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Episode 208: Is Cane Sugar Better? Unpacking the Health Impact of High Fructose Corn Syrup

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

Release Date: 07/21/2025

Episode 224: Strong Over 60: GLP-1 Weight Loss Without Muscle Loss show art Episode 224: Strong Over 60: GLP-1 Weight Loss Without Muscle Loss

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

If you're over 60 and using GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Zepbound, this episode could save your independence. In this episode, I reveal the hidden danger of rapid weight loss without muscle protection—and the simple strategies that keep you strong, steady, and mobile as the pounds come off. GLP-1 medications are transforming weight loss for older adults managing diabetes, high blood pressure, and joint pain. But there's a critical piece most people miss: sarcopenia. This age-related muscle loss accelerates during weight loss, putting you at risk for falls, fractures, and losing the...

info_outline Episode 223: Orforglipron 101: The Next Big Thing in Obesity Medications show art Episode 223: Orforglipron 101: The Next Big Thing in Obesity Medications

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

If you've been waiting for a GLP-1 weight loss medication that doesn't require injections, special timing, or refrigeration—this episode is for you. Learn about the groundbreaking oral pill that could hit the market as early as 2026. For years, effective obesity medications have meant needles. But Orforglipron could change everything. In this episode, I break down the science, clinical trial results, and approval timeline for this first-of-its-kind once-daily pill that delivers GLP-1 benefits without the injection barriers. Whether you're needle-averse, struggle with injection site...

info_outline Episode 222: Holiday Strategies for Staying on Track show art Episode 222: Holiday Strategies for Staying on Track

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

The average American gains 5-10 pounds during the holidays—weight that rarely comes off afterward. As we officially enter what I call "the holiday stretch," I'm giving you practical strategies to enjoy your celebrations without derailing your health goals. Here's the truth: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's are just ONE DAY each—not two months of non-stop eating. In this episode, I'm sharing seven evidence-based strategies that work in real life—whether you're dealing with pushy relatives, office parties, or emotional eating triggers. I'll show you how to enjoy your holiday...

info_outline Episode 221: Obesity is more than willpower show art Episode 221: Obesity is more than willpower

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

If you've ever been told to "just eat less and move more," or struggled with weight despite doing everything "right," this episode will validate your experience and challenge the harmful myths that still exist—even in medicine. In this deeply personal episode, I will share what happened when a colleague dismissed obesity as "lifestyle driven" rather than a chronic disease. Her response is a powerful reminder that this condition is far more complex than willpower. I will also open up about my own decades-long journey—including training for two full Ironmans and seven marathons—and why...

info_outline Episode 220: Historic Agreement on GLP-1 Obesity Medication show art Episode 220: Historic Agreement on GLP-1 Obesity Medication

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

In this powerful episode, I will break down one of the biggest developments in obesity and diabetes treatment in U.S. history. Two major pharmaceutical companies - Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk - have reached a groundbreaking agreement with the administration that will drastically reduce the prices of popular medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound. This pricing model could transform how obesity medications are covered, distributed, and accessed across Medicare, Medicaid, and direct-to-consumer platforms. Tune in to learn what this new deal means for patients, healthcare providers, and...

info_outline Episode 219: Microdosing GLP-1s: Does It Actually Work? show art Episode 219: Microdosing GLP-1s: Does It Actually Work?

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

Seen TikTok videos about taking "just a little bit" of Ozempic or counting pen clicks instead of using the prescribed dose? That's microdosing, and it's showing up everywhere—from social media to patient discussions. In this episode, I will cut through the hype to explain what microdosing GLP-1 medications really means, why people are trying it (spoiler: cost and side effects), and what the research actually says. I will discuss the concept of "super responders" who seem to do well on lower doses, the lack of scientific backing for DIY microdosing, and the real risks of using compounded or...

info_outline Episode 218: How Fructose Impacts Your Liver, Heart, and Kidneys show art Episode 218: How Fructose Impacts Your Liver, Heart, and Kidneys

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

Ever wonder why you still feel hungry after drinking a sugary soda? It turns out fructose doesn't trigger the same fullness signals in your brain that other sugars do. In this episode, I break down the science of fructose and how it affects your body differently than the natural sugars found in whole fruits. We explore how excess fructose from sodas, processed foods, and fruit juices can lead to fat buildup in your liver, raise your triglyceride levels, and increase your risk for metabolic dysfunction associated with liver disease. I also discuss how fructose impacts your heart health by...

info_outline Episode 217: Why Body Positivity and GLP-1s Don't Have to Be Enemies show art Episode 217: Why Body Positivity and GLP-1s Don't Have to Be Enemies

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

Can body positivity and weight loss medications like Ozempic and WeGovy coexist. Or are they destined to clash? This question has sparked debates across social media and medical offices everywhere. In this episode, I will explore the history of the body positivity movement from its 1960’s roots with the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance to its social media explosion in the 2010’s. I will discuss how the movement challenged diet culture and promoted self-love regardless of size. Then, I will also talk about today’s weight loss medication revolution and the tension it creates....

info_outline Episode 216: Why GLP-1 Medications Could Help You Live Longer show art Episode 216: Why GLP-1 Medications Could Help You Live Longer

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

A new study shows weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound don’t just help with losing weight they may also protect the heart and save lives. In this episode, we look at a new study that followed over 90,000 people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart failure. The results show that drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound don’t just help with weight loss, they can cut the risk of death or hospitalization for heart failure nearly in half. We’ll talk about why that matters, how these medications actually work in the body, and what you should know about side effects and access. Most...

info_outline Episode 215: The Dangers of Black Market Weight Loss Medications show art Episode 215: The Dangers of Black Market Weight Loss Medications

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

Have you heard about people buying weight loss medications from unregulated sources online? The rise of black market weight loss drugs is putting lives at risk. In this episode, I discuss the concerning trend of people purchasing Retatrutide—a medication still in clinical trials—through illegal channels. Known as the "Godzilla Jab" for its potential power, early studies suggest this drug could help people lose up to 24% of their body weight. I explain what Retatrutide is and how it compares to FDA-approved medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. We explore why people take...

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Did you know that high fructose corn syrup, a sweetener found in everything from soda to salad dressing, has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and inflammation?

In this episode, I explore a surprising claim by Donald Trump that Coca Cola may switch from high fructose corn syrup to cane sugar—and use this as a springboard to explore the health concerns around high fructose corn syrup. I break down what it is, why it's used so widely in processed foods, and the many health risks it poses, from obesity and diabetes to inflammation and high blood pressure. I even share a patient story that highlights its real-life impact. While cane sugar isn’t a healthy food either, it may have fewer metabolic downsides. Regardless of whether Coca Cola makes the switch, I emphasize the power we have to read labels, reduce added sugar, choose more whole foods, and make smarter decisions for our health.

Tune in to learn how cutting back on hidden sugars like high fructose corn syrup can transform your health and energy!

 

Episode Highlights:

  • Trump’s claim about Coca Cola switching to cane sugar

  • What high fructose corn syrup is and why it’s widely used

  • Health risks linked to high fructose corn syrup

  • Real-life patient story on soda and high blood pressure

  • Differences between cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup

  • Practical tips for reducing added sugar in your diet



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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