Podcast

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

Health & Fitness, Medicine

GLP-1s, metabolic health, perimenopause and menopause, explained by a Board Certified Physician Assistant. On The Better Living PA, Tiffany Bailey PA-C breaks down what the research actually says and what real patients experience, so you can make informed decisions about your health. Expect myth-busting deep dives on GLP-1 medications, side effects, protein and muscle, hormones and midlife health, plus honest conversations with patients, experts and advocates. For education only, not medical advice. Watch on YouTube @thebetterlivingPA | Links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA

Medicine chart
#144
Episodes
26
Releases
Daily
Typical length
20 min
On air since
2026
Latest episode
14 hours ago

Episodes

26 episodes, newest first

  1. Tammy's Story: Bariatric Surgery, GLP-1s & Losing 150 Pounds

    Show notes

    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: https://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:
    https://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: https://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.

    36 min
  2. GLP-1s Before and After Surgery: When to Stop and When to Restart

    Show notes

    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:
    https://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: https://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.

    15 min
  3. Breast Cancer Screening: When to Start Mammograms & Are You High Risk? With Dr. Kristen Williams

    Show notes

    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: https://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:

    https://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: https://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.

    18 min
  4. Abbs' GLP-1 Story: When Working Out and Dieting Weren't Working

    Show notes

    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:
    https://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: https://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.

    38 min
  5. Jalen Hurts' Blood Clots Explained: DVT, Pulmonary Embolism & Who's at Risk

    Show notes

    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:
    https://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: https://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.

    15 min
  6. Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1s

    Show notes

    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:
    https://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: https://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.

    18 min
  7. How to Talk to Your Daughter About Her Period: When to Start & What to Say with Educator Janet Throgmorton

    Show notes

    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.

    22 min
  8. GLP-1 Maintenance: Plateau vs. Maintenance & 4 Ways to Keep the Weight Off

    Show notes

    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.

    22 min
  9. Carolina's Story: Gastric Bypass, Weight Regain & Finding GLP-1s

    Show notes

    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:
    https://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: https://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.

    44 min
  10. Can GLP-1s Cause Blindness? An Eye Doctor Explains the Real Risk of NAION

    Show notes

    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: https://keepingyourlifeinfocus.com/

    Lone Oak Family Eye Care (Paducah, KY): https://www.facebook.com/lofamilyeye

    Mayfield Family Eye Care (Mayfield, KY): https://www.facebook.com/MayfieldFamilyEyeCare

    Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here:

    https://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: https://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.

    36 min
  11. Is Your GLP-1 Dose Too High? 7 Signs to Watch For

    Show notes

    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.

    15 min
  12. GLP-1 Microdosing & Menopause: Weight Gain, HRT & Tirzepatide with Dr. Pat Taylor

    Show notes

    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: https://microdose.joinbelle.com/

    Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here:
    https://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: https://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.

    58 min
  13. Olivia's GLP-1 Journey: 98 Pounds Down on Compounded Tirzepatide

    Show notes

    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: https://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:
    https://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: https://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.

    44 min
  14. Allodynia on GLP-1s: Why Your Skin Hurts to the Touch | PA Explains

    Show notes

    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:
    https://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: https://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.

    12 min
  15. What I'd Tell You If You Were Starting GLP-1s Over | PA Advice

    Show notes

    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

    17 min
  16. The #1 Rule on a GLP-1: Eat Until You're No Longer Hungry, Not Full

    Show notes

    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:
    https://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: https://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.

    15 min
  17. Is GLP-1 Divorce Real? How GLP-1s Can Change Your Relationship | PA Advice

    Show notes

    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

    14 min
  18. Am I Crazy or Is It Perimenopause? Sneaky Symptoms Women Miss

    Show notes

    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: https://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:
    https://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: https://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.

    14 min
  19. Should You Get GLP-1s From Telehealth or Your Primary Care? | PA Advice

    Show notes

    Should you get your GLP-1 from telehealth or from your primary care provider? You can love your primary care provider and still choose someone else for your GLP-1 care. I'm Tiffany Bailey, a board certified physician assistant who spent 18 years in primary care and internal medicine, and in this episode I share an honest, inside look at why primary care offices often struggle with GLP-1 care, when staying with your PCP makes the most sense, and what to look for in a telehealth GLP-1 provider.

    In this episode:
    0:00 Primary care vs. telehealth for GLP-1s
    0:26 Why primary care providers are stretched thin
    2:13 A prescription vs. a system built for your success
    4:09 When staying with your primary care makes sense
    4:45 No insurance? The compounding roadblock
    6:10 How telehealth works with 503A pharmacies
    7:01 Dosing and concentration mix-ups
    9:04 What about the relationship with my provider?
    9:48 What makes Belle different
    11:48 Worried about upsetting your doctor?
    13:38 You still need a primary care provider
    14:00 Tell me your experience

    Interested in learning more about GLP-1s, peptides, hormones, and metabolic health? Start here: https://link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (Coupon code: BELLE15)

    All my links: https://linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA
    Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA

    Disclosure: I'm the Director of Patient Education at Belle, a telehealth company I talk about in this episode.

    Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered 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, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

    14 min
  20. Brittany Rose's GLP-1 Journey: Trauma, Healing & 115 Pounds Lost

    Show notes

    Brittany Rose has built a community of more than 45,000 YouTube subscribers by sharing her GLP-1 journey with honesty, vulnerability and a refreshing sense of humor.

    In this deeply personal conversation, Brittany opens up about the childhood trauma that shaped her relationship with her body and how weight became a form of protection. She shares what led her to start Mounjaro in 2022, how losing access to the original $25 savings card changed the course of her treatment, and how she eventually moved to a compounded GLP-1 and has now lost 115 pounds. But this is about so much more than a number on the scale. It's a story of survival, healing, self-discovery and completely changing the way she sees herself.

    In this conversation:

    • Childhood trauma, food as protection, and how childhood weight becomes adult obesity
    • Starting Mounjaro, titrating up and losing 80 pounds in year one
    • $550 a month, shortages and the move to compounded GLP-1s (503A vs 503B)
    • Why hunger coming back is not the drug failing
    • Diet culture, macros over calories and when food tracking helps or hurts
    • Maintenance, the fear of losing access, and non-scale victories

    Please note: this episode includes a sensitive discussion of childhood trauma and abuse. Please listen with care.

    Chapters
    00:00 Meet Brittany Rose
    01:00 115 pounds down, the short version
    03:14 Where the name Brittany Rose came from
    05:00 Childhood trauma and food as protection
    08:00 How childhood weight becomes adult obesity
    12:00 Growing up without sit-down dinners
    14:25 Pregnancy and the weight that never came off
    16:04 Weight loss, fertility, and finding Mounjaro in 2022
    19:11 Being prescribed phentermine at the same time
    21:07 Titrating up and losing 80 pounds in year one
    22:47 $550 a month and the move to compounded
    24:20 Shortages: a prescription for every dose
    26:10 Is compounded safe? 503A vs 503B
    28:00 Why feeling miserable is not the goal
    29:28 Hunger coming back is not the drug failing
    31:00 Diet culture and the calorie myth
    33:06 Macros over calories: protein first
    36:27 Food tracking: when it helps and when it hurts
    41:06 Her hardest struggle in maintenance
    42:07 Biological hunger vs. appetite
    44:00 The fear of losing access
    45:00 The boundary she was finally able to set
    48:07 Non-scale victories and building her channel
    50:16 What her 15-year-old said

    Follow Brittany Rose
    YouTube: @Brittanylosing

    This episode shares one person's experience and is intended for education and support.

    Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here:
    https://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: https://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.

    52 min

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