The Better Living PA: GLP-1s, Metabolic Health & Midlife Hormones

Is phentermine safe for weight loss, and how is it different from GLP-1s like semaglutide and tirzepatide? Tiffany Bailey, PA-C, breaks down what phentermine is, how it works, what the FDA label actually says about short-term use, and what the research shows. Phentermine is an older, stimulant-like appetite suppressant first approved in 1959. Tiffany explains why so many people love the energy it gives them, why tolerance, insomnia and blood pressure are real concerns, the truth about fen-phen, who shouldn't take phentermine, why weight usually comes back when you stop, why it doesn't address insulin resistance the way GLP-1s do, and how Qsymia (phentermine + topiramate) is different. Chapters: 0:00 Why phentermine is so debated 1:18 What is phentermine? 1:45 The FDA label and short-term use 2:52 How phentermine works 4:40 Side effects, insomnia and tolerance 5:36 Why people love the energy boost 7:10 Phentermine and amphetamines 7:34 Fen-phen explained 8:53 How long is short-term? 10:48 Who shouldn't take phentermine 11:28 Phentermine in older adults 12:08 What the research shows 13:34 Phentermine vs GLP-1s 14:33 Weight regain after stopping 15:35 Insulin resistance and why GLP-1s are different 15:56 Qsymia (phentermine + topiramate) 17:08 Summary and final thoughts Interested in learning more about GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: https://link.joinbelle.com/betterliving Coupon code: BELLE15 All my free resources, community and links: https://linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA This episode is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk with your own healthcare provider before starting, stopping or changing any medication.

Can GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide cause depression, anxiety or that flat, "blah" feeling some people call the GLP-1 blues? In this episode, Tiffany Bailey, PA-C, breaks down what the latest research shows, including the FDA's January 2026 review of 91 placebo-controlled trials with more than 107,000 participants, and why your own experience on a GLP-1 can still be different. In this episode: What people mean by the "GLP-1 blues" and feeling emotionally flat Anhedonia vs. clinical depression What the FDA review and a 2025 meta-analysis found Why you might feel different on a GLP-1: brain reward pathways, food's role in your life, side effects and dose What to track and bring to your healthcare provider Letting go of shame and blame If you are having severe or worsening depression or any thoughts of self-harm, please don't wait. In the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or contact your healthcare provider right away. Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

After years of living with obesity and Hashimoto's disease, Tammy had vertical sleeve gastrectomy in 2020. Bariatric surgery helped her lose weight, but she realized it hadn't fully addressed the complex biological factors behind her obesity. Eighteen months after surgery, she started GLP-1 therapy. Today she's 150 pounds down from her highest weight and uses her experience to advocate for people seeking access to GLP-1 treatment when insurance coverage falls short. Tammy shares the reality of combining bariatric surgery with GLP-1 therapy, what she learned along the way, and why obesity deserves to be treated as a chronic, complex medical condition rather than a personal failure. In this conversation: Mindset more than size, and the "if I'd just lost 10 more pounds" trap Phentermine and the Fen-Phen history Deciding on bariatric surgery and the two-week liquid diet Hashimoto's, PCOS and what else was going on Shortages, coverage changes and finding another way Why this isn't a quick fix, and getting protein in Chapters 00:00 Meet Tammy 02:00 Looking back: mindset more than size 04:00 Wedding photos and "if I'd just lost 10 more pounds" 06:00 Phentermine and the Fen-Phen history 08:00 Considering bariatric surgery 10:00 The vicious cycle and kidney issues 12:00 The two-week liquid diet before surgery 14:00 Hashimoto's, PCOS and what else was going on 16:00 When Mounjaro stopped being prescribed for obesity 18:00 Shortage again - and finding another way 20:00 "It's not about the weight anymore" 22:00 The sign around her neck nobody checked 24:00 Why this isn't a quick fix 26:00 Getting protein in, and food as fuel 28:00 Wanting a safe place for people to get this 30:00 One-on-one access to the providers 32:00 Her advice: research it and ask questions Follow Tammy TikTok: @mom_is_gonna_lose_it Instagram: @mom_is_gonna_lose_it Facebook: Tammy on Facebook Get started with Tammy's link: link.joinbelle.com/tammy-st-germain (code TAMMY) This episode shares one patient's personal experience. Individual results vary. Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

