Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today!

Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com)

Is Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Really Safe and Effective?

For this episode, we dive into one of the most common questions surrounding weight management.  Bariatric surgery can be a game-changer for many, but there are a lot of misconceptions and questions. Let’s address them all.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Kyle Thompson, a bariatric and foregut surgeon at St. Joe's Hospital in Denver. With a general surgery residency at St. Joe’s and a fellowship in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery from the Minnesota Institute for Minimally Invasive Surgery, Dr. Thompson brings years of expertise in the field. He’s also the chair of Surgical Subspecialties at St. Joe’s and serves on the boards of the Denver Academy of Surgery and the Colorado Obesity Society.

Dr. Thompson explains the safety and benefits of bariatric surgery, highlighting how it’s not only a proven weight loss option but also an effective solution for managing conditions like diabetes, sleep apnea, and heart disease. He covers the most common surgeries like the Sleeve, Gastric Bypass, and SADI, and why bariatric surgery can provide long-term results. 

Along with addressing common concerns, Dr. Thompson combats the stigma around obesity treatment and underscores the importance of treating obesity as healthcare, not a shortcut. He also emphasizes the value of finding the right support before and after surgery to ensure lasting success.

For more expert insights from Dr. Thompson, be sure to listen to the full episode and get a deeper understanding of bariatric surgery and its benefits.

Connect with Dr. Thompson:

• Website: Saint Joseph Hospital 

Connect with me:

• Instagram: doctorfrancavilla
• Facebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. Francavilla
• Website: Dr. Francavilla Show
• Youtube: The Doctor Francavilla Show
• GLP Strong: glpstrong.com

Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today!

Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com)

What if weight loss didn’t have to be an endless cycle of restriction and frustration?

For years, diet culture has pushed quick fixes and temporary results. But there’s a better way—one that prioritizes lasting health without the constant struggle.

In this episode, Dr. Alexandra Sowa breaks down how GLP-1 medications are reshaping weight management. As more people demand healthier food options, a cultural shift toward better eating habits is emerging.

Dr. Sowa, a dual board-certified physician in internal and obesity medicine, is the founder of SoWell—a brand dedicated to supporting GLP-1 users. SoWell offers the first complete supplement system designed to address the unique needs and side effects of GLP-1 medications. If you’re looking for fiber, protein, or electrolytes tailored for GLP-1 users, check out her supplements here: SoWell.

Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Sowa is the author of The Ozempic Revolution, a comprehensive guide to evidence-based weight management and metabolic health. With a background in public health, a medical degree from NYU, and a passion for patient education, she blends science, compassion, and practical solutions.

Dr. Sowa is leading a revolution in obesity medicine, challenging outdated weight loss narratives and helping patients make real, lasting health changes.

Connect with Dr. Sowa:

• Book: Ozempic Revolution
• SoWell Supplements: GetSoWell
• Instagram: alexandrasowamd
• Website: Alexandra Sowa MD

Connect with me:

• Instagram: doctorfrancavilla
• Facebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. Francavilla
• Website: Dr. Francavilla Show
• Youtube: The Doctor Francavilla Show
• GLP Strong: glpstrong.com

Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today!

Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com)

With the recent release of The Lancet’s consensus article, the conversation around obesity treatment and care is evolving. To explore the implications of this shift, I’m joined by Dr. Robert Kushner, a respected expert in the field who has dedicated his career to advancing obesity medicine.

Dr. Kushner is a professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the author of over 250 publications and several books on nutrition and obesity. He also co-founded the American Board of Obesity Medicine, contributing to the foundation of obesity care. His latest book, Patient-Centered Weight Management, offers healthcare professionals practical insights. With his extensive experience, Dr. Kushner continues to shape the direction of obesity treatment.

In this discussion, we examine the differences between clinical and preclinical obesity and address the important question: should preclinical obesity be treated? Dr. Kushner also explains why a new approach to obesity assessment is essential for the future of healthcare.

Be sure to stick around until the end for my takeaways and thoughts on how this impacts healthcare. Want to dive deeper into this discussion? Tune into the full episode and let’s unpack it all together!

Connect with Dr. Kushner:

• Website: https://drrobertkushner.com/

Connect with me:

• Instagram: doctorfrancavilla
• Facebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. Francavilla
• Website: Dr. Francavilla Show
• Youtube: The Doctor Francavilla Show
• GLP Strong: glpstrong.com

Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today!

Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com)

The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology Commission just released a new article updating the definition and diagnosis of obesity, and today, we’re going to dive into all of it. This has been a topic I’ve been thinking about for a while, and when this article dropped, it felt like the perfect opportunity to spark the conversation.

