Ep. 534 The Hidden Forces Making Women Gain Weight – The Shocking Truth About Hormones, Trauma & GLP-1s with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen
- Cynthia Thurlow
- Dec 27, 2025
- 2 min read
Today, I’m thrilled to reconnect with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, a board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist with more than 15 years of clinical experience, widely recognized as one of the earliest adopters of GLP-1 therapies in the United States. She is also the author of the upcoming book Weightless: A Comprehensive Guide to the New Era of GLP-1 Medications.
In our discussion, we explore the transgenerational impact of obesity as a complex, chronic, and deeply multifactorial condition. We discuss the effects of environmental exposures and trauma, the essential role of education in overcoming weight-loss resistance and managing obesity, and the physiological changes women experience in the perimenopause-to-menopause transition. We explain the importance of body positivity and image, reframing our thoughts around obesity and being overweight, and why building and maintaining muscle is non-negotiable. We dive into the physiology of GLP-1 medications and specific targets for women in perimenopause and menopause, ways to address weight-loss stalls, and the effects of the weight bias so deeply entrenched in our society. Dr. Salas Whalen also shares her thoughts on alternatives and additions to GLP-1 therapies, clarifying the importance of protein and strength training while using GLP-1 drugs.
This conversation with Dr. Salas-Whalen is truly invaluable, and I highly recommend her upcoming book, Weightless.
IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:
• What people come to understand about “normal eating” after starting GLP-1s
• How GLP-1s interrupt the binge–guilt–shame cycle
• The role GLP-1s play in helping people stay in control of food rather than letting food control them
• Strategies for avoiding side effects when using GLP-1 medications
• Why certain foods trigger problems on injection days
• Importance of proper guidance to prevent severe side effects
• The impact a prescriber’s guidance has on your success with GLP-1s
• Why treatment plans must be tailored to each patient’s needs and metabolism
• Factors doctors consider when deciding whether to add additional medications to a GLP-1 plan
“If the patient is not seeing expected effects, consider adding another medication.”
– Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen
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Connect with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen
On social media: @drsalaswhalen
Dr. Rocio’s Book, Weightless - Pre-order now! (Releases 12-30-25)
Transcript:
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