Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss is a podcast that focuses on helping people get back on track and stay on track with their weight loss journey. This podcast focuses on improving your Mindset, Motivation and Momentum in your weight loss journey.

Episode 260: Muscle Matters: Are You Losing Muscle While Losing Weight? 10/12/2026

Episode 260: Muscle Matters: Are You Losing Muscle While Losing Weight? Losing weight is only part of the goal. Preserving muscle, maintaining strength, and improving your overall health matter just as much. In this episode, I’m discussing why muscle preservation deserves more attention during weight loss, particularly as GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide make substantial weight reduction possible for more people. Some lean mass loss can occur during significant weight loss, but lean mass is not the same as muscle. The goal isn't to make you afraid of weight loss medications. It's to help you understand how to protect your muscle, support your nutrition, and focus on the quality of the weight you lose. I'll explain why adequate protein and resistance training matter, what to watch for when medication suppresses your appetite, and why the number on the scale doesn't tell the whole story. I'll also discuss practical ways to track body composition and physical function as you progress. Because successful weight loss should help you become healthier, stronger, and better able to enjoy your life. Episode Highlights Why losing weight and losing body fat aren't exactly the same thing What research tells us about lean mass changes during GLP-1-assisted weight loss Why eating too little when your appetite is suppressed deserves attention How much protein may help support muscle preservation, and why individual needs vary Why resistance training and measures beyond the scale matter during weight loss Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/43256203

Episode 259: What Is a Peptide, Really? GLP-1s, Retatrutide, & the Truth Behind the Hype 10/05/2026

Episode 259: What Is a Peptide, Really? GLP-1s, Retatrutide, & the Truth Behind the Hype If someone tells you, “It’s just a peptide,” that should be the beginning of the conversation, not the end. Peptides are chains of amino acids, but the word tells you very little about what you're actually taking. It doesn't tell you whether something is a supplement, medication, investigational drug, FDA approved, or even whether the product contains what the label says it does. In this episode, I break down what “peptide” really means and why the term has become so confusing in the world of weight loss. I explain the differences between FDA-approved medications, compounded medications, investigational drugs, and research peptides sold online. I also discuss retatrutide, an investigational medication that targets three hormone receptors, and why calling something a peptide does not automatically make it natural or safe. Most importantly, I'll walk you through the questions you should ask before taking any peptide or weight loss medication, including what it is, where it came from, whether it has been studied, and whether you have appropriate medical supervision. Episode Highlights: ● Why “peptide” describes a type of molecule, not a safety rating ● What retatrutide is and how it differs from semaglutide and tirzepatide ● The differences between FDA-approved, compounded, investigational, and research products ● Why dramatic results and social media testimonials don't prove safety ● The questions you should ask before taking peptide or weight loss therapies ● Why “natural” does not automatically mean safe or effective ● What it really means to be your own health advocate Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/43172453

Episode 258: MariTide: Could the Next Generation of Weight Loss Medications Be Once a Month? 09/28/2026

Episode 258: MariTide: Could the Next Generation of Weight Loss Medications Be Once a Month? Obesity treatment may be moving beyond weekly injections. In this episode, I’m taking a closer look at Maritide, an investigational obesity medication that is still being studied and is not FDA approved for the treatment of obesity. What makes Maritide particularly interesting is that it takes a different approach to the hormonal pathways involved in weight regulation. Unlike tirzepatide, which activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, Maritide activates the GLP-1 receptor while blocking the GIP receptor. I also break down one of its most intriguing possibilities: less frequent dosing. Maritide has been studied with dosing intervals of four and eight weeks, potentially moving obesity treatment beyond the traditional weekly injection. But does it work? I walk through the Phase 2 results, including the approximately 12–16% average weight reduction at 52 weeks in participants with obesity without diabetes, as well as the results seen in participants with type 2 diabetes. I also explain why those numbers are promising but still need to be confirmed through larger and longer Phase 3 trials. Episode Highlights: What Maritide is and how it works How Maritide differs from tirzepatide Why its potential dosing schedule is so interesting What the Phase 2 weight-loss results showed Why some participants had not clearly reached a weight-loss plateau at 52 weeks The most common side effects seen so far What researchers still need to learn about long-term safety What the Phase 3 Maritime program is studying How obesity treatment may be moving toward more individualized and less frequent treatment Maritide is promising, but promising does not mean proven. We still need Phase 3 data to better understand its effectiveness, safety, tolerability, dosing, and long-term ability to maintain weight loss. Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/43055903

Episode 257: Perimenopause and Weight Gain: What’s Happening to Your Body? with Casey Peterson 09/21/2026

