Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

As January 1st looms, millions of people are gearing up to make New Year's resolutions, but here’s the sad reality: 90% of people abandon their goals by February, and only 8% actually follow through until the end of the year. So why does the typical grand proclamation—like “Sure, I’ll go to the gym every day”— so often flop? 

The problem is, it’s unrealistic and unsustainable. But don’t panic, there IS a better way. In this episode, I share a simpler, more effective approach that’s not only easier to stick to, but also way more successful in the long run. Ready to make this the year you actually follow through? Tune in now to discover two top strategies that will help you build lasting habits and set yourself up for success in 2025!


References

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Download Dr. Rentea’s Power Picks For Metabolic Health


Audio Stamps

00:44 - Most New Year's resolutions fail quickly, making big goals less effective.

02:40 - Building identity-based habits that align with who you want to become is more sustainable long term.

04:16 - Dr. Rentea gives personal examples of identity-based habits that have worked for her.

06:27 - We learn the power of small, easy "1 percent upgrades" for lasting progress.

08:25 - Dr. Rentea encourages writing down three identity-based goals and the 1% upgrades that will help you consistently work toward them every day.


Quotes

“I want to recommend that you work on building different systems and habits and not making grand proclamations.”

“I want you to think about, ‘Who do I want to actually be this year?’”

“Identity-based habits are going to keep you congruent with who you are and your chance of actually executing them goes through the roof.”

“Things cannot be painful. They need to be easy. They need to be pleasurable. That's how we're programmed as humans. If we don't do things that are in alignment with that, we don't stick with it.”

“Every day you get to vote for the person that you want to be.”

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

If you're on social media, you're likely familiar with the constant stream of ads for weight loss products and health supplements promising quick fixes. In this episode, I tackle a listener's concerns about plant-based peptides claiming to rival GLP-1 medications, breaking down how to tell the difference between legitimate, science-backed treatments and predatory scams targeting those struggling with obesity. Learn how to spot red flags, make informed choices, and build a health team that genuinely supports your goals.

Plus, with the holiday season in full swing, I'll share simple, effective strategies to break the stress cycle and find moments of calm amid the chaos. Tune in for expert tips on cutting through the noise, making empowered decisions, and enjoying a stress-free holiday season!


References


View all of Dr. Rentea’s podcast resources here: https://www.renteaclinic.com/blog

Burnout and How to Complete the Stress Cycle - Unlocking Us with Brené Brown

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

Mini Course: The Top 5 Mistakes That People Make When Starting a GLP 1

7 ways to break the stress cycle:

1. Exercise
2. Deep breathing
3. Positive social interaction
4. Laughter
5. Affection
6. Crying
7. Creative expression

Audio Stamps

00:28 - With holiday stress in full swing, Dr. Rentea shares seven insights from Drs. Emily and Amelia Nagoski on how to complete the stress cycle and manage stress effectively.

08:20 - Dr. Rentea explains how her mini course, The Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Starting a GLP 1, can help at any stage of your health journey.

11:54 - Dr. Rentea dives into a listener question about the rise of weight-loss claims around supplements and "plant-based peptides" marketed to mimic GLP-1 medications.

18:30 - Choosing the right health program or support group is deeply personal, and it's essential to choose one that feels supportive, aligns with your needs, and involves collaborative guidance from trusted professionals.


Quotes

“You need to turn to people that you trust that are helping you with your medical care and get their thoughts.”

“Talk to your doctor. That's the reason we exist. It's to help you navigate this stuff.”

“When you have a chronic medical condition, it's very socially isolating. You feel very alone. It can lead to a lot of shame and depression. And oftentimes, being in a group can be very helpful.”

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

We all hear the success stories, but what we rarely get to see is the journey behind them—the small tweaks and big mindset shifts that make lasting health changes possible. In today’s episode, we have the amazing Meg, a current patient of mine, who’s been on an incredible journey over the past year. Meg was already healthy, but she’s gone above and beyond to maintain her muscle, tweak her routine, and keep pushing forward. It’s not just about losing weight—it’s about maintaining and improving health for the long haul.

