Off The Charts – Details, episodes & analysis

Fertility testing has become mainstream — but most women still don’t fully understand what those results actually mean.

In this episode, Dr. Parmar sits down with Dr. Alana Shaw, ND to unpack what fertility testing actually tells you — and what it doesn’t — in a world flooded with online fertility advice.

They break down AMH, antral follicle count, and pelvic/endovaginal ultrasound as screening tools, then connect it to the real-life questions women are asking:

• “Should I test before I even start trying?”
• “Does low AMH mean infertility?”
• “Why is IVF a numbers game?”

They also touch on the bigger clinical context — including painful periods that get normalized, and why better screening and better explanations matter.

Dr. Shaw also shares about her clinical work at Mint Integrative Health (Vancouver).

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• What AMH measures (ovarian reserve) vs what it doesn’t measure (natural fertility prediction)
• Why low AMH ≠ “you’re infertile”
• Why IVF outcomes are a “numbers game”
• What antral follicle count (AFC) is and why it’s often paired with AMH
• Why age tends to predict egg quality better than AMH does
• What clinicians can learn from endovaginal ultrasound (cysts, endometriomas, fibroids, adenomyosis screening)
• Who fertility “pre-screening” may be most helpful for (especially people who want kids but don’t have a pathway yet)

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 — Painful periods being normalized
• 02:00 — “Fertility online” and why people are confused
• 24:30 — Who should consider prescreening
• 25:50 — Low AMH: what it means (and what it doesn’t)
• 26:10 — IVF is a numbers game
• 35:45 — AFC + endovaginal ultrasound explained
• 51:50 — IUDs as “good medicine” / non-contraceptive use 

⚠️ This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication.

TOP REFERENCES:

• Ovarian Reserve Testing (AMH, AFC) + Interpretation ASRM Practice Committee Testing and interpreting measures of ovarian reserve (Committee Opinion, 2020) https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/testing-and-interpreting-measures-of-ovarian-reserve-a-committee-opinion-2020/
• NCBI Bookshelf (Endotext) Ovarian Reserve Testing https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279058/
• ACOG Practice Bulletin Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2017/11/long-acting-reversible-contraception-implants-and-intrauterine-devices
• Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Guidance NICE Guideline NG88 (PDF) Heavy menstrual bleeding: assessment and management https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng88/resources/heavy-menstrual-bleeding-assessment-and-management-pdf-1837701412549
• Endometriosis (Prevalence + Overview) World Health Organization (WHO) Fact Sheet Endometriosis https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis

CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH

• Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/
• Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/
• Mint Reproductive Health → https://mintreproductivehealth.com/
• Dr. Alana Shaw → https://alanashawnd.com/

FOLLOW US

• Instagram (Clinic) → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/
• Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/
• Dr. Paul Maximus → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/
• Mint Reproductive Health → https://www.instagram.com/mintreproductivehealth/

Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship.

Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment.

For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit:

• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use
• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

Many people wonder whether antidepressants are the right choice — but the conversation is often oversimplified, stigmatized, or incomplete.  

In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND takes a grounded, compassionate look at antidepressants: how they actually work in the body, why they’re prescribed for more than depression, and how hormones, pain, life stress, and brain chemistry all play a role in mental health decisions.  

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• How antidepressants affect serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine
• Why antidepressants are used beyond depression, including pain, PMDD, and postpartum mood changes
• Common concerns around weight gain and side effects
• How clinicians think about matching medications to symptoms
• The difference between dependence and discontinuation
• What to consider if you’re thinking about starting — or eventually coming off — antidepressants

This conversation is for anyone who wants a clearer, more honest understanding of antidepressants without fear, judgment, or oversimplification.  

TIMESTAMPS 

• 0:00 – Why this question matters  
• 0:48 – Why a holistic doctor prescribes antidepressants  
• 5:20 – When lifestyle changes aren’t enough  
• 9:09 – How antidepressants work in the brain  
• 12:05 – Weight gain, metabolism, and SSRIs  
• 15:48 – Side effects and early tolerance  
• 18:22 – Matching antidepressants to symptoms  
• 22:12 – Hormones, depression, and sex differences  
• 24:12 – PMDD and why SSRIs are used  
• 28:43 – Postpartum depression and hormonal shifts  
• 31:30 – Hormones vs depression — does the distinction matter?  
• 33:59 – Antidepressants and chronic pain  
• 39:28 – Dependence vs discontinuation  
• 45:55 – When and how tapering is considered  
• 48:06 – Treatment resistance and alternatives  
• 52:38 – Reducing stigma and fear around antidepressants   

⚠️ This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication.  