Episode 257: Perimenopause and Weight Gain: What’s Happening to Your Body? with Casey Peterson Have you noticed that your body seems to be changing even though you haven’t changed what you’re doing? Maybe the weight is starting to settle around your middle. Your sleep isn't what it used to be. You're struggling to maintain muscle, your energy feels different, and suddenly the things that worked for you in the past aren't working anymore. If that sounds familiar, you may be wondering whether it's simply aging or whether something else is happening. In this episode, I’m joined by Casey Peterson, a nurse practitioner who specializes in medical weight management and hormone health, for a conversation about perimenopause, hormones, body composition, and weight gain. We talk about what can happen to your body during perimenopause and why weight management can become more challenging during this stage of life. We also discuss the role of nutrition, protein, resistance training, sleep, stress, and hormone therapy. Most importantly, this is a conversation about understanding what’s happening instead of simply accepting that you have to feel different or struggle with your weight as you get older. If you're in your late 30s, 40s, or beyond and your body suddenly seems to be responding differently, this episode is for you. Episode Highlights: ● What perimenopause can look like before you actually reach menopause ● Why weight can start changing even when your habits haven't changed ● What may be happening with body composition during perimenopause ● Why the weight around your middle deserves attention ● The role protein and resistance training can play during this stage of life ● How poor sleep and chronic stress can affect weight and appetite ● What women should know about hormone therapy and weight management ● Why you don't necessarily have to simply “wait it out” About Casey Peterson Casey Peterson is a nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, and owner of The Balanced Life, The Balanced Woman, and The Balanced Man, telemedicine practices focused on medical weight management and hormone health. She began her career as an emergency room nurse and has since treated more than 1,500 patients in the areas of GLP-1–based weight management and men’s and women’s hormone health. Casey has completed advanced training in women’s hormone therapy and is especially passionate about helping women better understand and navigate perimenopause and menopause. Her approach emphasizes practical, individualized care that addresses symptoms, hormones, weight, strength, nutrition, and long-term health. As a wife and mother of four teenagers, Casey also understands firsthand how easy it can be for women to put their own health last during one of the busiest seasons of life. This perspective helps shape her commitment to empowering women to prioritize their health and well-being. Website | Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok | Youtube | Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/42972973

Episode 256: Why Am I Not Losing Weight on a GLP-1? 4 Reasons Why 09/14/2026

Episode 256: Why Am I Not Losing Weight on a GLP-1? 4 Reasons Why You’re taking a GLP-1 medication, but the scale isn’t moving the way you expected. Maybe you’ve even watched someone else say they lost 20 pounds in two months and wondered, “Why isn’t this working for me?” If you’ve been asking yourself that question, I want you to know that your experience with a GLP-1 medication may look very different from someone else’s. In this episode, I’m breaking down four reasons you may not be losing as much weight as you expected on a GLP-1, and what I look at when a patient tells me their medication isn’t working. I’ll also talk about something that can easily get lost when we compare our weight loss journey to what we see on social media. Before you decide that your GLP-1 has failed, there are some important questions to consider. Your dose, your overall health habits, your nutrition, and your treatment plan can all be part of the bigger picture. If you’re frustrated by slow weight loss on a GLP-1, listen to this episode before you assume you’re doing something wrong. Episode Highlights: Why your weight loss may not look like someone else's, even when you're taking the same type of medication What I look at when a patient feels their GLP-1 isn't working When your dose may be part of the picture Why nutrition and lifestyle still matter during GLP-1 treatment A question you may not expect to ask when your appetite has changed When it may be time to reassess your treatment plan Why comparing your progress to someone on social media can be misleading The mindset I want you to have when your weight loss isn't moving as quickly as you hoped Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/42896135

Episode 255: Ask the Obesity Doctor Part 2: GLP-1 Safety, Counterfeit Medications, Side Effects & Ozempic Face 09/07/2026

Episode 255: Ask the Obesity Doctor Part 2: GLP-1 Safety, Counterfeit Medications, Side Effects & Ozempic Face Have you ever wondered whether compounded GLP-1 medications are as safe and effective as brand-name medications? Or how you can tell if a GLP-1 or peptide product is fake? In this episode of Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss, I’m continuing my Ask the Obesity Doctor series, where I answer real questions you’ve left on my YouTube videos and social media. This time, I’m talking about safety. I’ll answer five questions about compounded GLP-1 medications, counterfeit and black-market products, medication interactions, side effects, and something I hear frequently from patients: “Ozempic face.” I’ll explain the difference between brand-name and compounded medications and why compounded medications have not gone through the same rigorous testing as brand-name medications. I’ll also talk about why you can’t reliably tell whether a GLP-1 or peptide product purchased from the black market is authentic or counterfeit. I’ll discuss medication combinations that require extra caution when taking GLP-1 medications, including oral birth control and warfarin, and what you should do if you experience symptoms that concern you. Finally, I’ll explain what people mean when they talk about “Ozempic face,” why it doesn’t happen to everyone, and why you shouldn’t assume your experience with a GLP-1 medication will be the same as someone else’s. These are questions I hear frequently, and my goal is to help you better understand what to discuss with your own healthcare provider. This episode is for education only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Episode Highlights: The difference between brand-name and compounded GLP-1 medications Why compounded medications have not gone through the same rigorous testing as brand-name medications Why you cannot reliably tell if a black-market GLP-1 or peptide product is authentic Why I recommend avoiding counterfeit and black-market peptide products Medication combinations that require extra caution when taking GLP-1 medications What to do if you experience unusual or concerning side effects What “Ozempic face” actually means and why it doesn’t happen to everyone Why you should not compare your GLP-1 experience to someone else’s If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I recommend starting there and then continuing with this episode for the second set of questions. Listen to Part 1: #254: Ask the Obesity Doctor Part 1: GLP-1, Contrave, Thyroid, Dosing & Calories If you’re using a GLP-1 medication, considering one, or simply trying to understand the information you’re seeing online, I hope this episode helps you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider. Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/42806100

Episode 254: Ask the Obesity Doctor Part 1: GLP-1, Contrave, Thyroid, Dosing & Calories 08/31/2026

Episode 254: Ask the Obesity Doctor Part 1: GLP-1, Contrave, Thyroid, Dosing & Calories What questions do you have about GLP-1 medications and weight loss? In this episode of Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss, I’m doing something a little different. I’m answering five real questions that viewers have left on my YouTube videos and social media about weight loss medications. I’ll talk about whether you can take Contrave with a GLP-1, whether GLP-1 medications are an option if you have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease, and whether it’s safe to increase your dose faster if you aren’t experiencing side effects. I’ll also explain what to do if you need to change your injection day or miss a dose, and how to think about calorie intake when you’re trying to lose weight. These are questions I hear frequently, and I want to give you a better understanding of the issues to discuss with your own healthcare provider. This podcast is for education only, and because I don’t know your individual medical history, it’s important to talk with your own doctor about what’s right for you. Episode Highlights: Can Contrave can be taken with a GLP-1 How Contrave may help with hunger, cravings, and food noise GLP-1 medications and hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease Which thyroid conditions are contraindications for GLP-1 medications Why I recommend starting at a low dose and increasing slowly How I decide when it may be time for a patient to increase their dose What to do if you need to change your GLP-1 injection day What happens if you miss a GLP-1 dose Why eating too little can work against your weight-loss efforts How the NIH Body Weight Planner can help you determine your calorie needs Why fueling your body with balanced meals is important during weight loss And this is just Part 1. In Part 2 of Ask the Obesity Doctor, I’ll answer more questions about GLP-1 safety, compounded and counterfeit medications, black-market peptides, medication interactions, side effects, and “Ozempic face.” If you’re using a GLP-1 medication, considering one, or simply have questions about weight loss medications, I hope these answers help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider. Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/42617950

Episode 253: One Month Into the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: What You Need to Know 08/24/2026

Episode 253: One Month Into the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: What You Need to Know One month into the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, I've learned that getting approved is less complicated once you understand the pathway. But there are several important details that can cause delays if you don't know what to look for. In this episode, I walk you through what I've learned from helping patients navigate the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge during its first month. We cover who qualifies, which medications and formulations are included, when you may need to use Medicare Part D instead, and what your doctor, pharmacy, and you need to do to keep the process moving. I'll also explain why your current BMI may not be the BMI that matters, why the pharmacy claim needs to happen before the prior authorization, and why staying engaged with both your pharmacy and doctor's office can make a difference. And once you actually get your medication, I shift the conversation to what you should be doing to maximize your results, including getting adequate protein, moving your body, strength training, and staying engaged with your medical team. If you're trying to navigate the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program for yourself or a loved one, this episode will help you understand the process and the questions you need to ask. Episode Highlights: ● What the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program is and how it differs from Medicare Part D ● The three main eligibility pathways for the Bridge program ● Why your BMI when you started GLP-1 therapy may matter more than your current BMI ● When certain medical conditions may require you to use the regular Medicare Part D pathway ● Why having eligible Medicare Part D coverage matters ● Which GLP-1 medications and formulations are included in the Bridge program ● Why the correct Zepbound formulation matters ● What your pharmacy needs from your Medicare information ● Why the pharmacy claim needs to happen before the prior authorization ● How to follow up when your prescription seems stuck in the process ● What to focus on once you actually receive your medication ● Why protein, exercise, strength training, and medical follow-up remain important ● What we currently know about what happens when the Bridge program ends Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/42537060

Episode 252: The Mountain Within: What Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Taught Me About Weight Loss, Health & Resilience (Part 2) 08/17/2026

Episode 252: The Mountain Within: What Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Taught Me About Weight Loss, Health & Resilience (Part 2) Summit night on Kilimanjaro started at 11:40pm in complete darkness, with nothing but a headlamp and the next step in front of me. Nine hours later, I reached the roof of Africa. If you've ever felt like your health journey is moving backward before it moves forward, this episode is for you. In this part two finale, I'm sharing the final four lessons from my Kilimanjaro climb: why progress sometimes means going higher before you go lower, why trusting the process matters before you see results, how I made it through the hardest section by focusing on just 15 steps at a time, and why reaching the summit is only half the journey. Weight loss isn't linear, and neither is life. Your scale, your habits, your body, they're all adapting in ways you can't always measure. Setbacks aren't failures, they're often part of the process. You'll learn how to stop chasing dramatic results, trust the small steps in front of you, and understand why maintaining your progress is just as important as reaching it. Episode Highlights: Lesson five: why sometimes progress means climbing higher before sleeping lower Why weight loss isn't linear, and how to stop mistaking a plateau for failure Lesson six: trusting the process before you can see the results Lesson seven: the 15 steps, 5 breaths strategy that got me to the summit Why focusing only on the next step matters more than seeing the whole mountain Lesson eight: why reaching the summit is only half the journey What descent and maintenance have in common, and why both take just as much intention Why the life you want is built through ordinary, repeated choices, not one dramatic moment Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/42456620

