Weight loss medications are everywhere—but do they really work, and are they safe? Functional practitioner Marie Simpson shares expert insights, side effects, and natural alternatives.

In this Saddle Up segment of Doing Life Different, I recap my powerful conversation with Marie Simpson, a trusted functional assessment practitioner, about the rise of weight loss medications. We explore whether these drugs are truly necessary, their impact on muscle and bone health, and how lifestyle habits like high-protein nutrition, strength training, and joy-filled living can support lasting results.

Marie provides a functional medicine perspective on weight loss medications—what they do, when they’re helpful, what risks to watch for, and how to combine them with smarter health strategies. Whether you’re considering medication or looking for natural ways to boost weight loss, this episode gives you the clarity you need.

(00:00) Introduction to weight loss medications and functional health

(02:15) What functional practitioners are saying about weight loss drugs

(05:12) Side effects and long-term considerations for patients

(08:40) The importance of muscle, protein, and bone density on these medications

(11:27) Lifestyle habits that mimic medication effects naturally

(14:05) Joy, stress reduction, and hormone balance for sustainable weight loss

(16:20) Final thoughts: better vs. best approaches to lasting health

• 
  
• 
  
• Weight loss medications may help some people, but lifestyle changes remain essential.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Side effects exist—muscle loss and bone density decline are key concerns.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Prioritizing protein (30g per meal) and strength training is crucial whether on medication or not.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Stress reduction and joy play a major role in hormone balance and weight management.
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Medications can be a bridge, but long-term health requires holistic strategies.
• 
  
• 
  

Marie Simpson is a Functional Assessment Practitioner who helps clients uncover root causes of health challenges through a holistic approach. She integrates functional testing, personalized nutrition, and lifestyle strategies to support sustainable health and healing. Marie brings a balanced perspective to weight loss medications, blending science, practicality, and functional medicine wisdom.

• 
  
• 
  
• Learn more about OsteoStrong for bone health: https://osteostrong.me
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Connect with Lesa Koski: https://lesakoski.com
• 
  
• 
  
• 
  
• Listen to the full interview with Marie Simpson on Doing Life Different
• 
  
• 
  

weight loss medications, weight loss drugs, functional medicine, holistic health, sustainable weight loss, protein nutrition, strength training, muscle loss, bone density, Marie Simpson, Lesa Koski, Doing Life Different podcast, Saddle Up segment, midlife weight loss, natural weight loss alternatives