If you take a GLP-1 medication and have surgery or a procedure coming up, when should you stop it, and when is it safe to restart? In this episode, I explain why GLP-1 medications matter when you receive general anesthesia or deep sedation. The primary concern isn't bleeding or wound healing. It's delayed stomach emptying and the potential risk of aspiration during anesthesia. In this episode: Why GLP-1s can affect stomach emptying, and how anesthesia changes the risk Why recommendations vary between providers Who may have a higher risk of delayed gastric emptying Whether everyone needs to stop their medication When you may be able to restart after surgery Why missing several doses could mean restarting at a lower dose What to tell your surgeon and anesthesia team Current guidance doesn't automatically require every patient to stop GLP-1 therapy. Your plan may depend on your medication, dose, symptoms, recent dose changes, medical conditions and the type of procedure. Always tell your surgeon and anesthesia team that you take a GLP-1, including the date of your last dose. If you take it for diabetes, speak with your prescribing provider before holding it, because stopping could affect your blood sugar. Always follow the instructions from your surgeon, anesthesia professional and prescribing provider. Chapters 00:00 Why GLP-1s and surgery is such a confusing topic 00:48 It is not about bleeding or wound healing 01:14 Why every provider gives you a different answer 02:30 Aspiration: the real reason we hold GLP-1s 03:49 The recovery room is the riskiest window 04:25 Who is at higher risk 05:25 Do you actually have to stop? The newer guidance 06:44 Pre-op vs post-op: two different reasons 07:15 What changes if you take a GLP-1 for diabetes 08:12 When it is safe to restart after surgery 08:51 Narcotics plus GLP-1s: nausea and constipation 09:34 Abdominal surgery and post-op ileus 10:31 Do you need to restart at a lower dose? 11:56 Your pre-op appointment and your medication list 12:40 Do not forget to list your injections 13:14 The bottom line Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

When should you start getting mammograms, and how do you know if you're at high risk for breast cancer? In this episode, Tiffany Bailey, PA-C, sits down with Dr. Kristen Williams, MD, a general surgeon whose practice focuses on breast health, to break down breast cancer screening and what every woman should know. In this episode: Why Dr. Williams recommends a yearly mammogram starting at age 40 How a mammogram works, and how much radiation it really is Why ultrasound isn't a screening tool, and when you need a breast MRI High-risk breast programs and the Tyrer-Cuzick risk score (the 20% threshold) Family history (including your dad's side), gene mutations like BRCA, CHEK2 and PALB2, and genetic testing Why self-exams aren't enough and why catching breast cancer early matters Check your breast cancer risk with the Tyrer-Cuzick (IBIS) calculator we talked about: ibis-risk-calculator.magview.com Bring your results to your primary care provider or OB/GYN to talk about next steps. Follow Dr. Kristen Williams: TikTok: @thesurgeoninpink Instagram: @knwilliams01 Interested in women's health care, GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Abbs is a registered nurse with a master's degree who spent much of her twenties slowly gaining weight without realizing how much it could eventually affect her health. Then the pandemic hit. Working in healthcare during such an overwhelming time took a toll, and her weight kept climbing. Determined to make a change, she joined CrossFit and showed up consistently. But despite years of effort, the scale barely moved. After learning about GLP-1 medications on social media, Abbs began exploring whether they could provide the support she needed. In this interview, she shares how GLP-1 therapy became part of her journey and helped her build an approach that finally felt sustainable. In this conversation: Shift work, sleep and next-day hunger Working in the hospital during the pandemic years Weightlifting without losing weight No PCP, insurance changes and choosing semaglutide or tirzepatide The first two weeks and how fast the weight came off Fiber, non-scale victories and judging progress by her PRs This is an honest conversation about effort, biology, healthcare-worker burnout, and why needing medical support doesn't mean someone failed to work hard enough. Chapters 00:00 Meet Abbs 02:00 How long the struggle actually goes back 04:00 The denial phase 06:00 Shift work, sleep and next-day hunger 08:00 Working in the hospital during the crazy years 10:00 What she tried before GLP-1s 12:00 Weightlifting without losing weight 14:00 When she started thinking about GLP-1s 16:00 The year she realized her body could do it 18:00 No PCP, and insurance changes 20:00 Choosing semaglutide or tirzepatide 22:00 Wanting better nutrition and sleep 24:00 The first two weeks 26:00 How fast the weight came off 28:00 Inflammation, and not a slow responder 30:00 Fiber, and what her body tells her 32:00 Non-scale victories 34:00 Judging progress by her PRs Individual experiences and results vary. Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots in both lungs after what first looked like a routine calf injury and a superficial clot. As a board-certified physician assistant, I walk through the publicly reported timeline and explain, in plain language, how a clot in the leg can travel to the lungs, who is at higher risk, and the warning signs you should never brush off. In this episode: Superficial clot vs. DVT: what "superficial" and "deep" really mean How a pulmonary embolism (PE) forms, and why clots often reach both lungs Common risk factors: injury, long travel, surgery, pregnancy, cancer, and oral vs. transdermal hormones Warning signs of a DVT or PE What blood thinners actually do, and why contact sports are off the table Tips for lowering clot risk on long flights and road trips Note: I'm discussing only what has been publicly released by the Eagles and reported in the news. I don't have access to his medical records. One-sided leg swelling, new shortness of breath or chest pain deserve prompt medical attention. Chapters 00:00 Jalen Hurts' blood clots: what we'll cover 01:22 The timeline: calf injury, London flight and ultrasound 03:22 Superficial clot vs. deep vein thrombosis 04:48 What a DVT is and how it feels 05:55 How a leg clot reaches the lungs 07:03 What causes blood clots 08:40 Who's at higher risk, including hormones 10:23 Warning signs of a DVT or PE 11:38 What blood thinner treatment really means 12:37 Lowering clot risk on long trips 13:41 Key takeaways Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Are GLP-1 medications cheating? Will you regain the weight if you stop? Are compounded GLP-1s safe? Can you get addicted to semaglutide or tirzepatide? In this episode, I break down the most frequently asked questions about GLP-1 medications in a simple, science-based way. If you're considering a GLP-1 for weight loss, insulin resistance, perimenopause weight gain or metabolic health, this will help you understand what's real and what's hype. In this episode: How GLP-1 medications work in the body Will you have to take it forever, and what maintenance looks like How much protein you need Are compounded GLP-1s safe and legal, and how the grey market is different How to find a vetted provider Is this addiction? Obesity as a chronic disease Hair shedding, and why shampoos and supplements often aren't worth the money The other benefits, from kidney disease and beyond Chapters 00:00 Why there's so much GLP-1 misinformation 02:00 Where to find nutrition guides and community 03:00 Q1: How GLP-1s actually work in your body 05:00 Q2: Will I have to take this forever? 06:00 What maintenance actually looks like 07:00 How much protein you need 08:00 Why you can't compare your results to anyone else's 09:00 Q3: Are compounded GLP-1s safe and legal? 10:00 The grey market and why it's different 11:00 How to find a vetted provider 12:00 Q4: Is this addiction? Obesity as a chronic disease 13:00 Q5: Hair shedding - why it happens 15:00 Shampoos and supplements: don't waste your money 16:00 You are not broken 17:00 The other benefits: kidney disease and beyond Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Not sure how to talk to your daughter about her period, or when to start? I'm Tiffany Bailey, a board certified physician assistant, and in this episode I sit down with educator Janet Throgmorton (Mrs. Janet), who spent 31 years in schools as a teacher, elementary principal and high school principal. We talk about why girls are starting their periods earlier, the right age to begin the conversation, how to frame periods and puberty as a normal, healthy part of growing up, and why boys need to hear it too. We also talk about period poverty: how many students rely on their school for pads and tampons, why the right-size products matter for young girls, and how educators and communities are stepping in. In this episode: Why girls are starting their periods earlier (some as young as 8 or 9) Why so many of us grew up with no "period talk" at home What age to start talking to your daughter about periods How to start the conversation at home without shame Why boys should learn about periods and puberty too Period poverty and why girls miss school without period products Choosing the right period products for a young girl Chapters: 0:00 Meet Mrs. Janet: 31 years in education 1:51 Girls are starting their periods earlier 3:32 When schools teach about periods 4:35 Our own first period talks growing up 7:03 What age to start talking about periods 8:31 Why how you talk about periods matters 9:48 Should we talk to boys about periods too? 12:31 How many kids get no guidance at home 13:32 How to start the conversation at home 16:02 Period poverty: girls missing school 17:31 Why the right period products matter 18:27 How schools and communities help 20:24 Period poverty and lack of education 21:32 Final thoughts: we can't ignore women's health Interested in learning more about GLP-1s, peptides, hormones, and metabolic health? START HERE: https://link.joinbelle.com/betterliving Coupon code: BELLE15 Join our FREE community for GLP-1 support and nutrition tips: https://the-belle-community.circle.so Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_MnkZX_hy0 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterliving_pa TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterlivingforeveryone Follow the show so you don't miss new episodes on women's health, GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Listening does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult your own qualified healthcare provider with questions about your or your child's health.

