If you’re curious about GLP-1s, peptide combinations, or just want a glimpse into what’s next in weight management, longevity, and wellness, you’re in the right place.

Welcome back to Weight Loss Decoded – GLP Edition! I’m Sharon Polsky, your GLP Fact Fairy host, and today I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Bowen from ApexMD.

In this episode, we’re talking all about the future of peptides—an area that gets me genuinely excited, and sets the stage for where we’re taking things in the next season, which will expand into the Peptide Decoded podcast.

Dr. Bowen shares his fascinating background, from emergency medicine and sports rehab in the Navy, to becoming a leader in functional and longevity medicine.

Together, we get into how peptides have transitioned from niche science to mainstream conversation, and we break down their uses for immune health, inflammation, energy, gut health, cognitive support, and so much more.

I always try to make science as accessible as possible, so you’ll hear us share practical strategies and real stories—whether it’s my own experiences navigating menopause, memory, and skin health, or Dr. Bowen’s insights from his practice.

We also take on the realities of healthcare today: affordability, insurance challenges, and exciting innovations in how peptides are prescribed and delivered.

Throughout, I stress the importance of personalized care and working with experts who actually understand this evolving field. And we talk openly about how to avoid quick-fix telemedicine traps, so you’re empowered to make choices that truly support your health and longevity.

This conversation is full of actionable information, honest advice, and a little bit of fun.

Moments

00:00 "Medicine, Navy, Orthobiologics Journey"

04:17 "Peptides: Nature’s Protein Chains"

06:42 "Making Peptides Understandable"

09:51 "Non-Doctor in Medical Conferences"

14:06 "Immune Boosting for Viral Recovery"

16:42 "BPC-157 and MOTS-c Explained"

20:13 "Immune Health and Peptide Use"

23:58 Affordable Care Act's Impact

27:04 "Life-Changing Peptide Discovery"

31:41 "Peptides: Future Dosing Trends"

35:00 "Focus on Weight Management"

37:01 Weight Struggles: Beyond Willpower

41:01 Maximizing Peptide Benefits Safely

43:26 "Telemedicine: Doing It Right"

Here are 3 key takeaways you can use right away:

1. Personalized Peptide Approaches: We emphasize the importance of customizing peptide protocols based on unique patient needs, whether it’s for cognitive health, immune support, or weight management.
2. Access & Affordability Are Shifting: With the rise of telemedicine and the increasing acceptance of functional medicine, personalized therapies—including the use of HSAs for payment—are becoming more accessible and budget-friendly.
3. Education & Trusted Guidance Matter: Choosing the right physician or clinic is just as important as understanding peptides themselves. We stress the benefit of working with knowledgeable providers who understand the complexities and combinations of peptides for optimal results.

Think of our podcast as your personal weight loss toolbox, filled with the tools you need to build and maintain your health. Whether you're considering GLP-1 medications or looking for holistic weight management strategies, this podcast is designed to empower you with knowledge and support.

Visit my website!

Find me on YouTube

Find me on Instagram @Sharon Polsky

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/when-we-were-young

License code: 3VR556DKJQFEFZSU

The Weight Loss Decoded - GLP Edition Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared here represents the views and opinions of the host and guests and should not be considered medical, health, or professional advice. This podcast is not a substitute for individualized care from qualified medical providers. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions that may affect your health and wellness. Any statements about treatments, health protocols, or medications discussed are based on personal experience or professional expertise and may not be suitable for everyone. Always seek personalized advice from a licensed healthcare professional who understands your specific health needs.

Copyright 2026 Sharon Polsky

In this episode, you'll learn why keeping an eye on your visceral fat, lean muscle mass, and inflammation markers is essential for your health and lasting results.

Welcome back to Weight Loss Decoded – GLP Edition! I’m Sharon Polsky, your host, and in this episode, I’m excited to welcome my special guest, the renowned integrative medicine expert Jim LaValle, RPh, CCN, DHM, DHPh from A4M.

Together, we’re breaking down one of the most important topics for anyone taking GLP-1 weight loss medications: why it’s absolutely vital to monitor your body composition along the way—not just track your weight on the scale.

In my conversation with Jim, we’ll explain why keeping an eye on your visceral fat, lean muscle mass, and inflammation markers is essential for your health and lasting results.