Meg shares her firsthand experience on what’s truly been a game changer for her: the powerful role of protein and fiber in her diet, and how small changes have made a big difference in her progress. She discusses the importance of maintaining muscle mass, especially as we age, and the mindset shift necessary to stay consistent, even when progress feels slow.

Tune in for an honest, down-to-earth conversation filled with practical tips from Meg’s journey, like how to balance your nutrition and workouts for sustainable results, and why focusing on the long-term picture really makes all the difference.


References

hardCORE On The Floor

InBody Scale


Audio Stamps

01:20 - Dr. Rentea’s patient, Meg, shares her background and explains how she found Dr. Rentea's practice during a time of personal struggle.

06:07 - Meg explains how focusing on protein and fiber intake has transformed her approach to nutrition, making it more sustainable.

14:55 - We hear the importance of patience and consistency, reminding us that progress, even when it’s slow, is still progress.

17:45 - Meg highlights the importance of tracking muscle mass, not just weight, using tools like the InBody scale, to ensure long-term health and maintain muscle, especially as we age.

22:18 - Meg shares her top tips for those looking to begin or stay on track with their journey.


Quotes

“Especially after menopause hit, I was hungry constantly and no matter how much I ate, I just never seemed to be satisfied.” - Meg

"When our physiology is off, it doesn’t matter how much knowledge we have in our head—we can’t overcome it." - Dr. Rentea

“You have to find a pattern of living that works for you.” - Meg

“One of the things I think about is how I'll feel if I don't exercise. And so in the morning, I might grumble for a second, but I always think of that post exercise feeling.” - Meg

“If you're out there listening and you're not doing anything, imagine if you thought, ‘Hey, can I do 30 minutes once a week?’, you will get places. You will.” - Dr. Rentea

“I have done it all ways but Sunday to lose weight. And this is working. Protein and fiber.” - Meg

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

I recently tuned into a podcast with Jillian Michaels—the trainer from The Biggest Loser (possibly one of the most problematic shows to ever grace TV). I listened as she doubled down on the same old narrative: weight loss is all about motivation, eating less, and moving more. It was frustrating, especially because two respected physicians in the obesity medicine community were trying to bring a more evidence-based approach to the conversation, but it was falling on deaf ears.

As research continues to reveal, chronic obesity is a complex condition that differs significantly from simple weight management. It’s clear that it’s time to move beyond these outdated beliefs and focus on the science shaping our understanding of obesity today. In this episode, we'll explore the latest scientific research on obesity, including how metabolic and hormonal responses to weight loss differ for those with chronic obesity, as well as the benefits of GLP-1s and GIPs that go far beyond weight loss alone.


References

Hinte, L.C., Castellano-Castillo, D., Ghosh, A. et al. Adipose tissue retains an epigenetic memory of obesity after weight loss. Nature (2024).


Audio Stamps

02:38 - Dr. Rentea critiques Jillian Michaels’ outdated stance on obesity as a chronic condition, and emphasizes the importance of evolving with current science in understanding obesity and its treatments.

07:56 - Dr. Rentea discusses the growing body of evidence showing that GLP-1 medications offer numerous health benefits beyond weight loss, including improvements in various metabolic and cardiovascular conditions.

10:49 - We learn how GLP-1 medications help protect the cardiac system by improving endothelial function, reducing blood pressure, and lowering inflammation and cholesterol.

13:20 - It’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the wide-ranging health improvements these medications offer beyond just weight loss.


Quotes

“I believe radically different right now than what I did five, six years ago. Every single year I'm learning new things.”

“The biggest question I always get asked from people is, ‘When I lose the weight, am I good? Can I then just go on with my life?’ and I always say, ‘It's a chronic medical condition, meaning it's there for life. We can manage it, we don't have a cure.’”

“It's been an explosion recently of updates from long term trials and new trials that are showing ever increasing benefits of GLP-1s and GIPs.”

“It's never been about shapeshifting. It's never been about what size you are. It's really always about health. And this is a hard shift because most people are just obsessed with what the scale number is.”

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

At a recent business conference, there was one quote that really struck me: "Your biggest competitor is always the status quo." This idea hit home because it applies so much to our health—the status quo is what keeps us stuck in old patterns, and unless we actively work to change, we’ll stay right where we are.