Your weight has stopped moving on your GLP-1. Are you in maintenance, or are you in a plateau? I'm Tiffany Bailey, a board certified physician assistant, and in this episode I break down the difference between a weight loss plateau and planned GLP-1 maintenance, what the research shows about stopping semaglutide or tirzepatide cold turkey, and 4 maintenance strategies to discuss with your provider so you can keep the weight off long term. In this episode: Plateau vs. maintenance, and why the real difference is your intention Why a maintenance weight range works better than one number on the scale What the STEP 1 extension and SURMOUNT-4 trials showed about stopping GLP-1s Why "60% of people regain all their weight" is misleading Obesity as a chronic disease, and why food noise can come back 4 maintenance strategies: staying on your dose, carefully adjusting it, extending time between doses, and stopping with a plan Is microdosing a maintenance strategy? How your care team personalizes maintenance, plus nutrition, strength training, cost and access The emotional side of maintenance, and why needing ongoing treatment is not a failure DMR (duodenal mucosal resurfacing), an investigational procedure being studied for weight maintenance Chapters: 0:00 Plateau or maintenance? 0:22 Intro: what we'll cover 0:54 Plateau vs. maintenance: what's the difference 2:54 Why you need a maintenance weight range 3:40 When the scale stalls before your goal 4:04 What happens if you stop a GLP-1 cold turkey 4:20 STEP 1 extension trial (semaglutide) 5:15 SURMOUNT-4 trial (tirzepatide) 5:44 The "60% regain all their weight" myth 6:29 Obesity is a chronic disease 7:28 Strategy 1: Stay on the dose that worked 8:40 Strategy 2: Carefully adjust your dose 10:44 Strategy 3: Extend the time between doses 11:43 Strategy 4: Stop with a plan and close monitoring 13:13 Is microdosing a maintenance strategy? 13:53 Your dose is not a willpower test 14:36 How your care team personalizes maintenance 15:54 Health conditions that favor staying on your dose 16:46 Nutrition and strength training 18:03 Cost, access and insurance 18:35 The emotional side of maintenance 19:45 DMR: an investigational procedure for maintenance 21:12 Key takeaways Interested in learning more about GLP-1s, peptides, hormones, and metabolic health? START HERE: https://link.joinbelle.com/betterliving Coupon code: BELLE15 Join our FREE community for GLP-1 support and nutrition tips: https://the-belle-community.circle.so Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYGqXvP9578 Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterliving_pa TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterlivingforeveryone Follow the show so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Listening does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, or treatment plan.