TOP REFERENCES: 

• Antidepressant Medications (Overview) 
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications 
• Choosing the Right Antidepressant 
  • Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20046273 
• Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome 
  • American Family Physician: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2006/0801/p449.html
• Going Off Antidepressants: What to Know 
  • Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/going-off-antidepressants 
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) 
  • Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd 
• Antidepressants for Chronic Pain 
  • Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/in-depth/pain-medications/art-20045647 
• Pharmacogenomics & Medication Metabolism 
  • Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC): https://cpicpgx.org 

CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH  

• Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/ 
• Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/  

FOLLOW US  

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/
• Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/
• Dr. Paul Maximus, ND → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/

Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. 

Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment.  

For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit: 

• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use
• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer 

In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND and Dr. Paul Maximus, ND sit down with Dr. Jordan Robertson, ND, founder of The Confident Clinician, for a grounded conversation on what leadership actually looks like in modern clinical practice.

Using the Confident Clinician framework, the discussion examines why confidence in medicine is built through judgment, systems, and decision-making—not busyness, credentials, or hustle. Together, they explore why linear growth models break under ambitious goals, how clinicians can expand their impact without burning out, and what it means to lead responsibly as practices and platforms scale.

Dr. Robertson shares candid insights on betting on yourself before certainty, building systems instead of relying on individual capacity, and why the most effective clinicians think differently about growth, responsibility, and long-term impact. The conversation also addresses the realities faced by under-resourced clinicians, the importance of dialogue and accountability within professional communities, and how emerging tools like AI should be used to support—rather than replace—clinical judgment.

Rather than focusing on trends or quick fixes, this episode positions leadership as a daily practice and scalability as a design challenge. It reflects the core philosophy of The Confident Clinician: that confidence is earned through clear thinking, strong systems, and intentional leadership.

This discussion is especially relevant for clinicians navigating growth, leadership responsibilities, or systemic constraints, and for anyone interested in how modern medicine can evolve thoughtfully without compromising trust, expertise, or integrity.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why getting “busier” often leads to diminishing returns in clinical practice
• What leadership looks like when decisions are made without perfect conditions
• How clinicians can scale their impact without relying on hustle or burnout
• The difference between linear growth and system-level thinking in healthcare
• Why under-resourced clinicians experience stress, criticism, and negativity differently
• How to approach growth as an ecosystem design problem rather than an individual effort
• The role of judgment, communication, and leadership in a future shaped by AI
• Why betting on yourself — and building the right support systems — matters in long-term clinical impact

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 – Leadership Is a Daily Choice
• 4:07 – Breaking Rules to Lead Better
• 10:05 – Building Outside Broken Systems
• 15:48 – Under-Resourced Clinicians
• 19:47 – Leadership Means Disappointment
• 23:43 – Saying Yes Before Certainty
• 29:04 – Why 10x Requires Different Thinking
• 34:03 – Designing Systems for Scale
• 37:59 – AI Won’t Replace Clinicians
• 41:51 – Sandboxed AI in Medicine
• 45:07 – What Patients Actually Need
• 58:41 – Raising the Standard in ND Medicine
• 1:06:02 – Final Takeaways

TOP REFERENCES

• The Confident Clinician - https://confidentclinicianclub.com/
• Dr. Jordan Robertson, ND - https://drjordannd.com/

This resource page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH

• Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/
• Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/

FOLLOW US

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/
• Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/
• Dr. Paul Maximus, ND → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/
• Dr. Jordan Robertson, ND → https://www.instagram.com/drjordannd/

Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment.

For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit:

• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use
• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

Iron deficiency is one of the most common and most misunderstood medical issues affecting women today.

In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND and Dr. Paul Maximus, ND break down why so many patients are told their labs are “normal” while they continue to experience exhaustion, brain fog, hair loss, chronic pain, mood changes, and low libido.

The conversation explores how laboratory reference ranges differ from clinical reality, why iron deficiency is routinely missed until it becomes anemia, and how outdated screening practices disproportionately affect women. This is especially true for those with heavy periods, perimenopause, inflammatory conditions, plant-based diets, or absorption issues.

Dr. Parmar and Dr. Maximus explain why oral iron often fails, why symptoms can persist well above traditional ferritin cutoffs, and why IV iron is positioned as a system-level solution rather than unnecessary intervention.

The discussion covers bone marrow iron stores, ferritin targets, pregnancy and postpartum depletion, libido, mental health, and energy regulation. This episode challenges the idea that feeling tired, foggy, or unwell is simply part of being a woman.

If you have ever been told your labs are fine but your body says otherwise, this conversation puts iron deficiency back where it belongs: front and center.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Why iron deficiency is often missed until anemia
• The difference between lab reference ranges and clinical thresholds
• Why symptoms can exist above “normal” ferritin levels
• Why oral iron frequently fails
• How menstruation, pregnancy, and inflammation affect iron
• The role of iron in energy, mood, libido, and cognition
• Why IV iron is framed as system relief
• What patients should ask for and what doctors should reconsider

TIMESTAMPS

1. 00:00 Introduction and hot open
2. 02:00 Why iron deficiency is missed in women
3. 05:00 Lab reference ranges versus clinical thresholds
4. 08:00 Ferritin, bone marrow iron, and symptoms
5. 12:00 Oral iron failure and absorption issues
6. 15:00 Menstrual blood loss, pregnancy, and iron depletion
7. 18:00 Iron, neurotransmitters, and libido
8. 20:00 Addressing criticism around iron infusions
9. 23:00 Anemia as the final stage of deficiency
10. 25:00 Cost, benefits coverage, and private pay realities
11. 27:00 Why the system does not emphasize iron deficiency
12. 28:00 Closing thoughts: know your number and fix it

TOP REFERENCES

• Iron Rx Universe – IV iron and ferritin education https://ironrxuniverse.com
• Iron deficiency without anemia – clinical review (NIH / PMC) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5986027/
• Heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency (ACOG) https://www.acog.org
• Iron deficiency in pregnancy (WHO / PMC) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/

This resource page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH

• Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/
• Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/
• Mint Reproductive Health → https://mintreproductivehealth.com/

FOLLOW US

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/
• Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/
• Dr. Paul Maximus → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/

Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment.

For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit:

• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use
• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

Medicine wasn’t built for women — and today, the consequences show up in every corner of healthcare.

From misdiagnosed pain to delayed diagnoses, from biased research to outdated medical training, women around the world are still fighting to be heard, believed, and properly treated.

In this episode, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND sits down with activist and storyteller Karen “Kaz” Twomey for a powerful conversation about the gender data gap and how it continues to shape women’s health outcomes. Together, they explore why conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, perimenopause, and iron deficiency are so often dismissed or overlooked; how historical bias has shaped modern gynecology; and why women still struggle to find accurate information, compassionate care, and timely diagnosis.

This episode dives into the cultural, scientific, and systemic roots of medical sexism, the lingering influence of the WHI hormone therapy study, and the growing movement of women reclaiming their own health literacy through social media, advocacy, and community education. If you’ve ever wondered why women’s symptoms are minimized, why diagnostic delays are so common, or why women’s health research lags behind — this conversation pulls back the curtain.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Why women’s symptoms are dismissed
• The gender data gap • Endometriosis & PCOS
• Pain bias in gynecology
• Iron deficiency & pregnancy
• Estrogen fear & the WHI study
• Ireland’s Repeal movement
• How culture shapes women’s care
• What needs to change in medicine

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:00 – The gender data gap
• 05:00 – Endometriosis, PCOS, & delayed diagnosis
• 10:00 – Iron deficiency & overlooked symptoms
• 15:00 – The WHI study & hormone therapy confusion
• 20:00 – Social media & women reclaiming health literacy
• 25:00 – Pain bias & gynecology
• 30:00 – Ireland’s Repeal movement & reproductive rights
• 40:00 – The roots of medical misogyny
• 45:00 – What better care looks like

TOP REFERENCES

• Invisible Women (Caroline Criado Perez) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/610351/invisible-women-by-caroline-criado-perez/
• The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS) https://www.menopause.org/
• WHI Hormone Therapy Study (JAMA) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/195120
• Endometriosis Diagnostic Delay — Review (NIH / PMC) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6752380/
• PCOS Rotterdam Criteria Summary (NIH / PMC) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387639/
• IUD Insertion Pain Research (ACOG) https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2016/07/clinical-guidance-for-IUDs

This resource page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH

• Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/
• Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/
• Mint Reproductive Health → https://mintreproductivehealth.com/

FOLLOW US

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/
• Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/
• Dr. Paul Maximus → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/
• Kaz Twomey → https://www.instagram.com/kaztwomey/?hl=en

Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment.

