On this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, powered by Celsius, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen—triple board-certified physician in Endocrinology, Obesity Medicine, and Internal Medicine—to discuss the evolving landscape of weight management and women’s health.

A pioneer in the use of GLP-1 medications, Dr. Salas-Whalen explains how these treatments, originally approved for type 2 diabetes, are now transforming approaches to weight loss. She breaks down common misconceptions, highlights the importance of muscle retention, and shares how these medications fit into a sustainable, science-backed health strategy.

They also dive into hormone therapy, strength training, and Dr. Salas-Whalen’s empowering approach to perimenopause and menopause—what she calls a “menopause redo.” She offers practical, modern tools to help women navigate midlife with clarity, strength, and confidence.

Dr. Salas-Whalen also previews her upcoming book, The GLP-1 Breakthrough, packed with insights on how to take control of your health through medical innovation and thoughtful movement.

Want to learn more?  Follow @drsalaswhalen on Instagram.
Plus visit strengthMD.co to check out her protein and use code STRONGNY at check-out for 15% off your order.

00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Announcement
00:22 Meet Dr. Rocio Salas-Whelan
00:49 The Benefits and Controversies of GLP-1 Medications
01:34 Early Adoption and Off-Label Use
03:55 FDA Approval and Media Attention
05:04 Addressing Negative Press and Misuse
06:25 The Importance of Medical Supervision
09:50 Muscle Preservation and Weight Loss
12:50 Understanding Obesity as a Chronic Condition
16:36 Genetics, Hormones, and Environmental Factors
18:14 Personal Experiences and Family Struggles
19:56 GLP-1 Use in Children and Adolescents
21:49 The Role of Exercise and Medical Guidance
24:47 Bridging the Gap Between Fitness and Medicine
28:53 Success Stories with GLP-1
29:11 The Psychological Impact of Weight Loss
30:20 The Fitness Divide: Fit vs. Unfit
31:09 The Role of the Food Industry in Health
33:08 The Importance of Motivation and Accessibility
37:54 The Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Women
43:01 Balancing Life and Fitness
47:37 Diet and Supplementation Tips
52:21 Future of Medical Treatments for Obesity
54:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts