The Obesity Doctor Podcast

GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are changing the conversation around obesity and weight loss — but there’s one major problem: most people are starting these medications with little to no guidance on how to properly nourish their body while taking them.

And that matters.

Because while GLP-1s can be incredibly effective tools for weight loss, they can also lead to muscle loss, under-eating, fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and long-term metabolic issues when nutrition is neglected.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the biggest nutrition mistakes people make on GLP-1 medications — and exactly how to protect your metabolism, preserve muscle, maintain energy, and build sustainable habits while losing weight.

We’ll cover:
- Why protein becomes non-negotiable on GLP-1 medications
- How much protein you actually need
- The hidden dangers of under-eating
- Why rapid weight loss can harm your metabolism
- How to preserve muscle while losing fat
- The critical role of strength training
- What to do if you have no appetite
- Tips for nausea and food aversions
- How to create sustainable eating habits while on GLP-1s
- Rebuilding a healthier relationship with food

This episode is especially important if you’ve ever thought:
“I’m barely eating… so why do I feel exhausted?”
“Why am I losing muscle instead of just fat?”
“How do I hit my protein goals when I’m never hungry?”

GLP-1 medications are not magic — but when combined with proper nutrition and lifestyle support, they can become powerful tools for long-term health.

If you’re currently taking a GLP-1 medication, considering one, or supporting someone who is, this episode is a must-listen.

And if you’re looking for support along your journey, Dr. Sasha High and I would love to welcome you into our women’s coaching program, Best Weight, where we openly discuss treatment options like GLP-1 medications and help women build sustainable, healthy weight loss habits together.

WORK WITH US:
O​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinic
https://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

Join my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight

Recover Strong for Binge Eating
https://www.sashahighmd.com/bed

Taking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide

FOLLOW SASHA
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
BMI Calculator
Basal Metabolic Rate Calculator(BMR)

REFERENCES:
Carbone, J. W., & Pasiakos, S. M. (2019). Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit. Nutrients, 11(5), 1136. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051136

McCarthy, D., & Berg, A. (2021). Weight Loss Strategies and the Risk of Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss. Nutrients, 13(7), 2473. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072473

Scott Butsch, W., Sulo, S., Chang, A. T., Kim, J. A., Kerr, K. W., Williams, D. R., Hegazi, R., Panchalingam, T., Goates, S., & Heymsfield, S. B. (2025). Nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss in adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists: A retrospective observational study. Obesity pillars, 15, 100186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obpill.2025.100186

Brian Baumal lost 100 pounds, and more importantly, he’s kept it off for over 14 years.

But what he really understands is this: it’s not a lack of knowledge that keeps people stuck, it’s the psychology. The urgency that drives all-or-nothing thinking.

Brian works as a Toronto-based psychotherapist and is the guest on today’s episode of THE OBESITY DOCTOR PODCAST. We break down why urgency isn’t discipline, and what actually works if you want change to last.

Work with Brian:
https://alivapsychotherapy.com/

WORK WITH ME
O​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinic
https://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

Join my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight

Recover Strong for Binge Eating
https://www.sashahighmd.com/bed

Taking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide

FOLLOW SASHA
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/

In today’s episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest challenges during a weight loss journey — balancing social eating while still making progress.

With summer approaching, there are naturally more opportunities for eating out, patio dinners, vacations, parties, and weekend plans. Many people feel confident and consistent during the week, but struggle when social events come up and feel like their progress gets completely derailed.

In this episode, Tedi Glik, RD will cover:

- Why there is no such thing as a “cheat meal”
- How to build balanced meals even when eating out
- The importance of protein and veggies at social meals
- Why skipping meals before dinner outings backfires
- How restriction leads to overeating Letting go of the “good” vs. “bad” food mentality
- How scarcity around food increases cravings and binge eating
- Tips for navigating pizza nights, desserts, restaurant meals, and alcohol
- How to enjoy flexibility without guilt while still supporting your goals

The goal is learning how to make healthy eating sustainable in real life — not just during perfect weeks at home.

WORK WITH US:

Join my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight

Recover Strong for Binge Eating
https://www.sashahighmd.com/bed

O​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinic
https://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

Taking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide

FOLLOW SASHA
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective tools we have in obesity medicine—and also one of the most misunderstood.

In this episode, I’m diving into where surgery truly fits in the treatment of obesity and metabolic health. While we often focus on medical therapies like GLP-1s, it’s important to understand the role bariatric surgery can play—and why it continues to be underutilized or dismissed by many patients.

I’m joined by Toronto-based bariatric surgeon Dr. Lazar Klein, who shares his expertise on what bariatric surgery actually involves, who it’s for, and how it fits into a comprehensive, long-term approach to care. We walk through the most common procedures available — including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch variations — and clarify why older procedures like gastric banding are no longer recommended.

Dr. Klein addresses common fears around surgery, including concerns about surgical complications, dumping syndrome and lifelong changes, while offering a realistic and balanced perspective on risk.

We explore the long-term outcomes as well—how surgery impacts conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and cancer and even mortality, and what the evidence shows about weight maintenance years down the road.

If bariatric surgery has ever felt confusing, intimidating, or “not for you,” this episode will help bring clarity to the conversation.

Resources & Links
Ontario Bariatric Network
https://www.ontariobariatricnetwork.ca/

High Metabolic Clinic
https://www.highmetabolicclinic.com/

In this episode, I walk through what’s actually happening with generic semaglutide right now—and what it means for you in real life, not just in headlines.

I explain where semaglutide fits in the bigger picture, how it compares to tirzepatide, and why generics are entering the market now. I also break down what “bioequivalence” really means—and why that nuance matters when it comes to effectiveness and side effects.

I talk about early pricing estimates, what we might see happen with brand-name costs, and how pharmacy-level substitution could impact what patients are actually given. We get into the practical questions I’m already hearing: what the devices will look like, whether dosing will feel the same, and how switching between products might affect different patients.

I also share how I’m thinking about this clinically—who will likely transition easily, and who may need a more cautious, individualized approach. And importantly, I address a growing issue: access to medication is not the same as access to care. Obesity treatment is more than a prescription—it’s ongoing, structured medical care.

Bottom line: I’m genuinely encouraged by the potential for improved access—but your treatment should still be guided by your individual response, not just what’s available.

This is an evolving space, and I’ll keep you updated as we learn more.

WORK WITH ME

O​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinic https://www.highmetabolicclinic.com

Join my Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight

Binge Eating Disorder Treatment - https://www.sashahighmd.com/bed

Taking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide

FOLLOW ME on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/