For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit:

• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use
• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

Understanding how estrogen affects breast cancer risk is one of the most confusing and highly searched topics in women’s health. In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND breaks down the science behind estrogen, breast density, hormone therapy (HRT), IUDs, birth control, IVF, pregnancy timing, breastfeeding, and other factors that shape breast cancer risk throughout a woman’s life.

We explain what “lifetime estrogen exposure” means, why early periods and late menopause matter, and how breast density, alcohol, height, metabolic health, and reproductive history all contribute to risk in different ways. We also clarify one of the biggest misconceptions circulating online: estrogen-only menopausal hormone therapy after hysterectomy is associated with lower breast cancer risk according to large randomized trials.

This episode gives women a clear, evidence-based understanding of breast cancer risk factors—without fear-based messaging or misinformation.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• How estrogen influences breast cancer risk across the lifespan

• Estrogen’s benefits for bone, brain, metabolic and cardiovascular health

• The truth about perimenopause, menopause and hormone therapy (HRT)

• Breast density, BI-RADS categories and how density affects screening accuracy

• Family history, atypia and combined breast cancer risk

• Alcohol, height, growth hormones and metabolic contributors

• Pregnancy timing, breastfeeding cycles and breast tissue biology

• What studies actually show about IUDs, birth control and IVF

• What women can and cannot control when it comes to breast cancer prevention

TOPICS COVERED (TIMELINE STYLE)

• Why estrogen is misunderstood

• What “lifetime estrogen exposure” really means

• Menopause, HRT and clearing the confusion

• Breast density, BI-RADS and cancer detection

• Family history, atypia and stacked risks

• How breast density changes with age

• Alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen and what studies show

• Does alcohol type matter?

• Height, growth hormones and cancer risk

• Metabolic health, inflammation and early-life factors

• Pregnancy timing and why age matters

• Never having kids (nulliparity)

• How breastfeeding changes breast tissue

• What it means if you cannot breastfeed

• IVF hormones and breast cancer risk

• Birth control, hormonal IUDs and real-world numbers

• Misinformation, fear-based messaging and how to understand your personal risk

EPISODE RESOURCES AND REFERENCES

Off the Charts provides a companion reference page for every episode to support transparency and evidence-based discussion. Key sources for Episode 2 include Frontiers in Oncology, The Lancet, Nature, the National Cancer Institute, the Canadian Cancer Society, FORCE XRAY, Susan G. Komen, Radiopaedia and the American College of Radiology (BI-RADS).

Primary studies and clinical resources:

Frontiers in Oncology – Estrogen Effects on the Mammary Gland
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2017.00110/full 

PubMed – Estrogen-Alone Therapy and Breast Cancer Incidence (2024)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38653905/ 

FORCE XRAY – Estrogen-Only HRT and Breast Cancer
https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/estrogen-without-progesterone-as-HRT-may-lower-breast-cancer 

Canadian Cancer Society – Breast Density
https://www.cancer.ca/en/treatments/tests-and-procedures/mammography/breast-density 

National Cancer Institute – Reproductive History and Cancer
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones/reproductive-history-fact-sheet 

Nature – Pregnancy Duration and Breast Cancer Risk
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-06748-3 

Susan G. Komen – Age at First Childbirth
https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/age-at-first-childbirth 

Radiopaedia – Breast Density Classification
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/breast-density-classification 

American College of Radiology – BI-RADS
https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Clinical-Tools-and-Reference/Reporting-and-Data-Systems/BI-RADS 

CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH

Website: https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/ 
Book a Consult: https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/ 
Mint Reproductive Health: https://mintreproductivehealth.com/ 

FOLLOW US

Instagram (Clinic): https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/ 
Dr. Bobby Parmar: https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/ 
Dr. Paul Maximus: https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/ 

DISCLAIMER

Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your personal health concerns.