In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing the strategies I use with my patients to break free from that cycle, from habit stacking to small, achievable steps that lead to big results. Plus, I’ll dive into the fascinating findings from the Surmount trial on tirzepatide, which offer encouraging news for those who may not experience rapid weight loss at first. If you’re ready to take charge of your health and move beyond the status quo, this episode is for you!


References

The Top 5 Mistakes That People Make When Starting a GLP-1


Audio Stamps

00:38 - Dr. Rentea highlights the status quo as a key barrier to progress in both health and business, stressing the need to challenge it for meaningful change.

03:18 - Using habit stacking and 1% upgrades help Dr. Rentea’s patients break free from ruts and challenge the status quo in their health routines.

05:00 - We learn the findings from the Surmount trial on early weight loss responses to tirzepatide.

08:35 - Dr. Rentea highlights that weight loss varies for everyone and stresses the importance of focusing on health improvements over quick results.

10:53 - Dr. Rentea shares her mini course on GLP-1 use, offering resources, recipes, and live Q&A calls, with a Black Friday special that includes the Blood Sugar Mastermind as a bonus!


Quotes

“The biggest competitor is always the status quo.”

“To say, ‘The status quo of how I'm doing it might not be optimal, I want to do it a different way’ requires a huge amount of energy and a huge amount of thought process change.”

“The status quo wins unless you really work on these things.”

“The same things usually run on autopilot. To get out of it is going to take some effort, some intentionality, setting some goals differently, making reminders…there's going to have to be something that breaks that for you.”

“Everyone has this fallacy of, ‘I need to lose this big percentage’ all the time.’”

“I have a patient that is losing about two pounds per month, has done this over a two year period, and is just getting absolutely incredible results.”

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

As the holiday season draws near, it's a time of excitement, connection, and celebration—but it also comes with its own set of challenges, especially when you’re trying to prioritize your health. Between family gatherings, changes in routine, and an abundance of food, finding balance can feel more difficult than ever. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

In this episode, I share three practical tips to help you stay on track with your health during the holiday season—or any time of year when food is plentiful and routines are disrupted. These strategies are ones I’ve learned over the years, and I hope they’ll be just as helpful for you. My goal is for you to fully enjoy the season while making simple, intentional choices that support your health. Whether you’re navigating a family holiday or any event with lots of food, these tips will help you feel confident and in control.


References

Ep. 89: No, It’s Not Okay to Comment on My Weight (+ How to Respond When It Happens)


Audio Stamps

00:53 - This episode isn’t just for the holidays—it’s for any occasion where food is plentiful, helping you stay mindful and in control.

01:44 - Dr. Rentea reminds us that we have the choice to respond to triggering comments in a way that feels right for us and shares a listener's thoughtful alternative.

03:23 - Tip #1 for the holidays: Identifying small ways to regain control.

06:07 - Tip #2 for the holidays: How to decide what’s truly 'worth it' for you when it comes to holiday foods.

08:35 - Tip #3: ‘Planning for magic’ by including foods that make you feel great throughout the day.

09:04 - Dr. Rentea recommends focusing on one or two simple habits to help you feel great during the holidays.

11:12 - Dr. Rentea shares how the holiday season is a time of gratitude for her, and takes a moment to thank her listeners, coaching clients, and clinic community.


Quotes

“It's important for us to remember that we always have some level of control.”

“The two things that I always do, no matter what, no matter where I am, I take a walk in the morning and I drink my water.”

“What are the things that actually move the needle the most for me daily? Usually it's only one or two that if you do those things, you're still going to be set. And there's no reason why, on a holiday day, you still can't get those things done.”

“I want you to plan for magic.”

“Whenever we head into the holiday time, it’s really a time of gratitude for me.”

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

As more people explore new approaches to health and weight management, intermittent fasting has become a popular option. From time-restricted eating to alternate-day fasting, the idea seems simple enough: limit eating to a set window, and you’ll likely eat less overall. But for many—especially those dealing with Binge Eating Disorder (BED) or binge tendencies—the reality often looks quite different.

If it hasn’t worked for you, it’s not you who failed; it’s the method that’s failed you. In this episode, I’m diving into when and why intermittent fasting can fall short. Tune in to learn why it may not be the best choice for everyone—and discover more balanced, sustainable ways to nourish your body and find peace with food.