Episode 251: The Mountain Within: What Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Taught Me About Weight Loss, Health & Resilience (Part 1) 08/10/2026

Episode 251: The Mountain Within: What Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Taught Me About Weight Loss, Health & Resilience (Part 1) Over a week ago, I stood at 19,341 feet on the roof of Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. It was the hardest thing I've ever done, harder than any Ironman or marathon. But somewhere between the rainforest and the summit, I realized I wasn't just climbing a mountain. I was watching my patients' weight loss journeys play out in front of me. In this episode, I'm sharing the first four lessons Kilimanjaro taught me about health, resilience, and what it actually takes to accomplish something hard. From the invisible prep work no one applauds, to why "pole pole" (slowly) is the secret to going further, this episode reframes what progress really looks like. Your summit isn't built in one dramatic moment. It's built in thousands of small, unglamorous decisions, the walk after dinner, the water instead of soda, the appointment you finally book. You'll learn why plateaus and slow progress aren't failures, why community and encouragement matter as much as calories, and why the hardest and most important step is simply saying yes. Episode Highlights: Why the journey begins long before the mountain, or the diet, ever starts The invisible decisions behind every success story nobody sees Lesson two: why "pole pole" (slowly) is the pace that actually gets you there Why our culture's obsession with fast results works against how bodies really change Lesson three: why encouragement on the journey matters as much as the plan itself Lesson four: why saying yes before you feel ready is the hardest and most important step Why no single meal, workout, or medication changes your life, consistency does The one question to ask yourself this week to keep moving forward Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/42353730

Episode 250: Why Your Weight Loss Has Stalled — 7 Reasons Behind the Plateau 07/27/2026

Episode 250: Why Your Weight Loss Has Stalled — 7 Reasons Behind the Plateau I had a patient walk into my office recently looking frustrated. She sat down, crossed her arms, and said, "Dr. Shelly, my medication has stopped working. I lost 32 pounds, but for the last six weeks my weight hasn't budged. Am I immune to this medication?" If you've looked at the scale lately and wondered the same thing, this episode is for you. In this episode, I'm walking you through the seven most common reasons weight loss plateaus happen, from still being on a starting dose to hidden medical conditions like thyroid issues or PCOS that can quietly work against you. I'll also break down why protein intake and resistance training matter more than most people realize once a GLP-1 medication kicks in. But here's what matters most: a plateau doesn't mean your medication has failed. Your body is incredibly smart, and adapting is exactly what it's designed to do. You'll learn exactly what's happening biologically during a stall, and the five practical steps to get your progress moving again. Episode Highlights: Why plateaus are a normal, expected part of every weight loss journey, not a sign of failure Why your starting dose may not be your effective dose yet How low protein intake quietly stalls progress and costs you muscle Why resistance training protects the muscle mass your metabolism depends on How untreated sleep issues like sleep apnea can sabotage results The hidden medical conditions, from thyroid issues to PCOS, that can slow weight loss Why hitting a plateau might actually mean you've already succeeded Five practical steps to get moving again when progress stalls Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/42221895

Episode 249: Do I Have to Stay on My Medication Forever? What the ATTAIN Maintain Trial Reveals 07/20/2026

Episode 249: Do I Have to Stay on My Medication Forever? What the ATTAIN Maintain Trial Reveals "Doc, do I need to take this forever?" It's one of the most common questions I hear in my office, whether it's someone's very first visit or someone who's already lost 30, 40, even 80 pounds and is feeling great. In this episode, I break down why your body fights so hard to regain weight after you lose it, and why that's biology, not failure. I walk through the new ATTAIN Maintain trial, a study of 376 adults who had already lost significant weight on tirzepatide or semaglutide, testing whether switching to an easier once-daily oral GLP-1 could help them keep the weight off, instead of just asking whether stopping medication causes regain. Maintenance isn't about staying on one medication forever. It's about having an individualized, active plan, and the ATTAIN Maintain data gives us more options than ever to build one. Episode Highlights: Why your metabolism and hunger hormones fight to reverse weight loss Lessons from the SURMOUNT-4 trial on what happens when treatment stops completely Inside the ATTAIN Maintain trial design and who was studied The weight maintenance results: oral medication vs. placebo Why maintenance therapy doesn't have to look like the treatment that got you there What actually goes into a sustainable long-term plan beyond medication Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/42148125

