The Obesity Guide with Matthea Rentea MD – Details, episodes & analysis

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Are you giving yourself too long to achieve your metabolic health goals?

Many people believe that giving yourself more time will make the process easier, but this often leads to procrastination and frustration. Your timeframe is likely longer than it needs to be, and it’s time to collapse it. To be clear, I’m *not* suggesting we rush fat loss itself. Instead, we’ll learn how setting shorter, focused deadlines can accelerate progress and improve results.

In this episode, I’ll show you how collapsing your timeline can energize you, push you out of your comfort zone, and help you achieve more in less time. Join me to explore strategies for collapsing your timeline and making the most of each day. Plus, we’ll cover key questions to shift you into a get-it-done-today mentality!


References

Stacey Boehman’s Make Money as a Life Coach® Podcast


Audio Stamps

01:08 - Dr. Rentea introduces the concept of "collapsing your timeline," which involves shortening the duration of the initial, challenging phase of a project to speed up progress and achieve faster results.

03:50 - Dr. Rentea advises that to achieve faster progress, you should sometimes speed up your timeline rather than taking a slow, extended approach.

05:30 - Dr. Rentea shares an example of how a patient improved by collapsing their timeline to meet dietary goals and address cravings.

07:42 - Dr. Rentea encourages collapsing your timeline by setting tighter deadlines and cutting out excuses to achieve results more efficiently.


Quotes

“The beginning of most processes are very painful. And so when you allow endless time, this pain is just prolonged and protracted. And sometimes it never gets better.” - Matthea Rentea MD 

“We take as much time as we give ourselves.” - Matthea Rentea MD 

“Sometimes it's not the most loving thing to say, ‘Well, I'm just going to see what's possible.’” - Matthea Rentea MD

“What if you stopped giving yourself all the time in the world and success was the only option, but you had to do it in less time? How would you troubleshoot it?” - Matthea Rentea MD 

“We need to get more focused on what is actually going to move the needle for me.” - Matthea Rentea MD 

“You don't allow for all that extra noise because you're collapsing down your timeline.” - Matthea Rentea MD 

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Staying committed to your health goals can be tough when life is constantly throwing curveballs. Whether it’s a birthday party, a vacation, or a work event, there will always be something ready to challenge the habits you’ve worked so hard to build. So how do you give yourself a fighting chance to stay on track with your health goals when your routine is disrupted?

In this episode, I’m sharing real-life examples of how I’ve navigated disruptions to my schedule, from work conferences to family vacations. Tune in now to hear practical tips on incorporating protein and fiber, staying hydrated, and adapting to new situations. If you want to ensure you keep your health on track no matter what life throws at you, this one’s for you!


References

Ep. 64 - Breaking the Silence: Redefining Menopausal Care for Women with Obesity with Dr. Komal Patil-Sisodia

My Doctor Started Me on a GLP-1: Now What? Podcast Playlist


Audio Stamps

04:40 - We hear about Dr. Rentea's shock at a recent conference's fat phobia and male-dominated, outdated views, strengthening her commitment to advocating for compassionate care.

15:30 - We learn the importance of planning ahead for protein and fiber intake to maintain healthy habits during unpredictable situations like conferences, vacations, or social events.

21:37 - Dr. Rentea shares her tips for maintaining healthy habits during activities like beach days or water parks.

24:00 - Planning ahead, focusing on protein, fiber, and hydration, while staying flexible to maintain balance in any situation, will help you manage your health effectively, even during busy or unpredictable times.

27:40 - Dr. Rentea shares a story about how different eating patterns affect people differently, underscoring the importance of finding what works best for you.


Quotes

“No matter what the scenario looks like, we can always find our belonging. We can always find the community. We can always find the people that are going to support us.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“At the Rentea Metabolic Clinic, we do not judge you. We do not shame you. We understand this is a chronic medical condition. Probably everyone that is helping you either has or currently does struggle with weight themselves.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“If we don't learn some healthy boundaries, some ways of giving yourself a shot at it, you always get derailed.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“If you are committed to your hea

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Are you struggling to achieve consistency with your metabolic health goals? One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they start out working on their health is aiming for too many new habits and strategies at once, expecting them to work effortlessly. So how do we break that cycle and take a more realistic (and less frustrating) approach?

In this episode, Dr. Rentea explores practical strategies to build consistent habits, from understanding the initiation phase of behavior change to mastering the “Four C’s” formula to achieve success. Learn how to navigate the complexities of habit formation with ease and purpose, setting the stage for long-lasting improvements in your metabolic health journey.