Carolina struggled with obesity from childhood and spent years searching for a sustainable way to manage her health and weight. Eventually she traveled to Mexico for gastric bypass surgery, and went from 320 to 165 pounds. But she discovered surgery wasn't a permanent fix for the biological and emotional challenges she'd faced her whole life, and when maintaining her results became difficult, she started looking for another option. In this conversation, Carolina shares her experience with weight-loss surgery, weight regain and discovering GLP-1 therapy, and how it helped her better understand her body and finally build an approach that feels sustainable. In this conversation: Growing up with obesity Traveling to Mexico for gastric bypass surgery Why weight regain can happen after bariatric surgery Pregnancy, a new baby and no family nearby What she can and can't eat after bypass Why surgery doesn't change obesity hormonally Discovering GLP-1 therapy and building a sustainable approach Carolina's story is an important reminder that obesity is a complex, chronic condition. Needing additional support after bariatric surgery does not mean someone failed. Chapters 00:00 Meet Carolina 02:30 Starting a new job, and starting a GLP-1 05:00 Being loved for who she was 07:30 Moving away and grieving 10:00 Getting back into the swing of things 12:30 Flying out for gastric bypass surgery 15:00 Throwing away the old X-rays 17:30 Getting down to 165 from 320 20:00 How desperate people get, and a broken system 22:30 Pregnancy and gaining weight 25:00 A new baby with no family nearby 27:30 Her son starting kindergarten 30:00 A torn foot and what the X-ray showed 32:30 Getting back on the bike for herself 35:00 What she can and can't eat after bypass 37:30 Why surgery doesn't change obesity hormonally 40:00 Why compounded lets you inch your dose up This episode shares one patient's personal experience. Individual results vary. Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Can GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide really cause blindness? In this episode, Tiffany Bailey, PA-C, sits down with optometrist Dr. Kelly Bugg, OD, to talk about GLP-1s and vision loss, what the research on NAION (non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy) actually shows, and what the real risk is for most patients. In this conversation: What optometrists do and how they differ from ophthalmologists What NAION is and how it affects the optic nerve What the semaglutide research shows, and how rare NAION actually is Who has a "crowded disc" and may be at higher risk How diabetes and fast blood sugar changes affect your eyes Dry eye and blurry vision that comes and goes on GLP-1s Why to call your eye doctor, not the ER, for sudden vision changes How often to get an eye exam, and dilation vs. retinal photos Chapters 00:00 Meet Dr. Kelly Bugg, optometrist 01:46 What an optometrist treats 02:30 Optometrist vs. ophthalmologist 04:06 Why see an eye doctor for eye problems 04:47 The scary GLP-1 blindness headlines 05:09 What is NAION? 05:55 What the semaglutide research shows 06:18 How rare is NAION? 08:05 Does she see NAION in her practice? 09:54 Diabetes, GLP-1s and your eyes 10:19 How diabetic retinopathy damages the eye 12:15 Fast blood sugar changes and when to come in 14:34 Crowded discs and who is at higher risk 15:46 Weighing the benefits vs. the risk 18:07 Warning signs of NAION 19:23 If you've already had NAION in one eye 20:37 Dry eye on GLP-1s 22:18 Blurry vision that comes and goes 25:22 Eye doctor vs. the ER for vision changes 27:17 How often to get an eye exam 29:09 A patient story: what an eye exam caught 32:13 Dilation vs. retinal photography 34:04 Final takeaways Connect with Dr. Kelly Bugg, OD: Website: keepingyourlifeinfocus.com Lone Oak Family Eye Care (Paducah, KY): facebook.com/lofamilyeye Mayfield Family Eye Care (Mayfield, KY): facebook.com/MayfieldFamilyEyeCare Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Is your GLP-1 dose too high? A higher dose is not automatically better. Semaglutide and tirzepatide work best at the dose that helps you reach your goals while still letting you eat, drink, function and feel like yourself. In this episode, I walk through 7 signs your GLP-1 dose may be too high for your body, why the old "move up every month" titration approach doesn't fit everyone, and why your dose should be judged by how you feel and function, not just the number on the scale. In this episode: Why so many people were titrated up every single month What the Wegovy and Zepbound prescribing information says about tolerability Nausea that keeps you from eating, drinking or functioning Repeated vomiting or trouble keeping fluids down Constipation or diarrhea that becomes a real problem Food aversion and barely being able to eat Feeling weak, dizzy or exhausted Losing strength and muscle Side effects that get worse with every dose increase Why returning hunger doesn't always mean you need a higher dose Symptoms that need prompt medical attention Chapters 00:00 How to tell if your