Terms of Use: https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use 
Medical Disclaimer: https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

With Dr. Bobby Parmar and Dr. Paul Maximus
Brought to you by Gravity Health

“Behind the hype and hashtags, millions of people are quietly reshaping their health with GLP-1s, but the stigma hasn’t caught up to the science.”

Ozempic®, Mounjaro™, and other GLP-1 medications are changing how the world thinks about metabolism, weight, and longevity — but not without controversy.

In this conversation, Dr. Bobby Parmar and Dr. Paul Maximus explore how these drugs went from diabetes treatments to cultural lightning rods. They dig into what science really says about GLP-1s, why moral bias still shapes how we talk about obesity, and what this shift means for the future of health and medicine.

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the biology behind appetite, the psychology of shame, and how longevity isn’t just about living longer — it’s about living better.

• The physiological role of GLP-1 hormones in regulating hunger, satiety, and blood sugar

• Why these treatments are helping patients with metabolic and cardiovascular disease — not just weight

• The history of fat-shaming and why stigma still affects treatment access

• How obesity is now understood as a chronic, relapsing condition — not a personal failure

• What the research shows about long-term safety, muscle preservation, and sustained metabolic improvement

0:00 Welcome to Off the Charts: The truth about GLP-1s and Ozempic
0:52 Why people hide their use of Ozempic and Mounjaro
2:52 Shame, willpower, and moral judgment in weight loss
4:55 Obesity as a disease — from circus cages to modern medicine
8:16 Fatphobia in healthcare and everyday life
9:13 Food noise, dopamine, and how our brains drive eating behavior
10:33 It’s not willpower — how biology shapes weight
13:55 The “cheating” narrative and natural vs pharmaceutical myths
15:31 The Gila monster story — how nature led to GLP-1 discovery
21:47 The rise of GLP-1 drugs and the billion-dollar shift
27:28 Why some doctors won’t prescribe Ozempic
32:30 Debunking “dangerous side effect” myths
37:27 Chronic disease, longevity, and why GLP-1s are for life
44:15 Muscle loss myths — what actually happens on Ozempic
48:38 Closing thoughts — send us your questions and hot takes

To maintain transparency and support evidence-based discussion, every Off the Charts episode includes a companion page listing all primary research, clinical trials, and cultural references mentioned in the conversation.

These references include publications from the New England Journal of Medicine, Physiological Reviews, the FDA, Obesity Canada, and more.

1️⃣ Holst JJ (2007). The physiology of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Physiological Reviews.
🔗 https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00034.2006 

2️⃣ Drucker DJ (2018). Mechanisms of action and therapeutic application of GLP-1 and GIP. Cell Metabolism.
🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29617641/ 

3️⃣ Liraglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes. (2016). New England Journal of Medicine.
🔗 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1603827 

4️⃣ U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2024). FDA approves first treatment to reduce risk of serious heart problems in adults with obesity or overweight.
🔗 https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or 

5️⃣ Obesity Canada (2025). Recognizing and reducing weight bias in obesity management.
🔗 https://obesitycanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1-Canadian-Adult-Obesity-CPG-Reducing-Weight-Bias-Stigma.pdf 

This resource page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/ 
YouTube  → Watch on YouTube
Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/ 

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/ 
Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/ 
Dr. Paul Maximus → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/ 

Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship.

Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment.

For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit:
https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use 
https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer 

Have you ever left a medical appointment feeling unsettled — not because of what was said, but because of how it felt?

You understood the recommendations.
You answered the questions.
And yet, something didn’t quite land.

In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar sits down with Dara Parker to examine that gap — the space between how care is delivered, and how it is actually experienced by patients.

Drawing from lived experience, they explore why even confident, well-resourced individuals can feel hesitant, exposed, or less certain of themselves in a clinical setting — and why patients don’t always share everything, even when it matters.

This isn’t framed as a failure of individual practitioners. Instead, the conversation looks at the systems, training, and cultural norms that shape how care is practiced — often in ways that are difficult to see from within.