Episode 248: Am I Going to Go Blind on a GLP-1? Understanding the NAION Headlines 07/13/2026

Episode 248: Am I Going to Go Blind on a GLP-1? Understanding the NAION Headlines If you've seen headlines linking Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications to sudden eye strokes, I want to stop the panic right here. In this episode, I break down what the research on NAION actually shows, who's really at risk, and why the scary relative-risk numbers you're seeing online don't tell the whole story. I walk you through what NAION is, why patients on semaglutide often already carry the underlying risk factors that get left out of the clickbait, and what the difference is between an observational study raising a signal and a randomized trial proving cause and effect. I also share the warning signs that mean you should go to the ER immediately, not wait for your next appointment. You'll walk away knowing exactly how to think about this headline, what questions to bring to your own doctor, and why staying on your medication is usually the right call. Episode Highlights: What NAION is and how it affects the optic nerve The risk factors patients on GLP-1s often already have What the 37-million-person study actually found — and didn't Why randomized trials tell a different story than observational data Absolute risk vs. relative risk, explained simply Warning signs that mean go to the ER now Why sleep apnea complicates the whole picture Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/42067330

Episode 247: The Menopause Metabolism Shift: How Foundayo Changes the Game 06/29/2026

Episode 247: The Menopause Metabolism Shift: How Foundayo Changes the Game I hear this from so many of my patients: "Dr. Shelly, I haven't changed anything—not my diet, not my exercise—but I'm gaining weight and my body just doesn't respond the way it used to." If you're a woman in your 40s or 50s, you're probably nodding right now. In this episode, I'm walking you through exactly why menopause causes weight gain, why it has nothing to do with willpower, and what breakthrough new research reveals about Foundayo—an oral GLP-1 medication—and how it helps restore the biological signals that become harder to access during this life stage. I'm sharing real data from the 2026 American Diabetes Association Scientific Conference, including results from the ATTAIN 1 and ATTAIN 2 clinical trials that show meaningful weight loss across all menopausal stages. But here's what matters most: the goal during menopause isn't just weight loss—it's aging healthy. You'll learn exactly what that looks like and what you need to focus on right now. Episode Highlights: What menopause actually is ( How estrogen decline drives abdominal fat storage and insulin resistance Why muscle loss and poor sleep compound weight gain How GLP-1 medications work—and what they don't do The ATTAIN trials: weight loss results before, during, and after menopause Strength training, protein intake, and the non-negotiables for sustainable results REFERENCES: Menopausal Stage and Weight Outcomes with Orforglipron vs. Placebo: Post Hoc Subgroup Analysis from ATTAIN-1 and ATTAIN-2. Presented at the 86th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association, June 2026. Horn DB, et al. Orforglipron, an oral small-molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist, for obesity treatment in adults with type 2 diabetes. Lancet. 2026. . ATTAIN-2 Trial (NCT05872620). The Menopause Society. Menopause practice recommendations and patient resources on metabolic changes during menopause. Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/41859080

Episode 246: Do GLP-1 Medications Affect Your Bones? 06/22/2026

Episode 246: Do GLP-1 Medications Affect Your Bones? A patient asked me this recently: "Dr. Shelley, I've heard that GLP-1 medications can cause muscle loss. Does that mean they can hurt my bones too?" It's an excellent question—and one we don't talk about nearly enough. In this episode, I'm walking you through what the research actually shows about GLP-1 medications and bone health, why weight loss itself poses a different risk to your skeleton, and the five non-negotiable steps you need to take to protect your bones while losing weight. This is the bone health conversation you need to hear before—or while—taking a GLP-1. Episode Highlights: What GLP-1 medications are and how they work in your body Does GLP-1 directly damage bones? What the research says The real issue: weight loss and how it affects bone health How your bones stay strong and why muscle matters Muscle loss during weight loss on GLP-1s (body composition breakdown) Who's at higher risk for weak bones and should be monitoring Eat enough protein: how much you actually need Strength training and resistance exercises for bone protection Getting enough calcium and vitamin D The DEXA bone density scan and when you should ask for one Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/41719775

Episode 245: Retatrutide Delivers Bariatric-Level Weight Loss: Breaking Down the TRIUMPH-1 Trial from ADA 2026 06/15/2026

Episode 245: Retatrutide Delivers Bariatric-Level Weight Loss: Breaking Down the TRIUMPH-1 Trial from ADA 2026 Can retatrutide finally be the breakthrough obesity treatment we've been waiting for? The answer is yes—and the data is stunning. In this episode I'm walking you through the biggest obesity medicine discovery from the ADA's 86th Scientific Session: retatrutide, a triple hormone receptor agonist showing weight loss results that rival bariatric surgery. You'll learn what makes retatrutide different from Wegovy and Zepbound, the stunning results from the Triumph 1 trial, what the side effects actually look like, and when this medication will finally be available. Weight loss medications are evolving faster than ever. But what you really need to know is what these results mean for your health. Listen now! Episode Highlights: Retatrutide is a triple hormone agonist that targets GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors Participants lost an average of 28.3% of their body weight in 80 weeks Two-thirds of participants achieved a normal BMI—moved from obese to healthy weight Nearly everyone with prediabetes reversed it and returned to normal blood sugar Over 70% reduction in knee osteoarthritis pain and 60% reduction in sleep apnea severity The highest discontinuation rate due to side effects was only 11%—mainly GI issues Retatrutide is not yet FDA approved but anticipated to launch early 2027 Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/41643215

