Living Well with Alison Starling
Strong communities are built on good health. Welcome to Living Well with Alison Starling, brought to you by VHC Health — the region’s community health system — and the Washington Business Journal. Join former ABC 7News anchor and Emmy Award winner for exclusive conversations with health care advocates on today’s most pressing health topics. Discover what you need to know when making decisions about your well-being and empower yourself with the knowledge to live well. New episodes drop monthly.
Living Well with Alison Starling
Measure health beyond the scale: WebMD’s chief medical officer and VHC Health doctor simplify GLP-1 drugs
Popular weight loss medications are playing a role in the fight against obesity, but are they a help or hinderance in the long term? “The number on your scale is not your only measure of health,” says WebMD’s chief medical officer, Dr. John Whyte.
In this episode of Living Well with Alison Starling, a podcast brought to you by VHC Health and WBJ, Whyte and Dr. Arshad Ali from VHC Health Bariatric & Metabolic Health Center delve into medical weight management, discuss whether obesity is worsening or decreasing, and simplify the information surrounding GLP-1 prescription drugs.
“This (obesity) is a disease, not a moral failing or lack of self-control,” explains Ali. “This is a medical problem that needs to be treated correctly.”
Listen to this episode to learn about:
- How GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy work in relation to obesity management
- The most common potential side effects
- The average percentage of weight patients usually gain back when they stop taking their medication
- Micro-dosing for people who just want to lose 10 to 20 pounds
- How long you really have to exercise each day to make a difference (it’s less than you might think)
- Which single lifestyle change impacts 90% to 95% of the weight loss formula
Learn more about VHC Health’s Medical Weight Management program. Our bariatrician works with patients to create personalized treatment plans that incorporate nutrition, physical activity and behavioral changes, with medication options when appropriate. With support from a clinical psychologist and dietitian, and seamless integration with our bariatric surgery team, VHC Health offers a comprehensive approach to achieving your weight and health goals, whether through in-person or telehealth visits.
VHC Health is becoming the region’s preferred community health system. With a teaching hospital and multiple primary and specialty care locations, we offer exceptional patient-centered care close to where our patients live and work. Consistently recognized for excellence, VHC Health is dedicated to meeting the needs of our diverse community.
Disclaimer
This podcast and any information, advice, opinions or statements within it are provided for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and does not create a patient-provider relationship. Seek the advice of your personal healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding the information presented and before undertaking a new health care regimen.
Unless specifically stated in the podcast, the views expressed in this podcast are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views of VHC Health. Participation in this podcast should not be implied as an endorsement of VHC Health or any particular organization, product or service.