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.

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

✨ Season 2 of Behind the Curtain is officially live! ✨ You can join the season on its own or take it a step further by opting into the live 21-Day Challenge with Dr. Rentea, running December 1–21—the perfect way to finish the year strong and head into the holidays with momentum.👉 JOIN HERE — spots are limited for the live challenge!

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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.

What happens when GLP-1 medications change more than just your appetite?

If you’re considering anti-obesity medications, it’s normal to wonder what else they might affect beyond hunger. In this episode, I respond to a thoughtful listener question: If food and alcohol have been your go-to coping tools, what happens when they no longer provide comfort?

We explore how GLP-1 medications can dampen the brain’s reward response—not just to food, but to other pleasures as well—and what that might mean for social drinking, emotional regulation, and mental health. I also unpack the rare but real risk of mood changes, why it’s so important to have fulfilling habits in place before starting, and how, for many people, these medications unlock a new level of physical freedom and possibility.

If you’re weighing your options or just want a clearer picture of what life on GLP-1s can look like, this episode offers a grounded, honest perspective—plus why having the right medical support really matters.

Audio Stamps

00:30 - Dr. Rentea shares her summer planning approach and introduces a fan mail question about GLP-1 medications affecting reward systems beyond food.

02:13 - A listener asks whether GLP-1 medications shut down reward responses only for food or for everything, and worries about losing coping mechanisms.

03:40 - Dr. Rentea addresses the concerning pattern of using food and alcohol as coping mechanisms for sleep and stress.

05:07 - The reality of how GLP-1 medications change your relationship with food and why many people lose interest in alcohol.

07:28 - The rare but real risk of depression and mental health changes on these medications, and why medical supervision is crucial.

09:27 - On the flip side, how life can become incredibly amazing when physical capabilities improve and new activities become possible.

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

✨ Season 2 of Behind the Curtain is officially live! ✨ You can join the season on its own or take it a step further by opting into the live 21-Day Challenge with Dr. Rentea, running December 1–21—the perfect way to finish the year strong and head into the holidays with momentum.👉 JOIN HERE — spots are limited for the live challenge!

Support the show

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.

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

✨ Season 2 of Behind the Curtain is officially live! ✨ You can join the season on its own or take it a step further by opting into the live 21-Day Challenge with Dr. Rentea, running December 1–21—the perfect way to finish the year strong and head into the holidays with momentum.👉 JOIN HERE — spots are limited for the live challenge!

Support the show

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.

“How am I supposed to take care of myself on top of everything else?” When life is heavy—whether you’re caring for a loved one, buried in work, or simply stretched too thin—your own health and wellbeing often fall to the bottom of the list. It’s not because you don’t care. It’s because you’re exhausted.

That’s exactly where therapist Amie Adams found herself: in the thick of caregiving for her mother with dementia while working full time. In the middle of burnout, she realized something had to change—but she didn’t have the energy or capacity for a perfect plan. So, she started by doing the only thing she could: she did it messy.

In this episode, we’re unpacking what it really looks like to start a health journey when you’re already running on empty. You’ll hear how Amie redefined success, let go of perfectionism, and began taking small, sustainable steps forward. If you’re in a hard season and don’t know where to begin, this is your reminder: there is a way forward, and it doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.

References

Connect with Amie:

Website

Instagram

Tik Tok

Waterllama

The Hydrate App

00:30 - Dr. Rentea introduces today’s guest, therapist Amie Adams, to talk about staying healthy when life gets tough.

03:00 - Amie explains the life circumstances which forced her to prioritize her health despite being overwhelmed with caregiving for her mom.

05:26 - Amie started by finding inspiring online communities before taking any physical action steps.

07:59 - Two key mindset shifts for overwhelmed people trying to prioritize health without adding stress.

10:34 - Amie stresses that asking for help is uncomfortable but essential.

14:25 - Amy was surprised by how isolating caregiving became despite having strong social connections.

20:00 - Amy advises to "do it messy" and start small rather than waiting for the perfect moment to begin.

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

✨ Season 2 of Behind the Curtain is officially live! ✨ You can join the season on its own or take it a step further by opting into the live 21-Day Challenge with Dr. Rentea, running December 1–21—the perfect way to finish the year strong and head into the holidays with momentum.👉 JOIN HERE — spots are limited for the live challenge!

Support the show

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.

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

✨ Season 2 of Behind the Curtain is officially live! ✨ You can join the season on its own or take it a step further by opting into the live 21-Day Challenge with Dr. Rentea, running December 1–21—the perfect way to finish the year strong and head into the holidays with momentum.👉 JOIN HERE — spots are limited for the live challenge!

Support the show

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.

Thinking about stopping your GLP-1 medication and wondering what that means for your progress? Whether it’s affordability, pregnancy planning, or personal choice, stepping away from a medication that’s helped you feel in control can bring up a lot of anxiety. What if the cravings come back stronger than ever? What if all your hard-earned progress starts to slip?

In this episode, I answer a heartfelt listener question about coming off a GLP-1. We unpack what to expect physically and emotionally, how to taper without shocking your system, and why added support—nutritional, medical, and emotional—is non-negotiable during this phase.

Tune in to learn how to step down strategically (rather than go cold turkey), what nutrition shifts can help ease the transition, and how to manage that all-too-familiar surge of insatiable hunger. You’ll walk away with three core strategies to minimize rebound effects, tools to reshape your food and movement routines, and a grounded approach to protecting your progress.

Audio Stamps

00:30 - Dr. Rentea addresses a listener question about discontinuing GLP-1 medication and explores various reasons people might want to stop.

01:40 - The importance of gradual dose reduction to prevent sudden, intense hunger increases.