I’ve spent quite some time reading through the article and reflecting on its findings, but honestly, I’ve been wanting to talk about the topic of obesity for a while. Now, with this article in hand, I’m even more motivated to break things down and share my thoughts on where we go from here.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• 
  The OMA definition of obesity
• Why the language we use around obesity matters, especially in clinical settings
• The Lancet Consensus and its impact on the conversation
• Rethinking obesity assessment: why BMI isn’t the only measure
• The new classification of obesity into clinical and preclinical categories
• Navigating the gray areas in obesity risk and treatment
• The overlooked factors in weight management
  
  

Be sure to stick around until the end for my takeaways and thoughts on how this impacts healthcare. Want to dive deeper into this discussion? Tune into the full episode and let’s unpack it all together!

Connect with me:

• Instagram: doctorfrancavilla
• Facebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. Francavilla
• Website: Dr. Francavilla Show
• Youtube: The Doctor Francavilla Show
• GLP Strong: glpstrong.com

Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today!

Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com)

Could Zepbound revolutionize the way we treat sleep apnea?"

Sleep apnea affects millions of people worldwide, and for the longest time, treatment options have been limited to devices like CPAP machines or surgical interventions. Now, Zepbound, a groundbreaking treatment, offers a new approach specifically designed for obstructive sleep apnea. This innovation brings fresh possibilities for managing a condition that has long been challenging to treat.

To dive deeper into this development, I’ve invited Dr. Jeremy McConnell, an expert with a unique background that bridges sleep medicine and obesity medicine. This is the perfect opportunity to explore this transformative treatment with someone who truly understands its potential.

We also discuss:

• CPAP Intolerance
• Breaking Down Sleep Apnea
• Key Signs and Questions for Identifying Sleep Apnea
• The Health Risks of Untreated Sleep Apnea
• Effective Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea
• How Weight Loss Impacts Sleep Apnea
• Zepbound as a Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Dr. McConnell is a diplomate of both the American Board of Obesity Medicine and the American Board of Family Medicine. As a master fellow of the Obesity Medicine Association—one of only about ten in the world—his expertise is unmatched. He also holds a certificate of added qualification in sleep medicine, making him uniquely equipped to discuss this topic.

He’s the co-founder and board chair of the Florida Obesity Society, as well as the founder of Florida Sleep Specialists and Discover Health. With his deep knowledge and experience, this conversation promises to shed light on Zepbound’s potential to transform sleep apnea management.

Ready to learn more? Tune in to the full episode to hear Dr. McConnell’s insights and join the conversation on managing sleep apnea effectively. 

Connect with Dr. McConnell:

• Website for weight management program: discovermyhealth.com
• Website for Sleep Management: sleepmanatee.net

Connect with me:

• Instagram: doctorfrancavilla
• Facebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. Francavilla
• Website: Dr. Francavilla Show
• Youtube: The Doctor Francavilla Show
• GLP Strong: glpstrong.com

Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today!

Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com)

Obesity Is Not an Temporary Condition
Why do some still treat it that way?

In this episode, I welcome Dr. Angela Fitch back to explain why obesity should be seen as a chronic disease that requires long-term management, not just a temporary challenge. She discusses the risks of using medications like Wegovy and Zepbound intermittently without proper guidance.

Dr. Fitch, a physician and the immediate past president of the Obesity Medicine Association, brings years of expertise to the conversation. She also served on the Clinical Management Committee of The Obesity Society and is currently the Chief Medical Officer and founder of Knownwell, where she’s helping reshape obesity care.

We dive into why treating obesity as a short-term issue—where patients are expected to go it alone after receiving initial treatment—can be harmful. Plus, we explore what comprehensive, long-term obesity care looks like and why it’s key to sustainable health.

Hit play on the full episode to catch everything!

Connect with Dr. Fitch:

• X: Angela Fitch, MD
• Facebook: knownwell health
• Website: Knownwell.co
• Instagram:  knownwellhealth
• Linkedin: knownwell

Connect with me:

• Instagram: doctorfrancavilla
• Facebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. Francavilla
• Website: Dr. Francavilla Show
• Youtube: The Doctor Francavilla Show
• GLP Strong: glpstrong.com

Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today!

Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com)

Starting medications like Zepbound & Wegovy can feel overwhelming without the right information. I understand that most doctors prescribing these medications don’t have the luxury of spending 20 minutes explaining what patients can expect. That’s why I created this episode—to provide you with the insights you need.