GLP-1 dose is too high 00:35 Why so many people were moved up every month 01:32 What Wegovy and Zepbound prescribing info says now 02:21 Your dose should be personalized 02:34 Don't judge your dose by the scale 03:00 Sign 1: Nausea that stops you from functioning 04:22 Sign 2: Vomiting or trouble keeping fluids down 05:14 Sign 3: Constipation or diarrhea that becomes a problem 06:25 Sign 4: You can barely eat (food aversion) 08:04 Sign 5: Feeling weak, dizzy or exhausted 09:12 Sign 6: You're losing strength 10:22 Sign 7: Side effects get worse with every dose increase 11:13 Returning hunger doesn't mean you need a higher dose 11:57 Your rate of weight loss vs. your dose 12:47 Symptoms that need prompt evaluation 13:22 Talk to your provider before changing your dose 13:51 Low and slow: individualized GLP-1 dosing 14:30 Tell me your experience Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Can GLP-1s help with perimenopause and menopause? In this live conversation, I'm joined by Dr. Pat Taylor, a board-certified family physician specializing in obesity, menopause and metabolic medicine, to talk about GLP-1 therapy, microdosing, menopause and metabolic health. Perimenopause can start as early as your mid-30s, and the hormonal shifts can bring belly weight gain, insulin resistance, mood changes and more, even when nothing else in your routine has changed. We explain what's happening, how GLP-1s and menopausal hormone therapy may work together, what microdosing means, and who may or may not be a good candidate, plus live Q&A. In this episode: When perimenopause starts and common symptoms Estrogen, mood and the brain Why weight shifts to your midsection Insulin resistance and the labs to check Surgical menopause and testosterone Why GLP-1s may work differently in menopause Hormone therapy plus GLP-1s, and tirzepatide and hot flashes What GLP-1 microdosing really means, and who is (and isn't) a good candidate Maintenance without BMI cutoffs Chapters 00:00 Welcome: microdosing and menopause 01:00 Perimenopause starts earlier than you think 03:00 Meet Dr. Pat Taylor 04:03 When perimenopause starts and common symptoms 06:01 Estrogen, mood and the brain 07:05 Why weight shifts to your midsection 08:02 Insulin resistance in perimenopause 09:04 Labs to check for insulin resistance 11:01 Visceral fat and health risks 12:01 Surgical menopause and testosterone 14:03 Why GLP-1s may work differently in menopause 16:00 Estrogen, your cycle and GLP-1 response 17:03 Hormone therapy plus GLP-1s 20:01 Tirzepatide and hot flashes 21:01 Q&A: itchy skin and ears 23:00 Prediabetes, diabetes and your chart 26:06 Diabetes medications and longevity 27:00 BMI and insurance coverage 30:04 Why Dr. Pat joined Belle 31:01 Belle launches GLP-1 microdosing 33:01 Food noise and mental capacity 34:03 Two pathways to start microdosing 36:00 What microdosing really means 39:02 Who's a good candidate for microdosing 43:03 Why menopausal hormone therapy matters 44:04 Who's not a good candidate 47:01 Maintenance with no BMI gates 50:01 How to join the microdosing program 52:06 Q&A: HRT timing and starting doses 54:05 Tirzepatide with B6 55:05 Wrap-up Learn more about Belle's microdosing program: microdose.joinbelle.com Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Olivia has been on a compounded tirzepatide journey for over a year and is down 98 pounds. In this conversation she shares her wins, what made her journey hard, and why she now spends her time advocating for GLP-1 patients who need access to care. In this conversation: Researching GLP-1s and falling for the flood of marketing ads Choosing semaglutide on price, and the side effects she had Hitting Onederland, then hitting a stall Why eating 800 calories was the wrong move, and focusing on maintaining muscle Loose skin, rings that fit differently and other surprises Whether she expects to be on a GLP-1 long-term Why a GLP-1 is a tool, and she's still doing the work Chapters 00:00 Meet Olivia 02:30 Researching GLP-1s and the flood of ads 05:00 Falling for marketing campaigns 07:30 Choosing semaglutide on price 10:00 Constipation, and how much nausea she had 12:30 Hitting Onederland 15:00 When weekly drops turn into a stall 17:30 Working out and morning bike rides 20:00 Eating 800 calories, and why that was wrong 22:30 Rings and jewelry feeling strange 25:00 Focusing on maintaining muscle 27:30 Not checking whether she'd fit the booth 30:00 Loose skin as part of the loss 32:30 Did she expect to be on this long-term? 35:00 Her husband dreaming about food 37:30 Not thinking about supper at all 40:00 It's a tool - she's still doing the work Follow Olivia TikTok: @glpwitholivia YouTube: @GLPWithOlivia Instagram: @glpwitholivia Get started with Olivia's link: link.joinbelle.com/olivia (code OLIVIA) This episode shares one person's experience. Individual results vary. Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Have you noticed your skin feels sore, burning, tingly or sunburned, even when nothing is touching it but your clothes or your sheets? That symptom has a name: allodynia. It's being reported by some people taking GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide and semaglutide, and it can be confusing and worrying when it shows up. In this episode, I explain what allodynia is, why it may happen on GLP-1s, what it typically looks like, and what you can do about it, so you know what's expected and when it's worth talking to your provider. In this episode: What allodynia is and what it can feel like Burning, tingling and sunburn-like skin sensitivity on GLP-1s Which GLP-1 medications it's been reported with, and the role of dose increases Why it may happen, including nerve signaling and rapid weight loss How long it tends to last Practical ways to manage it and when to talk to your provider about your dose Symptoms that aren't typical and should be checked out Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Starting GLP-1s, or wishing you could start your GLP-1 journey over? I'm Tiffany Bailey, a board certified physician assistant, and after talking with thousands of people on GLP-1 medications, these are the 10 things patients most often tell me they wish they'd done differently from day one. We cover building a care plan before your first dose, why you shouldn't judge results in the first 4 weeks, eating regularly even when your appetite is low, protecting your muscle, planning ahead for side effects like nausea and acid reflux, tracking progress beyond the scale, weekly vs. split dosing, the mental and emotional side of weight loss, and taking life on GLP-1s one step at a time. Whether you're on week one or month twelve, you can still make these changes. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 Starting GLP-1s over: what I'd do differently 1:20 #1 Have a care plan before you start 3:18 #2 Don't judge results in the first 4 weeks 4:57 #3 Eat regularly, even when you're not hungry 6:28 #4 Protect your muscle early 7:34 #5 Plan ahead for side effects 8:35 #6 Take before photos and measurements 10:15 #7 Weekly vs. split dosing 11:29 #8 The mental and emotional side + community 12:39 #9 Take others' advice with a grain of salt 13:38 #10 One step at a time (do I stay on it forever?) 15:44 Your turn + free resources 👇 Interested in learning more about GLP-1s, peptides, hormones, and metabolic health? START HERE: 🔗 https://link.joinbelle.com/betterliving Coupon Code- BELLE15 If you're considering treatment options, this is the best place to begin. You'll find information on eligibility, available programs, and next steps. 📌 Subscribe to my channel so you don't miss future videos on: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetterlivingPA 🔔𝐃𝐨𝐧'𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐛𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬. • GLP-1 medications • Peptides • Perimenopause & menopause • Weight loss • Metabolic health • Healthy aging Join our FREE community to learn more about GLP1s and get nutritional tips and tricks- https://the-belle-community.circle.so/join?invitation_token=480b6c976ec2285d8e8a6a56a0f3487d5fc2e09d-073e1d62-688d-4de9-b85d-d05af356cb9b ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: The information shared on this channel is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Watching these videos does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen. ✅ Important Link to Follow 🔗 Linktree https://linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterliving_pa TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterlivingforeveryone #GLP1 #GLP1Journey #WeightLossJourney

The number one rule every GLP-1 user should practice sounds incredibly simple: eat until you're no longer hungry, not until you feel full. Those may sound like the same thing, but they're two very different stopping points, and learning the difference is one of the biggest things that separates a smooth GLP-1 journey from a miserable one. In this episode, I explain how GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide can change your appetite faster than they change your lifelong eating habits, why so many of us were conditioned to clean our plates, and why your old portion sizes may suddenly leave you feeling miserable. In this episode: The difference between hunger, satisfaction, fullness and feeling stuffed How your stomach, gut hormones, nerves and brain communicate during a meal Why slowing down and chewing more can help The halfway pause you can practice at your next meal How GLP-1s may change food motivation and reward How to stop eating when hunger disappears without accidentally under-eating A GLP-1 can turn down the hunger signal, but it can't put your fork down for you. Chapters 00:00 The #1 rule most GLP-1 users get wrong 00:23 Eat until you're no longer hungry, not full 01:12 Hunger vs fullness - two different points 01:59 Why we were trained to clean our plates 03:08 Eating too fast and not chewing enough 03:47 How your body knows you have had enough 05:56 What GLP-1s actually change in your stomach 07:03 Practicing the pause during a meal 07:48 Put your fork down - two questions to ask 08:44 The 1 to 10 fullness scale 10:12 Food is not just fuel - the emotional side 11:19 Losing the dopamine hit from food 12:24 Finding non-food rewards 13:11 Hunger vs food noise 14:07 Tell me what has helped you Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