We’ll also address the common misconception that GLP-1s are a shortcut, and share real-world, practical advice for protecting your muscles and optimizing fat loss. That includes our favorite protein hacks, exercise recommendations, and exactly why tracking your progress is the key to long-term success.

You’ll also hear some candid stories from both of us, as well as tips for making healthy eating enjoyable (yes, even including a healthy ice cream hack!).

If you’re currently using a GLP-1, thinking about it, or just want to understand how to achieve sustainable results, you won’t want to miss this discussion. Let’s decode GLP-1s together and help you reach your goals with knowledge that truly empowers.

Moments

00:00 Precision Health Leadership Insights

06:21 GLP-1s, Lean Mass, Protein

09:15 Tracking Key Metrics for GLP-1s

10:58 Visceral Fat's Impact Explained

15:08 "Weight Loss and Muscle Balance"

19:43 Moderate Dieting with Carbs

22:42 "Frustration with Conventional Doctors"

24:56 "Risks of Rapid Weight Loss"

3 Key Takeaways for Health Professionals & Anyone on Their GLP-1 Journey:

1. Track, Don’t Guess: Measuring body composition (like visceral fat, lean mass, and inflammation markers) every 30, 60, and 90 days is critical to ensuring success and avoiding pitfalls like muscle loss or "skinny fat."
2. GLP-1s Aren’t “Cheating”—They’re Science: These medications restore incretin hormone function, reduce food noise, and make sustainable weight loss more accessible—especially for those who have struggled since adolescence.
3. Muscle Is Non-Negotiable: Maintaining (and even gaining) muscle while losing fat is possible with the right protocol—adequate protein, movement, resistance training, and not cutting calories excessively.

Think of our podcast as your personal weight loss toolbox, filled with the tools you need to build and maintain your health. Whether you're considering GLP-1 medications or looking for holistic weight management strategies, this podcast is designed to empower you with knowledge and support.

Visit my website!

Find me on YouTube

Find me on Instagram @Sharon Polsky

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/when-we-were-young

License code: 3VR556DKJQFEFZSU

The Weight Loss Decoded - GLP Edition Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared here represents the views and opinions of the host and guests and should not be considered medical, health, or professional advice. This podcast is not a substitute for individualized care from qualified medical providers. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions that may affect your health and wellness. Any statements about treatments, health protocols, or medications discussed are based on personal experience or professional expertise and may not be suitable for everyone. Always seek personalized advice from a licensed healthcare professional who understands your specific health needs.

If you’re curious about the real science behind sustainable weight loss, and want to understand why treating people as unique individuals—not just focusing on the numbers—is the real secret, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let’s decode weight loss, together!

Welcome back to the Weight Loss Decoded – GLP Edition podcast! I’m Sharon Polsky, your GLP-1 Fact Fairy and host.

I’m thrilled to welcome my friend and medical partner, Randall Hunt, the CEO of ApexMD. Randall has been a driving force behind many of the protocols I use with my clients, and together, we’re going to unpack the future of peptides, the evolving landscape of weight loss, and why it’s about so much more than just GLP-1s.

In this conversation, Randall shares his personal journey—how he turned a devastating injury into a passion for helping others heal—while I open up about what it really takes to create lasting health transformations.

We talk candidly about why individualized care matters, how the smart use of data and technology is shaping the future, and why having a dedicated coach is an absolute game-changer for success.

Moments

00:00 Healing Others Through Personal Passion

05:12 Breaking the Cycle of Frustration

09:18 ApexMD Revolutionizes Functional Medicine

12:34 "Personalized Approach to Trisepatide"

14:07 "Improving Client Care Strategies"

17:55 "MOTC and Diabetes Management"

21:23 "Fitness Journey: Transformation & Growth"

23:48 "Challenges of Adding Weight Loss Services"

26:24 "Importance of Regular Hormone Panels"

31:14 Testosterone's Impact on Confidence

32:39 "Slowing Aging Through Science"

36:38 "Mind-Blowing Weight Loss Insights"

38:48 Wearables, Data, and Wellness Tracking

Think of our podcast as your personal weight loss toolbox, filled with the tools you need to build and maintain your health. Whether you're considering GLP-1 medications or looking for holistic weight management strategies, this podcast is designed to empower you with knowledge and support.