In my practice, I frequently guide patients through starting medications like Zepbound and Wegovy, offering them a clear understanding of what to expect such as:

• Who the GLP-1 medications are for
• Who Should Avoid GLP-1 Medications
• Why Long-Term Use with GLP-1 Medications is needed
• Side Effects that you might encounter
• How to minimize Side Effects
• A brief guide to Injections
• What to Eat While on Medication
• The role of Exercise with this GLP-1 medication

This episode serves as a more personal way to communicate that information, helping patients feel more prepared and informed.

So, here’s a condensed version of the conversation I have with patients regularly. It’s like you’re sitting down with me, receiving the same advice I’d give in person. Share this with someone else who is taking these medications. For prescribers, it could make your life a little easier by providing a resource you can share—whether it’s this episode—so you can offer more depth without needing to cover everything in a short clinical visit.

Listen to the full episode for a deeper dive into each topic and how it can make your experience with these medications smoother.

Connect with me:

• Instagram: doctorfrancavilla
• Facebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. Francavilla
• Website: Dr. Francavilla Show
• Youtube: The Doctor Francavilla Show
• GLP Strong: glpstrong.com

🎁 Stay on track this season with my Holiday Game Plan! 🎁
 Download now: Holiday Game Plan

What’s Next for You in 2025?

Let’s dive into the possibilities for the upcoming year. What do you want to accomplish? What transformations are you ready to embrace?

Whether it’s hitting a fitness milestone like running a 5K, building a new habit like reading one book a month, or pursuing a career achievement like securing a promotion, we’ll set powerful New Year’s goals together.

I’ll walk you through the SMART Framework to create actionable, results-driven goals and help you craft a plan for success. Along the way, I’ll share inspiring insights to keep you motivated. Let’s make 2025 a year of progress and purpose!

Be sure to listen, and let’s make 2025 your year of growth and achievement!

Connect with me:

• Instagram: doctorfrancavilla
• Facebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. Francavilla
• Website: Dr. Francavilla Show
• Youtube: The Doctor Francavilla Show
• GLP Strong: glpstrong.com

🎁 Stay on track this season with my Holiday Game Plan! 🎁 

 Download now: Holiday Game Plan

Trigger Warning

This episode focuses entirely on eating disorders.

Contrary to the common belief that only very thin individuals struggle with eating disorders, I’m joined by Dr. Kara Pepper, who shares that eating disorders come in all shapes and sizes.

Dr. Pepper is an Internist and Executive Coach based in Atlanta, GA. She runs a hybrid telemedicine and in-person practice focused on patient autonomy, clinical excellence, and compassion. She also offers executive coaching and is the founder of Micropractice Mastermind, a community for physicians in solo practice.

In this episode, Dr. Kara and I delve into a controversial aspect of the conversation around eating disorders, exploring signs, biases, and how to distinguish an eating disorder from normal eating behaviors.

Listen to Dr. Kara Pepper shed light on this often-misunderstood topic, offering fresh perspectives on eating disorders and their overlooked forms.

Connect with Dr. Pepper:

• Instagram/Threads: karapeppermd
• Facebook: Kara Pepper, MD
• Website: karapeppermd.com
• Podcast: It’s Not Just You with Dr. Kara Pepper 

Connect with me:

• Instagram: doctorfrancavilla
• Facebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. Francavilla
• Website: Dr. Francavilla Show
• Youtube: The Doctor Francavilla Show
• GLP Strong: glpstrong.com

🎁 Stay on track this season with my Holiday Game Plan! 🎁 

 Download now: Holiday Game Plan

The secret to aging well lies in preserving musculoskeletal health—but it doesn’t happen by chance. Why?

Look around at those who seem to age gracefully—patients, family members, or friends. What do they have in common? They’ve made movement a way of life. Whether it’s golfing, walking, playing tennis, or simply staying active around the house or neighborhood, they’ve embraced intentional movement as a non-negotiable part of their routine.

Science backs this up: regular exercise doesn’t just keep us moving; it reduces chronic diseases, eases pain, and, most importantly, helps us stay functional as we age. The key? Purposeful and consistent activity.

In this episode, I’ll break down why this is so critical and share practical ways to weave intentional movement into your life for a healthier, more vibrant future.

If you’re ready to start exercising but don’t know where to begin, GLP Strong is here to help. This entry-level strength training program is designed for anyone new to strength training or returning after years away.

Connect with me:

• Instagram: doctorfrancavilla
• Facebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. Francavilla
• Website: Dr. Francavilla Show
• Youtube: The Doctor Francavilla Show
• GLP Strong: glpstrong.com