Dr. Rocio Salas Whalen: How To Lose Weight On GLP-1s Without Losing Muscle

Are GLP-1s the biggest breakthrough in obesity medicine—or are we creating a new metabolic crisis?

Most people still believe weight loss is about willpower, calories, or discipline — yet modern science shows obesity is driven by genetics, hormones, inflammation, and even trauma that predates birth. GLP-1 medications are revealing how appetite, cravings, and metabolic health are wired deep inside the gut–brain axis, changing far more than the number on a scale.

In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Rocio Salas Whalen — triple board-certified endocrinologist, obesity specialist, and author of Weightless — to uncover what GLP-1s actually do inside the body, why “eat less, exercise more” failed so many patients, and how her GPS framework (GLP-1, protein, strength) is redefining evidence-based obesity care. We break down how GLP-1s regulate hunger hormones, shut down food noise, reduce visceral fat, and even influence inflammation and autoimmune symptoms. We also explore the critical role of skeletal muscle as an endocrine organ, the psychology of major weight loss, and the real risks of losing weight too quickly.
We also explore how GLP-1-driven changes in gut signaling, methylation, and metabolic inflammation may influence future generations — and why using these medications correctly can transform not just weight, but long-term healthspan.

We Also Discuss:
➡️ Why “eat less, exercise more” was never the full story on obesity
➡️ How genetics, environment, hormones, and trauma drive weight gain
➡️ What GLP-1 actually is as a hormone — and how it works in the gut, brain, and pancreas
➡️ How GLP-1s change food noise, cravings, and emotional eating at the brain level
➡️ The link between visceral fat, inflammation, diabetes, and long-term chronic disease
➡️ How GLP-1s may impact autoimmune symptoms, sleep apnea, and neurodegeneration
➡️ Why skeletal muscle is your most powerful anti-inflammatory and longevity organ
➡️ Exactly how much protein women and men should target on GLP-1s
➡️ How to use body composition (DEXA, bioimpedance scales) instead of a regular scale
➡️ The real risks of rapid weight loss: sarcopenia, “Ozempic face,” hair loss, and how to avoid them
➡️ Smart dosing strategies to reduce gastroparesis and stay on the lowest effective dose
➡️ The psychosocial side of massive weight loss — and why therapy often needs to be part of the plan
➡️ How Dr. Salas Whalen’s GPS framework (GLP-1, protein, strength) keeps patients strong, not just lighter

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Learn more about Dr. Shah:
Website: https://www.drshah.com/
Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/
Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Rocio Salas Whalen:

Website: https://www.nyendocrinology.com/dr-sa...
IG:   / drsalaswhalen  
Threads: https://www.threads.com/@drsalaswhalen
Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo...

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