References

The 4 C’s Formula by Dan Sullivan
Atomic Habits by James clear
The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy
10X is Easier Than 2X by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy


Audio Stamps

03:03 - Dr. Rentea discusses two key actions people take to achieve consistency: developing realistic habits and mastering the “Four C's” concept—commitment, courage, capability, and confidence.

10:30 - Dr. Rentea emphasizes the need to seek support to achieve goals and highlights the importance of addressing logistical factors before focusing on the main goal.

12:04 - Dr. Rentea reminds us of the anatomy of a habit, emphasizes focusing on the initiation phase, and explains why we don't need to strive for perfection.

16:45 - Dr. Rentea urges us to identify one key issue we struggle with and focus on the smallest step to change it.


Quotes

“The mistake that everyone makes when they start out working on metabolic health is that you want to have all these new habits, all these new strategies, and you want it all to be working effortlessly. That is insanity to think that that would be the case.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“We need to know what the cue, the trigger, the beginning of you actually doing this new thing is. What actually is it that needs to happen for you to do this thing? And then we need to get really realistic about it.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“I don't negotiate with myself in the morning if I want to walk or not. I'm walking, period. The cloth

Join the September 30/30 round. 

Premium Season 1 of The Obesity Guide: Behind the Curtain -Dive into real clinical scenarios, from my personal medication journey to tackling weight loss plateaus, understanding insulin resistance, and challenges with GLP-1s. Plus, get a 40+ page guide packed with protein charts, weight loss formulas, and more. 

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Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

If you are overweight or obese and planning to have surgery, it's important to understand how excess weight can put you at risk for certain side effects and complications, whether from the surgery itself or the anesthesia you need.

To help me explore the unique challenges people with obesity face when undergoing surgery, I invited Dr. Sarah Bodin, a double board-certified physician in obesity medicine and anesthesia, to join me for this week’s episode.

Together, we delve into the complexities of anesthesia, and discuss the impact of medications like GLP-1 and the importance of screening for conditions such as sleep apnea. Join us now as we navigate the path to safer and more inclusive surgical experiences for all patients.


Connect with Dr. Bodin

Quality of Life Physician Weight Management

Follow Dr. Bodin on TikTok


Audio Stamps

01:30 - Dr. Bodin shares her professional background.

02:10 - Dr. Bodin discusses the importance of holding GLP-1 medications before surgery due to their effects on gastric emptying.

08:35 - Dr. Rentea asks about the clinical challenges posed by obesity, such as obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes, and difficulties with IV access.

10:22 - Dr. Rentea and Dr. Bodin discuss the necessity of screening for sleep apnea in weight management patients due to its impact on both weight and overall health.

11:50 - We learn about the safety considerations regarding weight limits for outpatient versus hospital-based surgical settings.

15:25 - We hear the proactive measures overweight and obese people can take to prepare for surgery to reduce the likelihood of complications and promote successful outcomes.

20:13 - We find out about the risks associated with skin removal surgery for people who have lost significant amounts of weight.

22:44 - Dr. Bodin shares her tips for other physicians that might not have had as much training in this area, including how to be mindful of language and biases.


Quotes

“None of us want to have problems surgically because of our weight.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“My recommendation would be that if you're taking a weekly injectable, you hold it for a solid two weeks prior to your surgery.” - Dr. Bodin

“It is super, super common for me to see obstructive sleep apnea. Some of which has been diagnosed and some of which people do not know about.” - Dr. Bodin

“If you have obesity, you're more likely to have sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, it can potentially cause worsened weight gain. So yes, that is built into my scre

Join the September 30/30 round. 

Premium Season 1 of The Obesity Guide: Behind the Curtain -Dive into real clinical scenarios, from my personal medication journey to tackling weight loss plateaus, understanding insulin resistance, and challenges with GLP-1s. Plus, get a 40+ page guide packed with protein charts, weight loss formulas, and more. 

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Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

If you were to ask me the top problem that no one can figure out when they're working with me, it would be strength training. Only a handful of people manage to sustain their own home exercise programs, commit to gym memberships, or stick with a trainer over the long term. 