Is "GLP-1 divorce" real? Can a GLP-1 medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide actually change your relationship with your partner? I'm Tiffany Bailey, a board certified physician assistant and GLP-1 advocate, and in this episode I break down the trend some people call "GLP-1 divorce" or "Ozempic divorce," what the research does (and doesn't) show, and the real factors that can shift a relationship when one partner starts a GLP-1. We cover: • What "GLP-1 divorce" means and why it's not a new phenomenon • What we learned from bariatric surgery patients and relationship changes • Why most separations start with cracks that were already there • How new confidence, less food noise, and new interests can feel threatening to a partner • Feeling emotionally flat on a GLP-1 and how it can affect dates and intimacy • What early research on GLP-1s and marriage outcomes shows so far • Why "you look amazing now" can land the wrong way • GLP-1s, dopamine, and the reward system (food, alcohol, and desire) • Losing food as a comfort strategy and finding new ways to cope • When shared routines like dinners, drinks, and movie snacks change Chapters: 0:00 What is "GLP-1 divorce"? 0:43 Not new: what we saw after bariatric surgery 1:19 Can a GLP-1 actually cause a divorce? 1:52 Scenario: when one partner starts changing 3:40 Feeling emotionally flat on a GLP-1 4:38 New confidence exposes old cracks 5:00 What the research says 6:31 How your partner sees you vs. how you see yourself 7:08 Intimacy and "you look amazing now" 7:51 When old feelings come into focus 8:29 GLP-1s, dopamine and the reward system 8:57 When food is no longer your comfort 10:20 When shared habits and routines change 11:15 GLP-1s, alcohol cravings and desire 12:12 Why partners miss the old routines 12:55 So, is GLP-1 divorce real? 13:21 Share your experience 👇 Interested in learning more about GLP-1s, peptides, hormones, and metabolic health? START HERE: 🔗 https://link.joinbelle.com/betterliving Coupon Code- Belle15 If you're considering treatment options, this is the best place to begin. You'll find information on eligibility, available programs, and next steps. 📌 Watch the video version on YouTube and subscribe so you don't miss future episodes on: https://www.youtube.com/@thebetterlivingPA • GLP-1 medications • Peptides • Perimenopause & menopause • Weight loss • Metabolic health • Healthy aging Join our FREE community to learn more about GLP1s and get nutritional tips and tricks- Join The Belle Community (free) ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: The information shared on this show is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen. ✅ Important Links to Follow 🔗 Linktree https://linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterliving_pa TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterlivingforeveryone #GLP1 #GLP1Divorce #OzempicDivorce #WeightLossJourney #Semaglutide

Do you feel like you're going crazy, or like you just don't feel like yourself anymore? It might be perimenopause. I'm Tiffany Bailey, a board certified physician assistant, and in this episode I break down the sneaky perimenopause symptoms so many women in their late 30s and 40s miss: anxiety and irritability, waking up in the middle of the night, brain fog, and achy, stiff joints. Perimenopause can start up to 10 years before menopause, and you can still have regular periods while it's happening. In this episode: What perimenopause is (and why menopause is really just one day) Why regular periods don't rule out perimenopause Anxiety, irritability and the emotional roller coaster Waking up at night with racing thoughts Brain fog, forgetfulness and trouble concentrating Physical clues: stiff, achy joints, getting hot at night, vaginal dryness Why women get treated symptom by symptom and nobody connects the dots Conditions that can mimic perimenopause (thyroid problems, anemia, sleep disorders, anxiety and depression) Why starting hormone therapy earlier in perimenopause matters Belle's women's hormone therapy program launches October 15. Join the waitlist here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving Disclosure: I'm the Director of Patient Education at Belle, a telehealth company I talk about in this episode. Chapters 00:00 Am I crazy or is it perimenopause? 01:03 What is perimenopause? 02:06 You can still have regular periods 02:37 Anxiety, irritability and mood swings 04:06 Waking up at night: sleep changes 05:46 Brain fog and forgetfulness 07:10 Physical clues: joints, night heat, dryness 09:00 How to figure out what's going on 10:53 Conditions that can mimic perimenopause 12:04 Why earlier hormone therapy matters 12:43 Belle's women's hormone therapy program 13:33 Tell me your experience Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.