Prescribing GLP-1s: Evidence, limits, expectations

In this Permanente Docs Chat, host Alex McDonald, MD (family and sports medicine, Southern California Permanente Medical Group) sits down with Sean Hashmi, MD (board-certified nephrologist and obesity medicine specialist) to discuss lifestyle medicine, weight loss, and GLP-1 receptor agonist medications.

GLP-1s are everywhere in the public conversation — yet many clinicians and patients have questions about how these medications fit into a comprehensive, sustainable approach to metabolic health. Dr. Hashmi shares practical guidance for frontline clinicians, including:

- How GLP-1s work (satiety, “food noise,” and cravings)
- Setting realistic expectations for weight loss and side effects
- Why lifestyle foundations matter before, during, and after medication
- The importance of strength training, sleep, and support systems
- “SELF Principles” framework: Sleep, Exercise, Love, Food
- Strategies to support patients long-term and reduce weight regain concerns

Watch, subscribe, and share to help more clinicians access high-yield conversations like this.

This content is for informational and educational purposes and is not medical advice.

#LifestyleMedicine #ObesityMedicine #GLP1 #MetabolicHealth #PermanenteMedicine #DocsChat

Thanks for listening! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Click here to subscribe to our YouTube channel.