Episode 184: The Power of Accountability Partners for Weight Loss Success
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Release Date: 01/20/2025
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Did you know that your body can actually fight against weight loss, even when you're doing everything right? In this episode, I dive into what to do when obesity medications stop working and how to get back on track with your weight loss journey. I explain how metabolic adaptation—your body burning fewer calories as it gets more efficient—can lead to plateaus, along with hormone changes and medication tolerance. I will also walk you through lifestyle tweaks like adjusting your diet, reintroducing food tracking, adding strength training, improving sleep, reducing stress, and practicing...
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Did you know that even just 10 minutes of daily movement can significantly boost your mood, energy, and long-term health? In this episode, I talk about the real struggle of finding time to exercise in the midst of a busy life filled with work, family, and endless obligations. I share how important it is to shift your mindset, prioritize your health without guilt, and give yourself grace through the ups and downs. I also dive into practical tips like scheduling your workouts like meetings, habit stacking, and finding creative and fun ways to stay active—whether it's dancing, stretching...
info_outlineBack on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Your zip code can be a stronger predictor of your health than your genetic code. In this episode, I dive into the complex issue of obesity in minority communities, especially during National Minority Health Month. I explore the reasons why obesity rates are disproportionately high among Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander populations, including food deserts, economic hardship, cultural eating habits, healthcare mistrust, and lack of safe spaces for physical activity. I also share personal stories and real-world examples to highlight these systemic barriers, and I offer...
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Did you know that the bacteria in your gut can influence your cravings, metabolism, and even how your body stores fat? In this episode, I explore the critical role of the gut microbiome in weight management. I also discuss how the trillions of bacteria, fungi, and microbes in our digestive system influence metabolism, cravings, and fat storage. Research shows that an imbalanced gut microbiome can lead to inflammation, insulin resistance, and increased cravings for unhealthy foods. To support a healthy gut, I recommend eating fiber-rich and probiotic foods, reducing processed sugars,...
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Weight loss during menopause isn’t impossible, it just requires a new approach. In this episode, I discuss the challenges of weight gain during perimenopause and menopause, explaining how hormonal shifts impact metabolism, muscle mass, and fat distribution. I highlight why traditional diets may no longer be effective and emphasize the importance of balanced nutrition, including protein, fiber, and healthy fats. I also cover the benefits of strength training, cardio, and daily movement to maintain metabolism and overall health. Additionally, I share lifestyle tips such as stress management,...
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Spring is the perfect time to reset, refresh, and recommit to your health journey. In this episode, I talk about how spring is the perfect time for a fresh start. With longer days and warmer weather, it's easier to shake off old habits and refocus on health goals. I discuss practical steps to reset, like reevaluating goals, spring-cleaning the pantry, getting outdoors for movement, staying hydrated, and improving sleep. I also share a seven-day challenge to jumpstart healthy habits and emphasize the importance of mindset, accountability, and finding joy in the journey. Ready to shake off...
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Did you know that eating more protein can help you burn fat, curb cravings, and maintain muscle—all while losing weight? In this episode, I dive into the power of protein and why it’s essential for weight loss and muscle preservation. I explain how protein boosts metabolism, curbs cravings, and helps maintain muscle while burning fat. I also share tips on increasing protein intake through diet and strength training, debunk common protein myths, and emphasize that everyone—not just bodybuilders—needs protein for overall health. If you're struggling with hunger or muscle loss while...
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With compounded GLP-1 medications soon disappearing from the market, it's time to explore safer alternatives and advocate for better access to obesity treatments. In this episode, I discuss the upcoming discontinuation of compounded GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, which many relied on due to affordability. I explain the differences between compounded and generic drugs, highlighting safety concerns and dosing risks associated with unregulated compounds. With these medications being removed from the market, I emphasize the importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle habits...
info_outlineBack on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Your heart beats 100,000 times a day, every beat is stronger and healthier when you take steps toward a healthier lifestyle. In this episode, I explore the strong connection between weight loss and heart health, emphasizing that losing just 5-10% of body weight can significantly lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. I discuss key lifestyle changes, including heart-healthy diets like the Mediterranean and DASH diets, regular exercise, stress management, and quality sleep. I also share an inspiring story of a patient who lost over 300 pounds, reversed...
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Your body is the only place you have to live—treat it with love and respect at every stage. In this episode, I emphasize the importance of loving your body at every stage of weight loss. I share my personal experience with weight gain due to medication and how practicing self-compassion helped me stay positive. Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, I encourage celebrating non-scale victories, setting health-based goals, and appreciating what our bodies can do. Daily affirmations, gratitude, dressing confidently, and moving for self-care rather than punishment can foster body...
info_outlineAccountability isn’t just support—it’s the catalyst that turns intentions into lasting results.
In this episode, I explore how accountability can be the secret ingredient to weight loss success, emphasizing the importance of support through accountability partners like friends, family, professionals, groups, or digital tools. Studies show that having an accountability partner can increase goal completion rates from 65% to 95%. I discuss various forms of accountability, from personal trainers and group activities to apps, and how they help maintain motivation, provide constructive feedback, and overcome setbacks.
I also share tips on finding reliable partners and being a supportive one, encouraging listeners to step out of their comfort zones to explore new options. Additionally, I highlight the importance of community advocacy for expanding access to obesity treatments through Medicare and Medicaid coverage.
Learn practical tips to find or become an accountability partner and take your health journey to the next level. Tune in now and start building the support system you need to achieve your goals!
Episode Highlights:
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About accountability
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Types of accountability partner
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The benefits of accountability partners
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Finding an accountability partner
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Digital platforms and being a good partner
Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly:
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Website | drshellymd.com
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Facebook | www.facebook.com/drshellymd
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Instagram | @drshellymd
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Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/drshellymd
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Twitter | @drshellymd
About Dr. Alicia Shelly
Dr. Alicia Shelly was raised in Atlanta, GA. She received her Doctorate of Medicine from Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH. Dr. Shelly has been practicing Primary Care and Obesity medicine since 2014. In 2017, she became a Diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She is the lead physician at the Wellstar Medical Center Douglasville. She started a weekly podcast & Youtube channel entitled Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight loss, where she discusses how to get on track and stay on track with your weight loss journey. She has spoken for numerous local and national organizations, including the Obesity Medicine Association, and the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgeons. She has been featured on CNN, Fox 5 News, Bruce St. James Radio show, Upscale magazine, and Shape.com. She was named an honoree of the 2021 Atlanta Business Chronicle's 40 under 40 award. She also is a collaborating author for the, “Made for More: Physician Entrepreneurs who Live Life and Practice Medicine on their own terms''.
Resources:
FREE! Discover the 5 Reasons Your Weight-Loss Journey Has Gotten Derailed (And How To Get Back On Track!) 👉 Click