References

The Top 5 Mistakes That People Make When Starting a GLP-1


Audio Stamps

00:29 - Dr. Rentea explains what intermittent fasting is and how she sees it backfire for those with binge eating tendencies.

03:14 - While some feel energized by intermittent fasting, it often leads to unhealthy eating patterns and poor results.
 
09:33 - The ‘all-or-nothing’ mindset can lead to stricter eating patterns, like shifting from 16:8 fasting to alternate-day fasting, causing a loss of control on eating days.

12:58 - Dr. Rentea encourages you to assess whether your current eating strategy feels sustainable and beneficial.


Quotes

“If you are someone that at times really wants to eat larger quantities of food and you might have an ‘all-or-nothing’ side of you where you go from ‘I have to eat perfectly’ and then ‘I want to eat all the things’, intermittent fasting is not going to be your friend.”

“One of the biggest things that I work on when people have binge eating disorder, it's creating balance throughout the day for them so that their blood sugars can stay stable.”

“The best thing that's ever going to happen to some of you is just going to be to have cookies every day.”

“The goal is not zero. The goal is less often, and the goal is that you have a plan for what to do afterward. A lot of you have no aftercare plan for when you have a binge, and that is the thing that's killing you.”

“The most loving thing you can do after a binge the next day is to just go ahead and have your normal breakfast.”

“Be willing to change it up as often as you need to, to keep figuring out what works, to keep getting yourself results, to be willing to change things up at different stages in your life.”

“The cliff that every woman falls off is during perimenopause and menopause. What worked before doesn't work anymore.”

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

In my work, I’m always supporting people on their journey to better metabolic health, and it’s fascinating how new themes emerge each week. This week, I noticed many patients getting caught up in what I call the “vocal minority.” These are the people who share their extreme results with medications—often loudly and visibly—leading others to feel like their own experiences are "less than." This comparison can leave them discouraged and dissatisfied with their progress, as they measure themselves against these atypical stories.

In this episode, I discuss how comparing ourselves to the vocal minority can derail our progress. Instead of fixating on extreme results, I invite you to focus on your unique health journey. I'll share real patient stories that highlight steady, meaningful progress and offer practical strategies for setting realistic expectations and achieving attainable goals. Tune in for tips on shifting your mindset, empowering your health journey, and surrounding yourself with positive influences. Don’t let the noise drown out your success—join me to discover how to prioritize what truly matters!


References

Body Weight Percentage Reduction = (Weight Lost ÷ Starting Weight) × 100


Audio Stamps

00:30 - Dr. Rentea urges listeners to focus on their unique health journeys rather than comparing themselves to the few with extreme, atypical results.

03:52 - Dr. Rentea reflects on a patient’s steady progress, emphasizing the importance of focusing on real, personal health gains instead of comparing to unrealistic portrayals online.

06:40 - Dr. Rentea shares data on weight loss expectations with certain medications, urging patients to focus on realistic, evidence-based goals and consult their physician to track healthy progress.

09:45 - We learn how successful patients adapt to their health journeys by creating practical solutions, staying flexible, and continuously finding ways to incorporate healthy habits into their busy lives.

14:55 - We hear Dr. Rentea’s top tip for stopping comparison from weighing you down and affecting progress.

21:20 - Dr. Rentea shares an update about the January round of The 30/30 Program.


Quotes

“Comparison is just the biggest killer.”

“They get so much attention. They are so vocal. Yet they are the minority.”

“Why am I obsessed with you not comparing? Because you lose sight of all the amazing things you can do for yourself.”

“If you have achieved a total of a 5 percent body weight reduction, it is working for you.”

“I would really recommend over time that instead of looking at pounds lost, you look at total body weight loss percentage.”

“There is no, ‘I hit the jackpot, get the answer, and then never again have to think about this.’”

“Stop following people that make you feel horrible about yourself. You should feel uplifted with who you're following.”

