EFR 913: Why GLP-1 Medications Work (and When They Don't): The Hidden Hormone Story Behind Ozempic & Wegovy with Ashley Koff

This episode is brought to you by Joi & Blokes , Troscriptions , and Caldera Lab. In this episode of Ever Forward Radio, registered dietitian Ashley Koff, RD breaks down the truth behind GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, reframing them not as magic weight-loss shots but as hormone replacement therapies that reveal how dysfunctional most people's "weight-health hormones" have become. Ashley shares how digestion, nutrient status, genetics, and modern environmental pressures diminish the body's natural ability to regulate appetite, cravings, metabolism, and fat distribution — and why GLP-1 drugs can offer clarity but not a cure unless the underlying issues are addressed. She dives into muscle preservation, the limitations of BMI, the importance of fat-mass vs. scale weight, the root-cause approach to sustainable weight health, and what the future of GLP-1s means for generational wellness. This is a powerful conversation that blends science, personal insight, and actionable strategies to improve metabolic health — with or without medication. Follow Ashley @ashleykoffapproved Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – GLP-1 hype: weight loss, risks, and whole-body benefits 02:00 – What GLP-1 drugs actually do in the body 02:20 – Understanding "weight-health hormones" 03:00 – Why society is functioning with suboptimal hormones 12:00 – Why total weight doesn't matter — muscle, fat, and bone do 14:00 – BMI is broken and misleading 15:00 – Weight regain, muscle loss, and metabolism 17:00 – Genetics, survival traits, and appetite regulation 23:00 – Root-cause approach: digestion, nutrient status, vagus nerve work 26:00 – How GLP-1s validate hormone dysfunction 28:00 – Side effects like nausea and constipation explained 30:00 – Why digestive repair is essential for long-term success 33:00 – How GLP-1s quiet obsessive thoughts, cravings, and food noise 36:00 – Supplements that support GLP-1 and weight-health hormone function 38:00 – Hop extract research and natural "GLP-1 activators" 42:00 – Limitations of natural alternatives vs. true hormone replacement 1:12:00 – Glucose spikes, CGMs, and metabolic flexibility 1:27:00 – The future of GLP-1s and redefining "obesity" 1:28:00 – Generational weight health and epigenetics 1:29:00 – Final thoughts and Ashley's Ever Forward message ----- Episode resources: Get 50% off any diagnostic labs with code CHASE at https://www.JoiAndBlokes.com/chase Try CALM and save with checkout code EVERFORWARD at https://www.Troscriptions.com/everforward Get 20% off the best men's skincare with code EVERFORWARD at https://www.CalderaLab.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube Get Ashley's book on Amazon