Episode 244: How to Restart a GLP-1s 06/08/2026

Episode 244: How to Restart a GLP-1s Can I restart my GLP-1? The answer is yes — but it requires a strategic plan. In this episode I'm walking you through exactly what happens to your body when you restart a GLP-1, why the timing of your break matters more than you think, how to restart safely without landing yourself in misery, the biggest mistakes I see patients make, and how to get back on track without shame or guilt. Restarting doesn't have to mean starting completely over. But how you restart matters. Listen now! Episode Highlights: Why restarting at your previous dose will make you seriously sick What happens to your hunger, cravings, and fullness signals when you restart How long you've been off determines your restart dose The critical question that changes everything: weeks vs. months off Why weight regain after stopping is biology, not failure 3 practical strategies to minimize side effects and rebuild tolerance How to stay mentally on track without shame or comparison Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/41569890

Episode 243: Why people stop taking GLP-1s 06/01/2026

Episode 243: Why people stop taking GLP-1s You stopped your GLP-1 and now you're wondering can I just restart where I left off? Why am I so hungry again? Why are the side effects back? Did the medication stop working? These are questions I hear all the time in my practice. And the answer is not as simple as picking back up where you stopped. In this episode I am walking you through exactly what happens biologically when you stop a GLP-1, why restarting feels different than when you first started, how to restart safely, the common mistakes I see patients make, and how to get back on track mentally without shame. A pause does not erase your progress. But how you restart matters more than you think. Listen now! Episode Highlights: Why stopping your medication is not failure and why your biology is not your weakness What actually happens to your hunger, cravings, and fullness signals when you go off GLP-1s Why restarting at your old dose can land you in the emergency room How long is too long to be off and what dose to restart at based on your break The 3 most common restart mistakes Practical tips to minimize side effects and rebuild tolerance the right way How to stay mentally on track without shame or comparison to your first journey Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/41489300

Episode 242: Self-Pay, Savings Programs, and Smarter Strategies for GLP-1 Medications 05/25/2026

Episode 242: Self-Pay, Savings Programs, and Smarter Strategies for GLP-1 Medications A patient finally decides to prioritize their health. They wait weeks for an appointment. We talk, we plan, and they leave with hope. Then the pharmacy calls with a price tag over $1,000 a month and that hope disappears. If that's happened to you, I made this episode for you. Because what most patients don't know is that there are real, legitimate ways to make this work and I'm breaking all of them down today. An insurance denial is not a verdict on your health or your worth. It just means we need to get strategic. Listen now! Episode Highlights: Why I never let my patients stop at the first insurance "no" The Zepbound Lilly Direct self-pay program and what it actually costs The Wegovy NovoCare self-pay option and its introductory pricing Oral GLP-1 medications — who they're right for and why they may surprise you Manufacturer coupons, GoodRx, and savings tools most patients walk past How to appeal a denial and exactly what documentation can move the needle Why thinking long-term changes everything about affordability Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/41411240

Episode 241: Which Weight Loss Medication Is Right for You? 05/18/2026

Episode 241: Which Weight Loss Medication Is Right for You? People keep asking the same question: what’s actually the difference between all these weight loss medications? Ozempic. Wegovy. Mounjaro. Zepbound. Foundayo. Wegovy pill. Some of these medications are injections, some are pills, some are FDA-approved for diabetes, others for weight loss, and some are actually the same medication with completely different brand names. So I'm breaking it all down for you today — in plain language — because the confusion alone is keeping people from getting the treatment they need. The real problem isn't just the brand names. It's that without knowing exactly how these medications differ, patients end up on the wrong one, pay out of pocket unnecessarily, or give up when insurance denies them. You deserve better than that. Once you understand what each one actually does, the whole picture becomes much clearer. Listen now! Episode Highlights: Why Ozempic and Wegovy are the same medication and why the difference still matters How tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) works on two hormone pathways and why it tends to produce greater weight loss The new oral options — Foundayo and Wegovy pill — and who they're actually right for Real average weight loss numbers from clinical trials, by medication How insurance covers (or denies) each one and what I tell my patients when it does Who may be a candidate for these medications Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/41328645

Episode 240: What is the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration Program? 05/11/2026

Episode 240: What is the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration Program? Medicare has spent years telling obesity patients: your medication isn't covered. Starting July 1, 2026, that may finally start to change. In this episode, I will break down the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Demonstration Program — what it is, who qualifies, and which medications may be covered. This is not just a policy update. For thousands of patients who have paid hundreds of dollars out of pocket or given up on treatment altogether, this pilot program represents a real opening. The biggest barrier to obesity treatment has never been willpower. It's been access. This episode is your first look at what's coming and whether it applies to you. Episode Highlights: What the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program is Which medications may be covered The three eligibility groups by BMI and medical condition Why this program matters beyond medication What the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) is and why it still needs to pass Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/41245470