The question isn’t simply whether healthcare is working or failing. It’s whether we are paying close enough attention to how it is being experienced.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• Why medical interactions can feel misaligned, even when technically correct
• How assumptions and communication style shape patient trust
• Why patients don’t always share everything — even when it matters
• The role of power dynamics in clinical environments
• How bias operates within systems, not just individuals
• What a more collaborative, patient-centered approach to care could look like

TIMESTAMPS

• 0:00 – Opening: When care feels “off”
• 1:12 – Introducing Dara Parker 2:42 – “Mediocre” experiences across the system
• 4:19 – Is healthcare shaped by bias?
• 6:15 – Systems, assumptions, and lived experience
• 8:12 – Awareness doesn’t remove bias
• 10:33 – Pain, dismissal, and women’s bodies
• 12:16 – The role of humility in medicine
• 14:27 – Patients, information, and trust
• 19:06 – Lived experience and belief
• 20:15 – Assumptions in practice (birth control example)
• 21:54 – Why patients hold things back
• 24:56 – Confidence vs vulnerability in clinical settings
• 26:06 – Physical and emotional exposure
• 29:37 – What a different experience can feel like

⚠️ This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication.

REFERENCES

The Yentl Syndrome 
Bernadine Healy, The New England Journal of Medicine 
https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJM199107253250408 

The Girl Who Cried Pain: A Bias against Women in the Treatment of Pain 
Diane E. Hoffmann and Anita J. Tarzian 
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-720X.2001.tb00037.x  

Pain Management for In-Office Uterine and Cervical Procedures 
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 
https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/clinical-consensus/articles/2025/05/pain-management-for-in-office-uterine-and-cervical-procedures

Implicit Bias in Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review 
Clemence FitzGerald and Samia Hurst 
https://bmcmedethics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12910-017-0179-8  

Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Patient Nondisclosure of Medically Relevant Information to Clinicians 
Andrea G. Levy et al. 
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2716996  

Towards a Sociological Understanding of Medical Gaslighting in Western Health Care 
Jessica C.H. Sebring 
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1467-9566.13367

Overview of the National Institutes of Health Investment in Women’s Health Research National Academies / NIH 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK612400/

CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH

• Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/
• Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/

FOLLOW US

• Gravity Health Clinics → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/
• Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/
• Dr. Paul Maximus → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/
• Dara Parker → https://www.daraparker.com/

Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice.

Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment.

For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit:

• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use
• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer 

Histamine isn’t just about allergies.

In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar sits down with Dr. Krista Moyer, ND to unpack one of the most misunderstood mechanisms in medicine right now: histamine.

From brain fog and anxiety…
To IBS, GERD and diarrhea…
To heavy bleeding, PMS and perimenopause shifts…

Histamine can act as a systems-level amplifier — especially in people with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) or histamine intolerance.

Dr. Moyer shares her origin story into histamine medicine and explains:

• What mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) actually is
• How MCAS differs from histamine intolerance
• The role of DAO and HNMT enzymes
• When genetics matter — and when they don’t
• Why perimenopause can amplify histamine symptoms
• The estrogen ↔ histamine feedback loop
• How antihistamines (H1, H2) and quercetin are used clinically
• Why the low histamine diet is temporary — not a life sentence
• The link between histamine and menstrual pain
• Brain fog and anxiety as histamine-driven symptoms
• Why allergist testing doesn’t always rule this out

They also break down when to experiment with antihistamines, when diet matters most, and why a bucket-load theory of “histamine burden” often makes more sense than chasing a single trigger.

This episode is for anyone who has been told their labs are normal — but still doesn’t feel normal.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• The difference between MCAS and histamine intolerance
• How histamine affects the gut, brain, skin, and hormones
• Why perimenopause can amplify histamine symptoms
• The bucket theory of “histamine load”
• When the low histamine diet is useful (and how long to try it)
• How antihistamines and quercetin are used clinically
• Why allergy testing doesn’t rule histamine issues out

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 – Why the low histamine diet feels impossible
• 02:30 – Dr. Moyer’s origin story
• 03:55 – What is MCAS?
• 06:25 – The histamine “bucket” theory
• 09:27 – Perimenopause & estrogen connection
• 13:27 – What the low histamine diet involves
• 19:42 – Antihistamines: H1, H2 & quercetin
• 22:35 – MCAS explained simply
• 26:55 – MCAS vs histamine intolerance
• 29:55 – Digestive symptoms & IBS
• 31:07 – Pain, PMS & inflammation
• 32:02 – Brain fog & anxiety
• 38:04 – Is histamine a villain?
• 39:18 – Cetirizine & the blood-brain barrier
• 41:37 – Benadryl for period pain?