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Are you frustrated with the sky-high costs of GLP-1 medications in the U.S.? You’re not alone. While many countries offer these life-changing treatments at a fraction of the price, Americans are left grappling with hefty out-of-pocket expenses that can hinder their ability to live healthy, fulfilling lives. In this episode, we sit down with Kim Carlos, host of the Plus SideZ podcast, who is on a mission to change that.

Kim opens up about her lifelong battle with weight and the impactful experience that motivated her to travel to Washington, D.C., and advocate for affordable access to GLP-1s at a Senate HELP Committee hearing. Tune in to learn how you can get loud, be part of the movement for accessible healthcare, and join the conversation to make a difference!


References

ABC Nightline Interview 

Vote for Anthem Awards by Oct 31st! 

The Plus SideZ: Cracking the Obesity Code selected in Health - Best Influencer Collaboration: View Anthem Community Voice Category

The Plus SideZ: Cracking the Obesity Code selected in Health - Community Space: View Anthem Community Voice Category

Podcast:

YouTube

Website 

Apple Podcasts 

Spotify


Audio Stamps

01:39 - Today’s guest, Kim Carlos, host of “The Plus SideZ” podcast, shares her personal struggles with weight since childhood and the life-changing impact of GLP-1 medications in managing her condition.

21:35 - Kim highlights Bernie Sanders' acknowledgment of obesity's burden on the healthcare system, praises GLP-1 meds for reversing obesity rates, and advocates for wider access.

36:15 - Kim highlights the need for community engagement in addressing obesity as a chronic condition and encourages sharing resources to challenge misconceptions about medication accessibility.


Quotes

“Why is the United States paying so much for medication and the rest of the world is not?” - Kim Carlos

“I don't feel like in society or in the media we are hearing a lot of language outside of our doctors and creators on Tik TOK, that obesity is a disease. It is a chronic disease. There's no cure for it.” - Kim Carlos

“Right now, diet culture is dying a beautiful death. And I love it because there are actual solutions to these problems now, and there haven't been before. I just want everybody to have access.” - Kim Carlos

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Knowing what to say about someone’s weight gain or loss is simple if you follow one golden rule of modern communication: Never comment on another person’s weight. Unfortunately, not everyone gets the memo, and many of my patients and coaching clients find themselves on the receiving end of weight-related comments.

Obesity is a chronic condition that’s visible to everyone, meaning those who live with it are likely familiar with one-liners like, “Wow! I can’t believe how much weight you’ve lost; you look great!” or “Are you really going to eat that?” These comments—both positive and negative—can leave us feeling uneasy and unworthy.

In this episode, we explore the uncomfortable reality of unsolicited remarks about weight and their impact on our self-worth. Join me as we discuss how to challenge societal norms that prioritize body size over individual worth and how we can reclaim our power by advocating for ourselves and choosing how we respond to body talk.


References

Follow Katie Sturino on Instagram

Follow Judith Gaton on Instagram


Audio Stamps

00:30 - Dr. Rentea addresses a listener's request to discuss handling weight loss comments, sharing personal insights and the varied reactions people have to such remarks.

02:53 - Dr. Rentea argues that it's inappropriate to comment on someone's weight, as it reinforces the harmful idea that a person's value is tied to their size.

06:50 - Dr. Rentea urges listeners to choose how to respond to weight-related comments—whether to engage, educate, or ignore.

12:20 - Shifting the focus from weight-related comments to positive affirmations—like complimenting someone's outfit or energy—can uplift others without tying their value to size.

14:40 - Reclaim your power by deciding how to react to body-related comments—whether to engage in a discussion or not to respond at all.


Quotes

“I personally believe it is not appropriate to ever comment on someone's weight.” - Dr. Rentea

“If our weight is going to go up and down, it's very problematic if we're going to sit there and always congratulate people when the weight's down.” - Dr. Rentea

“I think that a lot of the time, the intention behind the comments matter.” - Dr. Rentea

“A lot of people truly do not know how harmful it is when they make these comments.” - Dr. Rentea

“There are other things you can say that can be very positive.” - Dr. Rentea

“You are in much more control than you realize. So you get to sit there and educate, or you get to decide these are words, they don't matter to me, this person doesn't know better, and I'm going to go about my life.” - Dr. Rentea

“I did not wait to start to educate until my body was what I thought it should be.” - Dr. Rentea

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com