02:45 - Reintroducing volume-based eating techniques when food no longer stays in your stomach as long.

03:27 - The physiological changes that occur when stopping GLP-1s and why lifestyle factors become even more crucial.

05:46 - Overview of alternative medication options like generic Contrave that can help bridge the transition, though they're less effective than GLP-1s.

07:05 - Dr. Rentea shares the common pattern of patients who stop medication abruptly returning months later after regaining weight.

08:48 - Despite our desire to be the exception, most people struggle to maintain weight loss long-term without adequate support.

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

✨ Season 2 of Behind the Curtain is officially live! ✨ You can join the season on its own or take it a step further by opting into the live 21-Day Challenge with Dr. Rentea, running December 1–21—the perfect way to finish the year strong and head into the holidays with momentum.👉 JOIN HERE — spots are limited for the live challenge!

Support the show

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.

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

✨ Season 2 of Behind the Curtain is officially live! ✨ You can join the season on its own or take it a step further by opting into the live 21-Day Challenge with Dr. Rentea, running December 1–21—the perfect way to finish the year strong and head into the holidays with momentum.👉 JOIN HERE — spots are limited for the live challenge!

Support the show

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.

Worried about losing muscle and derailing progress during surgery recovery? When mobility is limited, even temporarily, it's easy to feel like all your hard work is slipping away.

In this episode, I address a listener who recently had bunion surgery and is now non-weight bearing, concerned about muscle loss while resuming GLP-1 medication. You'll discover what to focus on when movement is restricted, practical nutrition strategies that minimize muscle loss, and why recovery periods can become unexpected opportunities for growth.

Learn how to maintain perspective, focus on what you *can* control, and keep your long-term health journey on track—even when temporary limitations force you to slow down.

References

Ep.108: How to Handle a Medication Pause Without Losing Progress

NEW Premium Podcast: The Obesity Guide: Behind The Curtain

Audio Stamps

00:53 - Dr. Rentea shares inspiration for new recipes she’s loving, including her new favorite: overnight chia blueberry oats.

04:15 - Make sure you’re signed up to the weekly newsletter if you would like to have new recipe ideas in your inbox every Monday (found and tested by Dr. Rentea!).

06:53 - Addressing a listener question about using GLP-1 medications during recovery from surgery and concerns about muscle loss.

09:13 - Focusing on what you can control post-surgery is key, particularly nutrition and protein intake, rather than worrying about temporary muscle loss.

12:12 - Looking for alternative exercises during recovery and why doing something is better than nothing.

13:45 - Keeping perspective on temporary setbacks as minor blips in your overall health journey, not defining moments that determine long-term success.

16:54 - Dr. Rentea encourages daily re-centering and embracing a long-term health perspective.

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

✨ Season 2 of Behind the Curtain is officially live! ✨ You can join the season on its own or take it a step further by opting into the live 21-Day Challenge with Dr. Rentea, running December 1–21—the perfect way to finish the year strong and head into the holidays with momentum.👉 JOIN HERE — spots are limited for the live challenge!

Support the show

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.

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

✨ Season 2 of Behind the Curtain is officially live! ✨ You can join the season on its own or take it a step further by opting into the live 21-Day Challenge with Dr. Rentea, running December 1–21—the perfect way to finish the year strong and head into the holidays with momentum.👉 JOIN HERE — spots are limited for the live challenge!

Support the show

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.

This week, I’m sharing a powerful interview I was invited to be part of on the Plus SideZ podcast with hosts Kim Carlos and Kat Carter. We spoke with Ashley Palu, a contestant from Season 9 of The Biggest Loser, for a behind-the-scenes look at the show that shaped so many of our early beliefs about weight loss.

I was 16 when the show first aired, and as a kid who had always been overweight, I watched it thinking this is the answer: work out nonstop, eat barely anything, track everything. I bought the books. I bought in. If you’ve ever done Weight Watchers or followed diet culture trends, chances are this show influenced you too—before we fully understood the harm it caused.

In this conversation, Ashley opens up about it all: applying for the show, the emotional impact of public weigh-ins, the pressure of filming, what was real vs. produced, and what happened after the cameras stopped—including weight regain and eventually starting a GLP-1. She also shares the shockingly low number of calories contestants were expected to eat, giving us a sobering look at just how extreme the process really was.

References

Connect with Ashley:

TikTok

Instagram

The Plus SideZ Podcast

Audio Stamps

00:00:30 - Dr. Rentea shares how The Biggest Loser shaped her early views on weight loss and introduces her chat on The Plus SideZ podcast with former Biggest Loser contestant, Ashley Palu.

00:18:56 - The extreme calorie restriction Ashley followed on the show, how it impacted her physically and emotionally, and why it remains her biggest regret.

00:23:11 - What Ashley learned about weight loss from doing the show and the mental strength she gained through the experience.

00:29:53 - How rapid weight loss on the show led to muscle loss and a declining basal metabolic rate.

00:35:40 - We find out about the weekly rest day, which included a high-calorie “cheat day,” fueling food obsession from extreme restriction.

00:38:44 - Before, food noise was constant. Now, GLP-1 meds have brought peace, with lasting change rooted in mental healing.

00:46:16 - Ashley reflects on the shame and isolation that can come with weight regain, especially after being in the public eye.

00:50:35 - Dr. Rentea explains that weight regain is common because the body resists weight loss through powerful hormonal and metab

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

✨ Season 2 of Behind the Curtain is officially live! ✨ You can join the season on its own or take it a step further by opting into the live 21-Day Challenge with Dr. Rentea, running December 1–21—the perfect way to finish the year strong and head into the holidays with momentum.👉 JOIN HERE — spots are limited for the live challenge!

Support the show