How are hormones, metabolism, and body composition shaping the way we care for patients during midlife, and why is so much of the conversation still filled with confusion and misinformation?In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Disha Narang, Endocrinologist and Director of Obesity Medicine at Endeavor Health, for an evidence-based discussion on hormones, menopause, and obesity care. Together, they unpack the real role of key metabolic hormones—including thyroid, cortisol, insulin, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—and explain why popular phrases like “balancing hormones” often miss the clinical mark.Drawing from real-world patient care, the conversation explores how perimenopause and menopause drive changes in insulin resistance, visceral adiposity, and body composition—and why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can improve symptoms and quality of life without being a weight-loss solution. Dr. Narang and Dr. Crowley also discuss when hormone testing is appropriate, why timing and context matter, and how combining HRT with evidence-based obesity treatments (including GLP-1 therapies) can support better outcomes for patients navigating midlife transitions.Throughout the episode, they highlight why body composition offers critical insight beyond the scale—especially when weight remains stable while muscle mass declines and visceral fat increases—and why collaborative, team-based care between endocrinology, OB-GYN, and obesity medicine is essential in this stage of life.Key Takeaways<ul><li>Why hormones play a complex—but often oversimplified—role in midlife weight and metabolic health</li><li>How menopause contributes to insulin resistance and increased visceral adiposity</li><li>Why thyroid and cortisol frequently receive “undue credit” in weight discussions</li><li>When hormone testing is useful—and when it may create more confusion than clarity</li><li>What hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can and cannot do for weight management</li><li>How combining HRT with obesity treatments (including GLP-1 therapies) may improve patient outcomes</li><li>Why body composition helps reveal metabolic risk and progress that weight alone can’t show</li><li>How interdisciplinary care strengthens long-term, patient-centered midlife health management</li></ul>About my GuestDisha Narang, MD, is a quadruple board–certified physician in endocrinology, obesity medicine, internal medicine, and culinary medicine, and serves as Director of Obesity Medicine at Endeavor Health (NorthShore). She completed her undergraduate and medical training at Vanderbilt University, followed by an internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at the University of Chicago. Dr. Narang specializes in the care of patients with diabetes and obesity and integrates culinary medicine into her practice, emphasizing the principle that food is medicine.How to Connect Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dishanarangmd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dishanarangmd

How are hormones, metabolism, and body composition shaping the way we care for patients during midlife, and why is so much of the conversation still filled with confusion and misinformation? In this episode of In the Know with Nina, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Disha Narang, Endocrinologist and Director of Obesity Medicine at Endeavor Health, for an evidence-based discussion on hormones, menopause, and obesity care. Together, they unpack the real role of key metabolic hormones—including thyroid, cortisol, insulin, estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—and explain why popular phrases like “balancing hormones” often miss the clinical mark. Drawing from real-world patient care, the conversation explores how perimenopause and menopause drive changes in insulin resistance, visceral adiposity, and body composition—and why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can improve symptoms and quality of life without being a weight-loss solution. Dr. Narang and Dr. Crowley also discuss when hormone testing is appropriate, why timing and context matter, and how combining HRT with evidence-based obesity treatments (including GLP-1 therapies) can support better outcomes for patients navigating midlife transitions. Throughout the episode, they highlight why body composition offers critical insight beyond the scale—especially when weight remains stable while muscle mass declines and visceral fat increases—and why collaborative, team-based care between endocrinology, OB-GYN, and obesity medicine is essential in this stage of life. Key TakeawaysWhy hormones play a complex—but often oversimplified—role in midlife weight and metabolic healthHow menopause contributes to insulin resistance and increased visceral adiposityWhy thyroid and cortisol frequently receive “undue credit” in weight discussionsWhen hormone testing is useful—and when it may create more confusion than clarityWhat hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can and cannot do for weight managementHow combining HRT with obesity treatments (including GLP-1 therapies) may improve patient outcomesWhy body composition helps reveal metabolic risk and progress that weight alone can’t showHow interdisciplinary care strengthens long-term, patient-centered midlife health managementAbout my Guest Disha Narang, MD, is a quadruple board–certified physician in endocrinology, obesity medicine, internal medicine, and culinary medicine, and serves as Director of Obesity Medicine at Endeavor Health (NorthShore). She completed her undergraduate and medical training at Vanderbilt University, followed by an internal medicine residency and endocrinology fellowship at the University of Chicago. Dr. Narang specializes in the care of patients with diabetes and obesity and integrates culinary medicine into her practice, emphasizing the principle that food is medicine. How to Connect Linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dishanarangmd/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dishanarangmd