If you are someone who struggles to prioritize exercise—especially strength training—then today's episode is a real treat for you. Join me as I speak with Dr. Ali Novitsky, CEO and founder of The FIT Collective™, who shares her smarter, not harder approach to fitness. Learn how simple, scientifically-backed strategies can optimize muscle mass and transform body composition, all in as little as just 30 minutes a week. Having been through Dr. Novitsky's program myself and seeing the incredible results, I can say with confidence this is *the* fitness breakthrough you've been waiting for!


References

Muscles and Mindset Program

The Fit Collective

The Muscles and Mindset Podcast

Follow Dr. Ali Novitsky on TikTok


Audio Stamps

02:40 - Dr. Novitsky introduces herself, emphasizing her focus on the four pillars of obesity medicine—nutrition, exercise, mindset, and medication—and the importance of a disciplined workout strategy to maintain muscle during weight loss.

09:35 - Dr. Novitsky addresses the challenges faced by those who have never strength trained, explaining the importance of making exercise accessible to all ages and abilities.

14:00 - Dr. Novitsky debunks the myth that you need extensive equipment or long workouts to make progress.

16:20 - Dr. Novitski offers practical advice for anyone who struggles to find time for exercise.

21:05 - Dr. Rentea reflects on her own journey with Dr. Novitsky, from her initial resistance to strength training, to embracing the meditative and holistic benefits of 10-minute workouts.

32:08 - We learn about Dr. Novitsky's new program, “Muscles and Mindset”, including its tailored approach and accessibility for diverse fitness levels.


Quotes

“If we're not moving our muscle, we're losing our muscle.” - Dr. Ali Novitsky

“Obviously, life gets in the way and whatnot, but the reality is, if this is priority number one, priority number two, or priority number three, you will find time. If this is below priority number three, you will have an excuse for how there is no time. Is this a priority with the time that you have now?” - Dr. Ali Novitsky 

“You don't have to go to a CrossFit gym to be able to maintain muscle mass or

Join the September 30/30 round. 

Premium Season 1 of The Obesity Guide: Behind the Curtain -Dive into real clinical scenarios, from my personal medication journey to tackling weight loss plateaus, understanding insulin resistance, and challenges with GLP-1s. Plus, get a 40+ page guide packed with protein charts, weight loss formulas, and more. 

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Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

You've probably heard me rant about it before, but it’s worth emphasizing again: BMI is NOT the  be-all and end-all statistic measuring our health. Widely adopted in medicine and by insurance companies, it's often used to justify various treatments and decisions. But the truth is, BMI measurements can be downright misleading, especially for those who have undergone significant weight loss.

In this episode, I'm going to illustrate just how flawed BMI can be, using a case study of two patients who have both shed a considerable amount of weight. Through these real-life examples and data, we’ll see why solely relying on BMI might not give you an accurate picture of your health. Instead, we'll explore how understanding body composition can provide invaluable insights that BMI alone cannot, empowering you to make better-informed decisions about your health journey.

If you have lost a significant amount of weight and are feeling confused or frustrated by your BMI, this episode is for you!

Oops! We need to make a small correction from this episode:

“We’re going to think about obesity as being over a body fat percentage of 31%.”


References

InBody Scale

Podcast Episode 58: Body Composition: How to Assess It and Why It Matters

Optimizing Fat Loss and Maintaining Muscle on a GLP 1 Mini-Course


Audio Stamps

00:50 - Dr. Rentea explains why relying solely on BMI can be misleading, especially for those who have lost a lot of weight, as it doesn't account for factors like loose skin.

03:45 - We hear a real life scenario from Dr. Rentea’s clinic, comparing two patients who have lost significant weight, which highlights the limitations of BMI as a sole measure of health.

06:55 - Dr. Rentea explains the issues that can arise when body fat drops too low.

07:49 - We find out why getting a body composition analysis helps you understand your metabolic health and differentiate between vanity goals and health goals.


Quotes

“If you're only looking at that BMI, you do not understand the health of the person.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“You can actually be incredi

Join the September 30/30 round. 

Premium Season 1 of The Obesity Guide: Behind the Curtain -Dive into real clinical scenarios, from my personal medication journey to tackling weight loss plateaus, understanding insulin resistance, and challenges with GLP-1s. Plus, get a 40+ page guide packed with protein charts, weight loss formulas, and more. 

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Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Are you grappling with the side effects of GLP-1 medications? If so, you're not alone. In previous episodes, we've tackled some of the most common challenges that patients face when starting these medications, including sulfur burps and nausea. Today, we're diving deeper into three additional hurdles that can crop up along your GLP-1 medication journey: persistent headaches after injections, exaggerated responses to viral illnesses, and appetite suppression or low desire for food.