Visit my website!

Find me on YouTube

Find me on Instagram @Sharon Polsky

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/when-we-were-young

License code: 3VR556DKJQFEFZSU

The Weight Loss Decoded - GLP Edition Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared here represents the views and opinions of the host and guests and should not be considered medical, health, or professional advice. This podcast is not a substitute for individualized care from qualified medical providers. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions that may affect your health and wellness. Any statements about treatments, health protocols, or medications discussed are based on personal experience or professional expertise and may not be suitable for everyone. Always seek personalized advice from a licensed healthcare professional who understands your specific health needs.

Copyright 2026 Sharon Polsky

Whether you’re curious about GLP-1s, searching for hope after a long struggle with weight, or just looking to support someone you care about, this episode is filled with facts, empathy, and practical advice to empower your own health journey.

Welcome back to Weight Loss Decoded – GLP Edition! I’m Sharon Polsky, your GLP Fact Fairy, and I’m so excited to bring you this episode. Today, I’m joined by Dr. Jones, a functional medicine doctor and GLP-1 coaching expert whose work I’ve admired for quite some time.

In this conversation, we get real about the complex reasons behind weight loss struggles—especially the roles of hormones like leptin, ghrelin, and insulin that so many people don’t fully understand. Drawing from both of our personal journeys with GLP-1 medications, as well as years of coaching and clinical experience, we address why being overweight is not your fault, debunk common myths, and highlight the powerful impact of fasting and sustainable lifestyle changes.

We talk through the importance of optimizing your health with solid daily habits, how microdosing GLP-1s has changed the landscape for weight management, and why embracing new science is just one part of a much bigger toolbox for lasting results.

Moments

00:00 GLP Hormones & Fasting Insights

04:40 "Optimal Health & Body Fat"

08:50 "Metabolic Rate Influenced by Hormones"

11:17 "Optimizing Hormones Through Meal Timing"

14:14 Insulin's Role Over Leptin/Ghrelin

18:48 Insulin Resistance and Body Weight

20:30 "Explaining Healthcare Beyond Tradition"

26:06 "Weight Loss Coaching & Collaboration"

29:40 "Reversing Diabetes and Obesity"

31:54 "Balancing Medications and Survivability"

33:19 Insulin Resistance Medication Coaching

36:25 Visualize Change and Its Impact

Here are 3 key takeaways worth sharing with any health professional or wellness enthusiast:

1. Your Weight Isn’t Just Willpower: There are multiple hormones (leptin, ghrelin, and insulin) driving appetite and weight regulation. It’s rarely "calories in, calories out"—context and individual biology matter.
2. Personalized Solutions Matter: Each person’s journey is unique. Tools like fasting protocols, peptide therapy, and GLP-1s should be combined with coaching, sleep, stress management, movement, and nutrition for true, lasting change.
3. Mindset Goes Further Than Medication: Before starting any weight loss or GLP-1 program, get really clear on your "why." Motivation anchored in personal meaning is what sparks real transformation—not just the latest drug or quick fix.

Think of our podcast as your personal weight loss toolbox, filled with the tools you need to build and maintain your health. Whether you're considering GLP-1 medications or looking for holistic weight management strategies, this podcast is designed to empower you with knowledge and support.

Visit my website!

Find me on YouTube

Find me on Instagram @Sharon Polsky

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/when-we-were-young

License code: 3VR556DKJQFEFZSU

The Weight Loss Decoded - GLP Edition Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared here represents the views and opinions of the host and guests and should not be considered medical, health, or professional advice. This podcast is not a substitute for individualized care from qualified medical providers. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions that may affect your health and wellness. Any statements about treatments, health protocols, or medications discussed are based on personal experience or professional expertise and may not be suitable for everyone. Always seek personalized advice from a licensed healthcare professional who understands your specific health needs.

Copyright 2026 Sharon Polsky

If you want real-world advice, science-backed information, and practical strategies to sustain your results, you won’t want to miss this episode. Let’s bust some myths and get you set up for long-term health!

Welcome back to Weight Loss Decoded – GLP Edition! I’m Sharon Polsky, your GLP Fact Fairy, and I’m thrilled to have you join me today. In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Bowen from Apex MD, who’s truly a pioneer in longevity medicine, to talk all about microdosing GLP-1s.

