Episode 197: When Weight Loss Stalls: What Now?
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Release Date: 04/21/2025
Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss
Motivation may spark change, but it's small, consistent actions that keep the fire burning, especially when you're just not feeling it. In this episode, I talk about what to do when you're feeling completely unmotivated to stick with healthy habits. I dive into the truth that motivation is fleeting and often unreliable, and instead, I share practical strategies to keep moving forward even when you don’t feel like it. I also explore common reasons we lose motivation like overwhelm, burnout, boredom, and perfectionism and offer five actionable tips: shrink the task, pair it with something...
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Did you know that one 20-ounce soda can pack more sugar than five donuts—and still leave you hungry? In this episode, I unpacked the deceptively sweet world of sugar-sweetened beverages from sodas and sweet teas to fruit juices and even those “healthy” smoothies. I busted eight common myths that might be sabotaging your wellness journey without you even realizing it. We talked about how liquid calories sneak past your hunger cues, spike blood sugar, fuel cravings, and trigger fat storage. I broke down why fruit juice isn't the same as whole fruit, why diet sodas and energy drinks...
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Did you know a daily weight loss pill might soon replace weekly injections for managing obesity? In this episode, I explore the exciting new development of a once-daily oral weight loss medication, oral semaglutide 50mg highlighting results from the OASIS 1 trial. With this, I explain how this pill could be a game-changer for people who are hesitant about injections like Wegovy or Zepbound. I break down how semaglutide works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, the phases of drug development, and the impressive trial results showing an average 15% body weight loss in participants without diabetes. I...
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Did you know that your body has its own unique weight loss blueprint and it might be the key to finally seeing results? In this episode, I explore the concept of obesity phenotypes and why one-size-fits-all approaches to weight loss often fail. I dive into the four main types I see in my practice: Hungry Brain, Emotional Hunger, Hungry Gut, and Slow Burn, and how understanding which one you align with can dramatically improve your treatment strategy. I also reflect on my own experiences, and those of my patients, emphasizing that it's not about willpower but biology and behavior. By...
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Did you know that some weight loss medications can help people lose up to 20% of their body weight, comparable to bariatric surgery outcomes? In this episode, I dive into the latest research comparing two major weight loss medications, Wegovy (semaglutide) and Zepbound (tirzepatide), based on findings from the 72-week SURMOUNT-5 trial. I explain how Zepbound led to greater weight loss (about 20.2% vs. 13.7% with Wegovy), possibly due to its dual action on GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Both drugs were generally well tolerated, with similar side effects like nausea and constipation, though Wegovy had...
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Episode 200 is a celebration of your journey and questions, as I dive deep into the realities of weight loss, medications, and staying consistent through it all. In this episode, I celebrate a huge milestone—our 200th episode of the Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss podcast! I take this opportunity to answer your most frequently asked questions from TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and podcast listeners, covering a wide range of topics like weight loss medications (such as Qsymia and Contrave), combining medications, insurance, PCOS, managing side effects, and more. I also dive into...
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Did you know that simply tracking your steps each day can double your chances of reaching your weight loss goals? In this episode, I explored how digital tech tools like fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, smart scales, continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), streaming fitness apps, and sleep tech can support your weight loss journey. I shared personal experiences using devices like the Fitbit, Apple Watch, and Garmin, emphasizing how they helped me stay accountable and understand my body's needs better. From real-time data on your activity and heart rate to insights on your sleep and glucose...
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Have you ever wondered how obesity can raise the risk for certain cancers? Today’s episode breaks down the real connection in a simple, honest way — and why it matters for your health and future. In this episode, I talk about how excess body weight can lead to chronic inflammation, raise hormone levels like estrogen and insulin, and create an environment where cancer cells can grow more easily. I explain how obesity is linked to at least 13 types of cancers, including breast, colon, and liver cancers. We also discuss the critical role of preventive screenings like mammograms and...
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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_outlineDid 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 mindful eating. I also cover when it's time to reassess your medications or even consider bariatric surgery. Most importantly, this will remind you that hitting a plateau isn’t a failure—it’s just your body adapting, and with the right tools and mindset, you can break through and keep moving forward.
Tune in to learn how to outsmart weight loss plateaus and get your journey back on track!
Episode Highlights:
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Why obesity medications may stop working
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Understanding metabolic adaptation and hormone shifts
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Importance of lifestyle tweaks alongside medication
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Strategies to break through weight loss plateaus
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When to adjust medication dose or switch classes
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Combining medications for better results
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Considering bariatric surgery as a treatment option
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Managing stress, sleep, and emotional eating for long-term success
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