Ep. 070: Hormones, Health & Hot Topics in Midlife Care

Peptides. GLP-1s. “Natural” alternatives.The supplement aisle is booming—but so is the confusion. Dr. Nina Crowley reconnects with Dr. Jacqueline Jacques—naturopathic doctor, Fellow of The Obesity Society, and long-time leader in the wellness and natural products space. Together, they unpack the rise of consumer interest in peptides and products marketed for weight loss, particularly in the context of GLP-1 medications.This conversation cuts through the hype and gets to what’s real, what’s risky, and what’s full of potential—offering insights for both clinicians and industry professionals trying to guide patients with integrity.Key TakeawaysWhat are peptides, really? A quick science refresher—and where media is getting it wrongThe truth behind GLP-1 supplement claimsThe role of nutrition in supporting patients on obesity medicationsThe growing opportunity to support lean body mass with supplements like protein, creatine, and HMBWhy muscle preservation is vital for aging, off-ramping meds, and overall metabolic healthWhy evidence-based, patient-centered care must guide our approach in a noisy, evolving marketAbout Dr. Jacqueline JacquesDr. Jacqueline Jacques is a Naturopathic Doctor, Fellow of The Obesity Society, and a seasoned expert in the wellness and natural products industries. With over 25 years of experience—including early work with bariatric nutrition and multivitamin innovation—she brings a unique, multidisciplinary lens to conversations about obesity care, supplements, and integrative health.Connect with Dr. Jacques<a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-jacques-nd-ftos">LinkedIn</a><a rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" href="https://www.instagram.com/nutritiondoctor/">Instagram</a>

Peptides. GLP-1s. “Natural” alternatives. The supplement aisle is booming—but so is the confusion. Dr. Nina Crowley reconnects with Dr. Jacqueline Jacques—naturopathic doctor, Fellow of The Obesity Society, and long-time leader in the wellness and natural products space. Together, they unpack the rise of consumer interest in peptides and products marketed for weight loss, particularly in the context of GLP-1 medications. This conversation cuts through the hype and gets to what’s real, what’s risky, and what’s full of potential—offering insights for both clinicians and industry professionals trying to guide patients with integrity. Key Takeaways What are peptides, really? A quick science refresher—and where media is getting it wrong The truth behind GLP-1 supplement claims The role of nutrition in supporting patients on obesity medications The growing opportunity to support lean body mass with supplements like protein, creatine, and HMB Why muscle preservation is vital for aging, off-ramping meds, and overall metabolic health Why evidence-based, patient-centered care must guide our approach in a noisy, evolving market About Dr. Jacqueline Jacques Dr. Jacqueline Jacques is a Naturopathic Doctor, Fellow of The Obesity Society, and a seasoned expert in the wellness and natural products industries. With over 25 years of experience—including early work with bariatric nutrition and multivitamin innovation—she brings a unique, multidisciplinary lens to conversations about obesity care, supplements, and integrative health. Connect with Dr. Jacques LinkedIn Instagram

Peptides. GLP-1s. “Natural” alternatives.The supplement aisle is booming—but so is the confusion. Dr. Nina Crowley reconnects with Dr. Jacqueline Jacques—naturopathic doctor, Fellow of The Obesity Society, and long-time leader in the wellness and natural products space. Together, they unpack the rise of consumer interest in peptides and products marketed for weight loss, particularly in the context of GLP-1 medications.This conversation cuts through the hype and gets to what’s real, what’s risky, and what’s full of potential—offering insights for both clinicians and industry professionals trying to guide patients with integrity.Key TakeawaysWhat are peptides, really? A quick science refresher—and where media is getting it wrongThe truth behind GLP-1 supplement claimsThe role of nutrition in supporting patients on obesity medicationsThe growing opportunity to support lean body mass with supplements like protein, creatine, and HMBWhy muscle preservation is vital for aging, off-ramping meds, and overall metabolic healthWhy evidence-based, patient-centered care must guide our approach in a noisy, evolving marketAbout Dr. Jacqueline JacquesDr. Jacqueline Jacques is a Naturopathic Doctor, Fellow of The Obesity Society, and a seasoned expert in the wellness and natural products industries. With over 25 years of experience—including early work with bariatric nutrition and multivitamin innovation—she brings a unique, multidisciplinary lens to conversations about obesity care, supplements, and integrative health.Connect with Dr. Jacques<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqueline-jacques-nd-ftos" rel="noopener noreferrer">LinkedIn</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/nutritiondoctor/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a>

Ep. 53: Peptides, Products & Promises: Cutting Through the Hype

Ep. 52: Compassion-Driven, Science-Based: A Look Into Modern Obesity Medicine

Ep. 51: ROI IRL: How Body Comp Drives Revenue, Retention & Results

Episode 50: Navigating the Complexity of Redefining Obesity Care

Episode 49: Wellness, Weight Management and White Lotus

Episode 48: Looking at the Lancet Report on Clinical Obesity from the Patient POV

Episode 47: The Evolving Role of Registered Dietitians in Obesity Care

Episode 46: A New Framework for Defining Clinical Obesity

Episode 45: Transforming Senior Well-Being with Body Composition Analysis

In the Know with Nina brings you real conversations on the evolving world of medical care. Hosted by Dr. Nina Crowley, each episode dives into the science, strategy, and stories that drive better health outcomes. From body composition and GLP-1s to clinical workflows and patient engagement, you'll hear from top experts and change-makers across the field. Whether you're a provider, care team member, or health advocate, get the insights you need to deliver precise, personal, proven care.

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