Episode 239: Why did my GLP-1 get denied? 05/04/2026

Episode 239: Why did my GLP-1 get denied? Your weight loss medication was denied. That moment of hope is gone. But this is not a ‘you’ problem. It's a system problem. In this episode, I break down why insurance denials for weight loss medications happen so frequently, and more importantly, what you can actually do about it. From formulary exclusions to step therapy requirements to the documentation timing that can reset your entire approval clock the barriers are real, but they are navigable. A denial does not mean you failed. It means you hit a wall in a system built with gaps. Understanding how that system works is the first step to getting through it. Listen to this episode to stop feeling defeated and start building your case. Episode Highlights: Why insurers deny weight loss medications even when you clearly qualify What "step therapy" is and why it forces patients to go backwards The documentation timing mistake that can reset your approval from scratch How to appeal a denial and why an appeal is advocating, not begging Self-pay options now available when insurance won't budge Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/41138250

Episode 238: CagriSema: The Next Generation of Obesity Treatment 04/27/2026

Episode 238: CagriSema: The Next Generation of Obesity Treatment Weight loss plateaus on GLP-1 therapies such as Wegovy and Zepbound are increasingly understood as a function of biological adaptation rather than patient noncompliance. In this episode I will be discussing CagriSema, an investigational combination therapy expected to launch between late 2026 and early 2027. The treatment combines semaglutide and cagrilintide, targeting complementary mechanisms that regulate appetite and satiety. Clinical trial data indicate weight reduction of up to 22.7%, suggesting improved efficacy relative to existing monotherapies. The development reflects a broader shift toward combination-based treatment models, consistent with approaches used in managing chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Listen to the episode for a closer look at what this could mean for treatment pathways and patient outcomes. Episode Highlights: Why plateaus happen and what your body is actually doing What CagriSema is and how its two-ingredient formula works What the REDEFINE trials show including how it stacks up against Tirzepatide Who this medication is most likely to help Why the best plan is still the one that's working for you right now Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/41026105

Episode 237: Foundayo Weight Loss Pill Explained: New GLP-1 Alternative to Wegovy 04/20/2026

Episode 237: Foundayo Weight Loss Pill Explained: New GLP-1 Alternative to Wegovy If you’re looking for weight loss options but don’t want injections, things just changed in a big way. In this episode, I break down a new class of weight loss pills, including Foundayo (orforglipron), the newest GLP-1 option that was just approved. Unlike older treatments, this pill is designed to be simple. No fasting. No strict timing. You can take it with food or even coffee. We also look at how it compares to the oral Wegovy pill and what that means for people who want real results without shots. There are now two real pill options in the weight loss space, and choosing the right one is not about hype. It’s about your lifestyle, your body, and what you can actually stick with long term. We’re entering a new era of weight loss treatment. And for the first time, you have choices that don’t involve needles. Listen now to understand what’s new and what actually matters before talking to your doctor. Episode Highlights: How Foundayo works in the body How it compares to oral Wegovy What makes GLP-1 pills different from older weight loss meds Who these options may or may not be right for Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/40931090

Episode 236: Wegovy HD medication 04/13/2026

Episode 236: Wegovy HD medication If Wegovy has helped you — but not enough — the answer may not be more willpower. It may be a higher dose. The FDA just approved a new 7.2mg version of Wegovy, and the clinical data is turning heads. In this episode, I break down everything you need to know about this new higher dose — what the research shows, who it's designed for, and what it actually means for your weight loss journey. Weight loss medicine just crossed a new threshold. This isn't just a bigger dose, it's a meaningful new option for people who need more help reaching goals that can transform their health. Listen now! Episode Highlights: Why 1 in 3 people on the standard Wegovy dose don't lose even 5% of their body weight and what the new dose does differently The Step Up Trial: what a 1,400-person, 72-week clinical study published in 2025 found about the 7.2mg dose How nearly half of participants lost 20% or more of their body weight numbers we typically only see with bariatric surgery The side effects you need to know about, including the new one that showed up in 23% of patients Who this higher dose is best suited for and who should wait How the dosing process works and what to do if side effects become uncomfortable Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/40821875