These three problems can significantly impact your daily life and treatment progress so make sure you tune in for practical strategies to help you effectively manage these side effects and transform your experience with GLP-1 medications. From hydration strategies to optimizing nutrition, don't miss out on these valuable insights that will empower you to navigate these challenges with confidence.


References

Optimizing Fat Loss and Maintaining Muscle on a GLP 1 Mini-Course

Follow me on TikTok

Follow me on Instagram

The Health Investment Podcast with Brooke Simonson

Previous episodes on side effects from GLP-1 medications:

Nausea Relief Strategies for GLP-1 Agonist Medications

Sulfur Burps on GLP-1 Meds: Remedies, Treatment and Causes


Audio Stamps

00:28 - Dr. Rentea introduces the three common side effects from anti-obesity medications that will be discussed in the episode

03:04 - We learn how Dr. Rentea’s mini course can help you get the most out of your GLP-1 medication.

05:39 - Dr. Rentea discusses headaches as a common side effect of GLP-1 medications and gives tips on how to manage them.

07:46 - We learn how viral illnesses can be more prolonged and severe for patients on GLP-1 medications due to compounded effects on intestinal motility.

10:55 - Dr. Rentea talks about managing low appetite or quick satiety when starting or increasing doses of GLP-1 medications, offering tips on nutrition adjustments and  hydration strategies.


Quotes

“The majority of the side effects that you might experience, whether it's fatigue or headaches, they really do get better the more weeks that you're on it.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“Remember, if you're n

Join the September 30/30 round. 

Premium Season 1 of The Obesity Guide: Behind the Curtain -Dive into real clinical scenarios, from my personal medication journey to tackling weight loss plateaus, understanding insulin resistance, and challenges with GLP-1s. Plus, get a 40+ page guide packed with protein charts, weight loss formulas, and more. 

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Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Nausea is one of the most frequently reported side effects of GLP-1 agonist medications used in obesity treatment, such as Zepbound, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Victoza. Although not everyone will experience it, the nature of these anti-obesity medications can often lead to nausea, caused by the slowing of gastric emptying.

Anyone who has experienced nausea before, especially during pregnancies, will understand just how debilitating it can be, impacting your daily life and work. So, what level of nausea should you expect from weight loss medications? And how can we effectively manage this side effect? In this episode, I'm sharing practical strategies to mitigate nausea, advice on when to seek medical advice, and insights on using medications like Zofran to ease discomfort.

Remember: This podcast provides general educational information. Always consult your doctor and medical team for personalized advice and guidance on any symptoms you’re experiencing.


References

Quest Nutrition Cheese Crackers

Devotion Nutrition HydroFLEX Packets

GHOST®


Audio Stamps

00:58 - Dr. Rentea explains why most anti-obesity medications contribute in some capacity to nausea and describes the nature and impact of this common side effect.

06:05 - Dr. Rentea encourages us to be mindful of the types of foods consumed while on anti-obesity medications as certain foods can trigger nausea more than others.

08:20 - We hear the importance of hydration in managing nausea and Dr. Rentea explains how cold drinks and electrolyte products can alleviate symptoms.

13:05 - Dr. Rentea shares some general tips and changes you can make to your diet to help manage nausea.

17:35 - Dr. Rentea stresses that vomiting is not normal and urges consulting a doctor if it occurs, as adjustments to eating habits or medication dosage may be necessary.


Quotes

“You need to be spacing out your food because most people will not be able to eat these bigger meals at once.” - Matthea Rentea MD

Join the September 30/30 round. 

Premium Season 1 of The Obesity Guide: Behind the Curtain -Dive into real clinical scenarios, from my personal medication journey to tackling weight loss plateaus, understanding insulin resistance, and challenges with GLP-1s. Plus, get a 40+ page guide packed with protein charts, weight loss formulas, and more. 

Pre-register for the Sep 30/30 group.

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Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Ever had a burp that smells like bad eggs? It’s certainly not pleasant - especially in a social setting! But like most medications, anti-obesity medications come with side effects that you may have to navigate, particularly at the start of your journey. And one side effect that I don't hear enough people talk about, are sulfur burps.

So today, we’re doing a deep dive into why sulfur burps can happen on anti-obesity medication, what to avoid, and potential remedies to alleviate symptoms. We’ll also touch on gas and bloating and tips to reduce discomfort. Plus, stay tuned for future episodes where we'll be exploring additional side effects to help you manage the unique challenges associated with anti-obesity medications.