This topic is close to my heart because I work every day with people who need real solutions for weight maintenance—not just rapid weight loss.

Dr. Bowen and I get into what actually works for patients beyond the medication—how nutrition, exercise, sleep, and coaching all play critical roles.

We also tackle the tough conversations: why treating patients as individuals is key, the dangers of cookie-cutter GLP-1 protocols, and how our approach at Apex MD helps make microdosing safe, affordable, and personalized.

I share a bit about my journey with GLP-1s, food noise, and the challenges so many of us face in maintaining success. We address the negative stigma around using GLP-1s for weight maintenance, and we’re honest about what patients need to know before starting these medications—including financial realities and the importance of holistic care.

Moments

00:00 "40 Years in Medicine"

04:08 Health Optimization Through Modern Tools

08:17 Childhood Antibiotics and Obesity Risk

10:06 "GLP1: Eat Correctly, Not Less"

14:40 "GLP1 Microdosing Explained Simply"

16:39 "Microdosing and GLP1 Strategies"

20:38 "Food, Addiction, and Brain Health"

25:58 "Personalized Treatment Over Protocols"

29:10 "Integrative Care and Coaching"

Here are my top 3 takeaways for anyone considering or currently using GLP-1s:

1. GLP-1s as a Tool, Not a Quick Fix: I emphasize that GLP-1s are just one of many tools in the wellness toolbox. Nutrition, exercise, sleep, hydration, and overall hormone balance all need to be supported for long-term health. No magic wands or shortcuts!
2. Personalized Microdosing is Key: Dr. Bowen stresses that the "right" dose looks different for everyone—successful microdosing requires tailoring protocols to each person’s metabolic needs, lifestyle, and goals. One size definitely doesn’t fit all.
3. Holistic Coaching Makes a Difference: Both Dr. Bowen and I point out the importance of coaching and education. Patients should be supported at every step, not just handed a prescription and left to figure it out. The goal? Sustainable weight management and optimal metabolic health.

Think of our podcast as your personal weight loss toolbox, filled with the tools you need to build and maintain your health. Whether you're considering GLP-1 medications or looking for holistic weight management strategies, this podcast is designed to empower you with knowledge and support.

Visit my website!

Find me on YouTube

Find me on Instagram @Sharon Polsky

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/when-we-were-young

License code: 3VR556DKJQFEFZSU

The Weight Loss Decoded - GLP Edition Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared here represents the views and opinions of the host and guests and should not be considered medical, health, or professional advice. This podcast is not a substitute for individualized care from qualified medical providers. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions that may affect your health and wellness. Any statements about treatments, health protocols, or medications discussed are based on personal experience or professional expertise and may not be suitable for everyone. Always seek personalized advice from a licensed healthcare professional who understands your specific health needs.

Copyright 2026 Sharon Polsky

If you’re curious about GLP-1s or want to know what it really takes to succeed, this is the episode for you. Tune in for the straight facts, actionable tips, and a little tough love to help you get the most out of your weight loss journey!

Welcome back to Weight Loss Decoded – GLP Edition! I’m Sharon Polsky, your GLP Fact Fairy, and on this episode, I’m joined by the amazing Dr. Todd to talk about something I believe is absolutely essential: the importance of coaching when you’re taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss.

With all the buzz and misinformation floating around about GLP-1s, I want to give you the real story. In my experience—and in Dr. Todd’s too—it’s not enough to just get a prescription and hope for the best. In fact, most people who aren’t successful on these medications are simply missing the support they need.

In this conversation, we dig into the common mistakes we see, why working with a knowledgeable coach matters so much, and how tracking more than just the number on the scale can truly make a difference. We cover everything from managing side effects to questions you should ask any provider or telemedicine service before signing up. Plus, we pull back the curtain on “discounted” programs that cut corners and could leave you frustrated—or worse.