Episode 235: How Does PCOS Make Me Gain Weight? 04/06/2026

Episode 235: How Does PCOS Make Me Gain Weight? You're doing everything right — watching what you eat, trying to stay active — and still the weight won't budge. If you have PCOS, this isn't a willpower problem. It's biology. And once you understand the cycle driving it, you can finally start to break it. PCOS creates a vicious cycle between high androgens, insulin resistance, and weight gain and each one feeds into the others. Your body isn't working against you randomly. There are real mechanisms at play, and understanding them is the first step to taking back control. In this episode, I break down exactly what's happening inside your body with PCOS and what you can actually do about it. I'll walk you through the androgen-insulin connection, where and why your body stores fat differently, and what the latest international guidelines say about treatment including newer options like GLP-1 medications. If you've been frustrated, discouraged, or told it's just about eating less and moving more this episode will change how you see your body and your options. Listen now! Episode Highlights: Why high androgens and insulin resistance keep feeding each other and why that makes weight loss so much harder Where PCOS fat actually gets stored (and why it's more than a cosmetic issue) Why losing just 5–10% of your body weight can dramatically improve your symptoms What nutrition and exercise approaches the research actually supports for PCOS What GLP-1 medications like semaglutide are showing in women with PCOS and what you need to know before considering them Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/40741650

Episode 234: Is My Thyroid Making Me Gain Weight? 03/30/2026

Episode 234: Is My Thyroid Making Me Gain Weight? If you've been struggling to lose weight and your thyroid came back abnormal, it's natural to connect the dots. But here's what I need you to know, the thyroid is not the whole story. In this episode, I break down exactly what your thyroid does and doesn't do when it comes to your weight. Yes, hypothyroidism affects your weight. But research shows it typically causes only 5 to 10 pounds of gain — and most of that is water retention, not body fat. Treating it will help you feel better, but it won't magically melt the weight away. And please, do not ask your doctor for extra thyroid medication to speed up weight loss. It won't work — and it can seriously hurt you. If you've ever blamed your thyroid for your weight struggles, this episode will give you the honest, research-backed truth — and a clear path forward. Listen now! Episode Highlights: What hypothyroidism actually does to your metabolism and what it doesn't Why the weight you gain from an underactive thyroid is mostly water retention, not body fat What to realistically expect when you start thyroid medication Why taking extra thyroid hormone to lose weight can cause serious harm The four steps to take if you're concerned about your thyroid and your weight Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/40662665

Episode 233: Why Am I Not Losing Weight? The Surprising Problem of Undereating 03/23/2026

Episode 233: Why Am I Not Losing Weight? The Surprising Problem of Undereating If you've been eating barely anything and the scale still won't move, the problem might not be that you're eating too much. It might be that you're not eating enough. And there's science behind why. "Why am I not losing weight?" It's the most frustrating question in my clinic. And the answer often surprises people. Today, I'm answering it publicly — with research, not guesswork. In this episode, I break down exactly what happens inside your body when you undereat, why cutting calories too aggressively can backfire, and the six practical steps to get your metabolism working for you, not against you. Listen now! Episode Highlights: Why eating too little triggers metabolic adaptation What the research says about how many fewer calories your body burns as a result of eating too little The three hormonal shifts that happen when you undereat Why you lose muscle — not just fat — on a crash diet, and why that makes future weight loss harder Six actionable tips: the right calorie range, protein at every meal, strength training, diet breaks, and sleep Warning signs that you may already be undereating Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/40582445

Episode 232: Five Things You Need to Know About the New Wegovy Pill 03/16/2026

Episode 232: Five Things You Need to Know About the New Wegovy Pill You've heard about the Wegovy shot. Now there's a pill — and the confusion is already spreading. Is it the same? Does it work as well? Can you take it with your other medications? In December, the FDA approved an oral form of semaglutide specifically for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction. That's a game-changer — but only if you know how to use it correctly. Take it wrong and it won't work at all. In this episode, I will break down the five things you need to know about the new Wegovy pill. I will talk about the science behind SNAC technology, why this medication goes beyond weight loss, and what are the side effects to expect If you or someone you love is exploring weight loss medication options, this episode gives you the clarity to have a smarter conversation with your doctor. Listen now! Episode Highlights: Why the timing and conditions of how you take this pill are non-negotiable The science behind SNAC technology and why this pill can't just be swallowed with breakfast Why this medication goes beyond weight loss and also protects your heart What to do if you're already taking levothyroxine or other empty-stomach medications What side effects to expect, and how much weight loss to realistically anticipate Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/40423545

Episode 231: What happens when you stop your GLP-1? 03/09/2026

Episode 231: What happens when you stop your GLP-1? If you're on Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, or Mounjaro — and worried about what happens when you stop — this episode is for you. The fear of gaining it all back is real. But weight regain is not inevitable. It's manageable. And I'm going to show you how. “What happens when you stop your GLP-1?” This is one of the most common questions I get in my clinic every single week. It's time I answered it publicly — with science, not fear. In this episode, I break down exactly what happens in your body when you stop your GLP-1, why weight regain happens, and the five pillars you need to protect your results, whether you're stopping by choice or out of necessity. Listen now! Episode Highlights: The physiological reason hunger surges and metabolism slows when you stop GLP-1s What the SURMOUNT-4 clinical trial tells us about weight regain after stopping Tirzepatide Who is at highest risk for regaining weight The 5 pillars of weight maintenance: protein, resistance training, carb awareness, appetite retraining, and medication transition strategy Connect with Dr. Alicia Shelly: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Linked In | Twitter | 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!) 👉 /episode/index/show/backontrack/id/40361725

Back on Track: Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

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