Remember: This podcast provides general educational information. Always consult your doctor and medical team for personalized advice and guidance on any symptoms you’re experiencing.



References

Ep. 48: Dietary Fiber: Tackling Constipation on GLP-1s

Chia seed pudding recipe



Audio Stamps

00:28 - Dr. Rentea stresses the importance of consulting with a medical team about any symptoms you’re experiencing while taking anti-obesity medications.

03:40 - We learn why sulfur burps are a common side effect of anti-obesity medications.

05:59 - Dr. Rentea outlines a list of what to avoid to help alleviate sulfur burps.

10:40 - Dr. Rentea shares some potential remedies for sulfur burps.

11:10 - We hear a recap of what can trigger and alleviate sulfur burps and Dr. Rentea’s take on digestive enzymes.

12:38 - Dr. Rentea discusses factors contributing to gas and bloating.



Quotes

“Straws actually can make the gas situation worse. So I would try to eliminate the straws that you use.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“Things that are contributing to taste, but not calories, they're incredibly gas producing.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“Food that is higher in sulfuric content is going to make it worse. For example, something like eggs.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“I think that the same things that are contributing to sulfur burps are really contributing to the gas.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“Maybe you went up too quickly on the fiber content. That's usually a huge culprit.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“I don't know that there's anything that walking doesn't help, but you're really getting the bowel moving and you're going to get that gas passing along.” - Matthea Rentea MD

Join the September 30/30 round. 

Premium Season 1 of The Obesity Guide: Behind the Curtain -Dive into real clinical scenarios, from my personal medication journey to tackling weight loss plateaus, understanding insulin resistance, and challenges with GLP-1s. Plus, get a 40+ page guide packed with protein charts, weight loss formulas, and more. 

Pre-register for the Sep 30/30 group.

Support the show

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

While psychiatric medications can be essential for improving mental health, they often come with unwanted side effects, including weight gain. Historically, a lack of integration between psychiatrists and other healthcare providers has meant that the impact of these medications on weight has often been overlooked.

Today, I’m excited to bring Dr. Mark Novitsky (husband of Dr. Ali Novitsky!) into the conversation, who is board-certified in child and adolescent psychiatry, adult psychiatry, and obesity medicine. Dr. Novitsky emphasizes a therapy-first approach and promotes healthy lifestyle choices for his patients, addressing issues like ADHD, anxiety, and depression through holistic strategies that include sleep habits, exercise, and nutrition.

In this episode, we'll be exploring the relationship between psychiatric medications and weight gain, common medications that may influence weight changes, the role of genetic testing in personalized treatment, and practical strategies for managing weight concerns associated with ADHD and psychiatric medications.

References

Novitsky MD Boutique Mind Doctors

The Fit Collective™

The 31 Days of Fit Program

Optimizing GLP-1 Weight Loss for High-Performing Women

Audio Stamps

01:13 - We hear about Dr. Mark Novitsky’s background and how he helps people.

09:44 - Dr. Novitsky shares some common antidepressant and antipsychotic medications that can cause weight gain due to increased appetite.

15:58 - Dr. Novitsky introduces the three pillars of health and digs into why exercise is crucial for overall mental and physical health.

19:35 - We discover strategies for improving sleep hygiene, which is key for improving your mental and physical well-being.

29:43 - Dr. Novitsky discusses how ADD and ADHD can impact someone’s relationship with food.

Quotes

“There are certain medications that we know of as practitioners that are going to result in more weight gain.” - Dr. Mark Novitsky

“The ones that tend to fix things quickest, the atypical antipsychotics, tend to cause some weight gain. The problem is, if I'm doing my job and fixing someone quickly in terms of the psych meds, then it might actually be pushing them in the wrong direction.” - Dr. Mark Novitsky

“Sometimes the path that isn't the quickest is the best.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“We can actually see a lot of the genes that are going to determine what type of emotional eating

Join the September 30/30 round. 

Premium Season 1 of The Obesity Guide: Behind the Curtain -Dive into real clinical scenarios, from my personal medication journey to tackling weight loss plateaus, understanding insulin resistance, and challenges with GLP-1s. Plus, get a 40+ page guide packed with protein charts, weight loss formulas, and more. 

Pre-register for the Sep 30/30 group.

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