Moments

00:00 "GLP Coaching for Weight Loss"

03:31 "Med Spas' GLP1 Success Factors"

07:58 "GLP-1s: Weight Loss and Muscle Gain"

11:31 "GLP-1 Weight Loss Misconceptions"

14:40 Medication Costs and Trust Issues

19:16 Fiber, Diet, and GLP-1 Misuse

20:47 "New York Steps vs. California"

25:57 "Beware A La Carte Choices"

26:56 "Price Over Safety in Medications"

Key Takeaways:

1. Coaching is non-negotiable for lasting GLP-1 weight loss results
2. Tracking true progress requires more than a single scale number
3. Medications without lifestyle changes are unlikely to succeed
4. Patients need transparency, realistic expectations, and ongoing support
5. Don’t let cost alone dictate your choices—ask about coaching!

Think of our podcast as your personal weight loss toolbox, filled with the tools you need to build and maintain your health. Whether you're considering GLP-1 medications or looking for holistic weight management strategies, this podcast is designed to empower you with knowledge and support.

Visit my website!

Find me on YouTube

Find me on Instagram @Sharon Polsky

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/when-we-were-young

License code: 3VR556DKJQFEFZSU

The Weight Loss Decoded - GLP Edition Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared here represents the views and opinions of the host and guests and should not be considered medical, health, or professional advice. This podcast is not a substitute for individualized care from qualified medical providers. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions that may affect your health and wellness. Any statements about treatments, health protocols, or medications discussed are based on personal experience or professional expertise and may not be suitable for everyone. Always seek personalized advice from a licensed healthcare professional who understands your specific health needs.

Copyright 2026 Sharon Polsky

We bust myths about women and muscle, talk through the very real changes your body goes through on GLP-1s, and outline simple, actionable ways to build strength, confidence, and a healthier future.

Welcome back to Weight Loss Decoded – GLP Edition! I'm Sharon Polsky, your GLP Fact Fairy, and I’m thrilled to bring you this episode focused on a topic that couldn’t be more important for anyone on a GLP-1: the importance of strength training for weight loss, longevity, and overall wellness.

As more people turn to GLP-1 medications for support, I’ve seen firsthand the questions and real concerns—especially about losing muscle mass along with losing weight. That’s why I’ve invited Pete McCall, an expert in strength and conditioning, to help us unpack exactly why skeletal muscle is your “currency for longevity,” and how strength training can protect your health for years to come.

Throughout our conversation, Pete McCall and I tackle the intimidation so many women feel about getting started in the gym. We share practical, entry-level tips that meet you where you are—whether you’ve never picked up a dumbbell or you’re ready to step into the weight room for the first time.

If you’re looking for encouragement, straight talk, and advice you can use starting today, this episode is for you. Stay tuned as Pete McCall and I decode the real path to lasting weight loss and a vibrant, strong life.

Moments

00:00 "GLPs and Strength Training Importance"

05:49 Navigating Fitness: Starting Right

07:05 "Importance of Strength Training"

11:34 "Overcoming Gym Intimidation"

15:19 Debunking Women's Weightlifting Myths

16:56 "Bulking Misconceptions Explained"

21:04 "Menopause, Alcohol, and Strength Training"

25:06 "Simple Steps for Better Health"

29:38 "Regrets of Skipped Exercise"

33:01 "GLP1 Impact on Muscle Health"

Here are my top 3 takeaways:

1. Strength Training is Non-Negotiable: Both Pete McCall and I stress that preserving skeletal muscle mass is essential for longevity and successful weight management—especially if you’re on GLP-1s. Strength training should be your foundation, not an afterthought!
2. Start Where You Are: It's never too late. Whether you're 45, 55, or older, grab a set of 5-pound weights, walk around the block, or use everyday activities like wall push-ups and squats from a chair. Consistency and starting small are what matter most.
3. Muscle Gains Are Hard Won: The myth that women will “bulk up” from lifting weights is busted. It takes years of deliberate effort, nutrition, and consistency to build significant muscle. Don’t let that fear stop you from reaping the benefits—improved metabolism, hormone health, and a better quality of life.

Think of our podcast as your personal weight loss toolbox, filled with the tools you need to build and maintain your health. Whether you're considering GLP-1 medications or looking for holistic weight management strategies, this podcast is designed to empower you with knowledge and support.

Visit my website!

Find me on YouTube

Find me on Instagram @Sharon Polsky

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/when-we-were-young

License code: 3VR556DKJQFEFZSU

The Weight Loss Decoded - GLP Edition Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared here represents the views and opinions of the host and guests and should not be considered medical, health, or professional advice. This podcast is not a substitute for individualized care from qualified medical providers. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions that may affect your health and wellness. Any statements about treatments, health protocols, or medications discussed are based on personal experience or professional expertise and may not be suitable for everyone. Always seek personalized advice from a licensed healthcare professional who understands your specific health needs.

Copyright 2026 Sharon Polsky

If you’ve struggled with the mainstream approach to weight loss or wondered how GLP-1s really fit into a healthy lifestyle, you’ll get practical insight and honest answers in this conversation.

Welcome to Weight Loss Decoded – GLP Edition! I’m Sharon Polsky, your GLP Fact Fairy and host. In today’s episode, I sit down with Dr. Ben Gonzalez, an incredible lifestyle intervention specialist and keynote speaker at A4M functional medicine conferences.

We talk candidly about why “eat less, move more” doesn’t work—especially for women—and why real weight management comes from looking at nutrition, hormones, and the unique needs of each person.

I share my own experiences working with clients, and Dr. Gonzalez shares personal stories from his medical practice. He sheds light on the importance of sleep, stress management, hydration, physical activity, and even breathing as foundational elements for lasting health.

We break down common myths about GLP-1s and discuss how these medications can be a helpful tool, but not a quick fix—true success is all about sustainable metabolic repair.

We go beyond the hype and explore what it really takes to transform your health for good!

Moments

00:00 "Integrative Medicine Through Nutrition"

05:56 Healthcare Bias Against Women

08:58 "Metabolic Approach to Heart Health"

10:48 Testosterone's Role in Heart Recovery

15:02 "GLP1s and HCG for Weight Loss"

18:15 "Rethinking Weight Loss and Health"

21:39 "GLP-1 Agonists for Obesity Fix"

24:22 "Hormone Therapy and Resistance"

28:46 Google Fuels Fear Feedback Loops

30:24 "Shutting Down Dr. Google"

35:01 "Hormone Imbalance and Overcorrection"

37:12 "Sustaining Weight Loss Efforts"

Key Takeaways

Metabolic repair > Weight loss: We emphasize that the ultimate goal is metabolic health—not just dropping pounds. Weight loss becomes a positive side-effect when you focus on sustainable metabolic repair.

Customized, holistic care is critical: We highlight how individualized care—not one-size-fits-all advice—is vital. Women, in particular, need approaches tailored to their physiology rather than being handed the same strategies as men.

GLP-1s are a tool, not a cure-all: GLP-1s shouldn’t be seen as the magic bullet. They work best as part of a comprehensive lifestyle intervention plan that includes sleep, stress management, nutrition, hydration, movement, and even breathing.

Think of our podcast as your personal weight loss toolbox, filled with the tools you need to build and maintain your health. Whether you're considering GLP-1 medications or looking for holistic weight management strategies, this podcast is designed to empower you with knowledge and support.

Visit my website!

Find me on YouTube

Find me on Instagram @Sharon Polsky

The Weight Loss Decoded - GLP Edition Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared here represents the views and opinions of the host and guests and should not be considered medical, health, or professional advice. This podcast is not a substitute for individualized care from qualified medical providers. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions that may affect your health and wellness. Any statements about treatments, health protocols, or medications discussed are based on personal experience or professional expertise and may not be suitable for everyone. Always seek personalized advice from a licensed healthcare professional who understands your specific health needs.

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/when-we-were-young

License code: 3VR556DKJQFEFZSU

Copyright 2026 Sharon Polsky

Over nearly three months and traveling frequently, Jaisa Bishop has lost over 20 pounds, averaging one to two pounds per week—progress she’s proud of, especially since it’s been gradual and sustainable.

Welcome back to Weight Loss Decoded - GLP Edition! In today’s episode, I sit down with Jaisa Bishop, one of my patients, to get real about the unique challenges of weight loss during perimenopause and menopause. Jaisa Bishop opens up about her journey—how a pivotal moment looking at a backstage family photo made her realize how much weight she’d gained, and the frustrations of not being able to lose it, no matter how healthy she ate or how much she exercised.

We talk candidly about Jaisa Bishop’s experience starting GLP-1 medication: her initial fears, how it felt to finally see progress after years of struggle, and the surprising cognitive and emotional benefits she experienced. You'll also hear practical tips and honest advice for anyone considering a GLP-1 journey.

Moments

00:00 "GLP and Menopause Insights"

05:36 "GLP1s: Cognitive and Sleep Benefits"

07:12 "Slow Weight Loss Preference"

Here are my 3 key takeaways:

• GLP-1s can be a game-changer for midlife weight challenges: Jaisa Bishop shares that after struggling to lose weight despite healthy eating and exercise, starting tirzepatide helped her lose 20+ pounds in three months—with minimal side effects.
• It’s not “cheating”—sometimes you need help: As an athlete, Jaisa Bishop initially resisted medication but realized that changing hormones and stress made weight loss nearly impossible without extra support.
• Unexpected benefits beyond the scale: We discuss feeling sharper, more energetic, and emotionally balanced—highlighting cognitive and mental health improvements that some patients experience on GLP-1s.

Think of our podcast as your personal weight loss toolbox, filled with the tools you need to build and maintain your health. Whether you're considering GLP-1 medications or looking for holistic weight management strategies, this podcast is designed to empower you with knowledge and support.

Visit my website!

Find me on YouTube

Find me on Instagram @Sharon Polsky

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/when-we-were-young

License code: 3VR556DKJQFEFZSU

Copyright 2026 Sharon Polsky

The Weight Loss Decoded - GLP Edition Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared here represents the views and opinions of the host and guests and should not be considered medical, health, or professional advice. This podcast is not a substitute for individualized care from qualified medical providers. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions that may affect your health and wellness. Any statements about treatments, health protocols, or medications discussed are based on personal experience or professional expertise and may not be suitable for everyone. Always seek personalized advice from a licensed healthcare professional who understands your specific health needs.

Whether you’re new to weight management, facing menopause, or just looking for the latest breakthroughs, this episode is packed with insight, expert guidance, and candid coaching moments.

I sit down with Dr. Jason Chiriano to uncover the real story behind using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) alongside GLP-1 medications. We break down why balancing hormones is essential for successful weight loss—for both men and women—and how functional medicine is changing the game from quick fixes to long-term health transformations.

You’ll hear practical advice about combining HRT and GLP-1s, plus real talk about challenges like misinformation on social media, the importance of lifestyle changes, and how to advocate for your own health.

Moments

00:00 GLP Weight Loss Expectations Explained

04:36 Advanced Metabolic Health Strategies

08:03 Future Potential of GLP-1 Drugs

11:18 Weight Loss Medication Insights

14:11 Resistance Training Tips for Beginners

17:11 "Embracing Bad Body Scans"

21:23 One-Year Commitment to Health

24:03 "Consumer Responsibility in Telemedicine"

27:20 "Body Composition Over BMI"

31:00 Insulin Dependency Frustrations in Diabetes

36:05 "Reframing Financial Costs of Problems"

• Hormones and weight loss are deeply connected—GLP-1s work best when combined with proper hormone balance
• Quick-fix deals from telemedicine or med spas often skip critical medical oversight
• Sustainable weight loss involves small, practical lifestyle changes, not radical overhauls
• Coaching, data tracking, and education are huge parts of medical success stories
• Don’t accept being told “it’s all in your head”—trust your body, seek out experts, and invest in your health

Think of our podcast as your personal weight loss toolbox, filled with the tools you need to build and maintain your health. Whether you're considering GLP-1 medications or looking for holistic weight management strategies, this podcast is designed to empower you with knowledge and support.

Visit my website!

Find me on YouTube

Find me on Instagram @Sharon Polsky

https://uppbeat.io/t/matrika/when-we-were-young

License code: 3VR556DKJQFEFZSU

The Weight Loss Decoded - GLP Edition Podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The content shared here represents the views and opinions of the host and guests and should not be considered medical, health, or professional advice. This podcast is not a substitute for individualized care from qualified medical providers. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions that may affect your health and wellness. Any statements about treatments, health protocols, or medications discussed are based on personal experience or professional expertise and may not be suitable for everyone. Always seek personalized advice from a licensed healthcare professional who understands your specific health needs.

Copyright 2026 Sharon Polsky