⚠️ This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication.

REFERENCES

• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) — Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
  https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/mast-cell-activation-syndrome
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) — Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Overview
  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539870/
• Johns Hopkins Medicine — Mast Cell Disorders https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/mast-cell-disorders
  
• Cleveland Clinic — Histamine Intolerance https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24854-histamine-intolerance
• Mayo Clinic — Hives (Urticaria) and Mast Cell Overview https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-hives/symptoms-causes/syc-20352719
• Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI) — Mast Cell Activation Disorders https://www.jacionline.org/
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) — Histamine Metabolism Overview https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17272405/

CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH

• Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/
• Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/
• Mint Reproductive Health → https://mintreproductivehealth.com/
• Dr. Krista Moyer → http://www.drkristamoyer.com/

FOLLOW US

• Gravity Health Clinics → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/
• Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/
• Dr. Paul Maximus → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/
• Mint Reproductive Health → https://www.instagram.com/mintreproductivehealth/
• Dr. Krista Moyer → https://www.instagram.com/drkristamoyer/

Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship.

Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment.

For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit:

• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use
• https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer 

Why Women Aren’t Offered Pain Management for IUDs

IUD insertion is often described as quick, simple, and routine.

But for many patients, “routine” does not mean painless.

In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND sits down with Dr. Alex Dragan, ND to ask a question that should feel obvious: Why are so many IUD procedures still done without adequate pain management?

Starting with Dr. Dragan’s own experience of nearly passing out during IUD insertion, they unpack what actually happens during the procedure, why some patients experience intense pain, dizziness, or near-fainting, and how that reality has been minimized, normalized, or dismissed in clinical practice.

From there, the conversation moves beyond IUDs.

They examine how outdated assumptions, gaps in training, misinformation, and systemic bias shape the way women’s pain is understood and treated — and why something as basic as pain relief is still inconsistent across providers.

This is not a takedown of individual practitioners.

It is a closer look at the gap between what patients experience, what medicine has normalized, and what better, more informed care could look like.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Why IUD insertion can be significantly more painful for some patients than expected
• What actually happens physiologically during an IUD procedure (and why pain varies)
• The role of the cervix, nerve pathways, and the vagal response in pain and fainting
• Why pain management isn’t consistently offered — even when options exist
• The difference between ibuprofen, local anesthesia, and newer tools like Penthrox
• How fear, misinformation, and real patient experiences all shape perception of IUDs
• Why IUDs are used for more than contraception (including heavy bleeding and perimenopause)
• How consent, communication, and patient trust influence the overall experience
• What a more informed, patient-centered approach to procedures could look like 

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:00 — Opening: “Why don’t we offer pain management?”
• 01:30 — A real IUD experience (pain, dizziness, near fainting)
• 04:45 — What actually happens during insertion
• 08:20 — The cervix, nerves, and the vagal response
• 12:10 — Why pain has been minimized in clinical settings
• 16:30 — What pain management options exist (and why they’re not always used)
• 22:40 — IUD myths vs reality
• 28:15 — Fear, TikTok, and patient perception
• 34:20 — IUDs beyond birth control (bleeding, perimenopause)
• 40:10 — What better care could look like

⚠️ This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication.

TOP REFERENCES:
Pain Management for Gynecologic Procedures
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
https://www.acog.org/

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (IUDs)
ACOG Practice Bulletin
https://www.acog.org/

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Guidelines
NICE Guideline NG88
https://www.nice.org.uk/

Endometriosis Overview
World Health Organization (WHO)
https://www.who.int/

Vasovagal Syncope (Fainting Response)
StatPearls / NCBI
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH
Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/
Gravity Health Clinics → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/
Mint Reproductive Health → https://mintreproductivehealth.com/

FOLLOW US
Gravity Health Clinics → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/
Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/
Dr. Paul Maximus, ND → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/
Dr. Alex Dragan, ND → https://www.instagram.com/dralexdragan/

Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship.

Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment.

For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit:
https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use
https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer