment plan needs to change.

Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com

If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

Losing insurance coverage for a weight loss medication that has been working can be incredibly frustrating. Maybe you were losing weight, experiencing less hunger and food noise, and finally feeling like you had found something that worked, only to learn that your insurance would no longer cover it. When stopping medication leads to increased hunger or weight regain, it can leave you wondering whether you should have ever started in the first place.

In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh discusses why insurance coverage for weight loss medications can change and what may happen when someone is forced to discontinue treatment. She explains why weight regain after stopping medication isn't a sign of failure and why losing access to an effective treatment doesn't erase the health improvements or progress you made while taking it.

You'll also learn practical steps to take if you lose coverage, including understanding the reason for a denial, exploring the appeals process, investigating alternative medications or coverage options, and advocating for obesity treatment benefits. Losing access to the treatment you wanted can be discouraging, but it doesn't mean you're out of options or that starting treatment was a mistake.

Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com

If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

Starting a weight loss medication can bring up a surprising amount of fear. Even after you've talked with your doctor, gotten a prescription, and decided you're ready to move forward, it's common to suddenly wonder: What if I have terrible side effects? What if I become dependent on it? What will other people think? What if it doesn't even work?

In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explores some of the most common fears people experience before starting a weight loss medication. We'll talk about concerns around side effects and long-term treatment, the stigma of using medication for weight loss, fear of failure or weight regain, and the belief that needing medication somehow means you haven't tried hard enough. We'll also discuss how scary stories online can shape our perception of risk and why having accurate information and appropriate medical support matters.

The goal isn't to convince you that medication is the right choice. Instead, it's to help you separate informed caution from fear, misinformation, and stigma. You don't have to feel completely fearless before moving forward. By understanding what you're actually afraid of, asking the right questions, and weighing the risks and benefits for your individual situation, you can make a thoughtful and informed decision about what is right for you.

Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We're now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com

If you're looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

Have you ever wondered, “Do I regret taking a GLP-1 medication?” Regret can show up for many different reasons, and sometimes it has less to do with the medication itself and more to do with the experience surrounding it. Maybe you didn't receive the medical support you needed, you're questioning the source or quality of the medication you used, you experienced changes in your body that you weren't prepared for, or you simply didn't understand what treatment might look like long-term.

In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explores the different ways regret can show up after using a GLP-1 medication. We’ll talk about concerns around questionable or poorly sourced medications, inadequate medical supervision, muscle loss and other changes that can accompany significant weight loss, and the difficult experience of stopping medication and regaining weight. We'll also discuss why understanding obesity as a chronic disease, and having a plan for maintenance before starting treatment, can make such an important difference.

If you've had a difficult experience with a GLP-1 medication, regret doesn't have to be the end of the story. Taking time to identify exactly what you wish had been different can help you make more informed decisions moving forward. Whether that means staying off medication, reconsidering treatment with better support, focusing on nutrition and muscle preservation, or developing a different long-term strategy, you can use what you've learned to decide what makes the most sense for you now.

Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We're now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com

If you're looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

Many people believe that reaching their goal weight is the finish line, but lasting success is about much more than a number on the scale. In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explores the powerful concept of identity shift and explains why becoming the person who keeps the weight off is one of the most important parts of a successful weight loss journey. You'll learn why temporary diets often lead to temporary results and how lasting change comes from building habits that become part of who you are.

Dr. Stombaugh discusses the difference between focusing on outcomes, building healthy habits, and developing a new identity. Through practical examples, she explains how small, consistent choices help shape the person you're becoming, whether that means planning meals ahead of time, moving your body regularly, or recovering quickly after setbacks instead of giving up. Every healthy decision is another step toward creating a lifestyle that feels natural rather than forced.

Most importantly, this episode will help you shift your mindset from chasing a goal to becoming the person you want to be. Dr. Stombaugh shares practical strategies for making decisions through the lens of your future self and reminds you that consistency, not perfection, is what leads to lifelong success. If you're ready to stop starting over and begin building habits that last, this episode will help you create an identity that supports your health for years to come.

Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We're now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com

If you're looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

Do you ever feel like food is constantly on your mind? In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explains what people mean when they talk about "food noise" and why it is much more than simply thinking about your next meal. You'll learn how persistent thoughts about food can affect your daily life, why they happen, and why so many people feel relieved when those thoughts finally become quieter.

Dr. Stombaugh explores the many factors that contribute to food noise, including hormones, dieting history, highly processed foods, habits, stress, and emotions. She also discusses why GLP-1 medications have helped so many people experience a reduction in food noise, while emphasizing that medication is only one of several tools that can support a healthier relationship with food.

Whether you're taking a weight loss medication or not, this episode offers practical strategies to help reduce food noise and make eating feel less overwhelming. Dr. Stombaugh shares ways to improve satiety, reduce unnecessary food thoughts, and build habits that support long-term health. If you've ever wondered why food seems to occupy so much of your mental energy, this episode will help you better understand the biology behind it and remind you that you are not alone.

Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We're now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com

If you're looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

Emotional eating is something almost everyone experiences at some point, but it can become a major obstacle when you're trying to lose weight or build healthier habits. In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explores why we often reach for food when we're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, lonely, bored, or even happy. You'll learn why emotional eating is not a sign of weakness or a lack of willpower, but rather a learned coping strategy that can be understood and changed with practice.

Dr. Stombaugh explains the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger, including the clues that can help you recognize what your body is truly asking for. She also discusses why food provides temporary comfort by activating the brain's reward system, while leaving the underlying emotion unresolved. By learning to pause and identify what you really need in the moment, you can begin to respond with greater awareness instead of falling into automatic habits.

Most importantly, this episode offers practical tools to help you build a healthier relationship with food and your emotions. Dr. Stombaugh shares strategies for expanding your coping toolbox, responding to setbacks with curiosity instead of guilt, and making intentional choices that support your long-term health. If emotional eating has ever left you feeling frustrated or stuck, this episode will help you better understand the pattern and give you hope that lasting change is possible.

Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We're now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com

If you're looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp