December 9, 2025
119. Dr. Rocio Salas Whalen: How To Lose Weight On GLP-1s Without Losing Muscle
Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MDAbout this episode
Most people still think GLP-1s are "weight loss shots," but what we are really doing is changing biology at the level of appetite and inflammation, with ripple effects across future generations. In this conversation, I sit down with endocrinologist and obesity specialist Dr. Rocio Salas Whalen to unpack what these medications do inside the body and how to use them responsibly as part of a long-term health strategy. We get into why "eat less, exercise more" failed so many patients, how family history, hormones, and aging drive obesity, and why GLP-1s must be paired with protein and strength training. We also explore GLP-1's impact on visceral fat, diabetes, brain health, what healthy weight loss looks like on a body composition scan, and how to avoid sarcopenia and the so-called "Ozempic face." Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen is a board-certified endocrinologist and obesity-medicine specialist, author of Weightless, and an early adopter of GLP-1 therapies. Her so-called "GPS framework", GLP-1, protein, and strength training, reflects her approach to evidence-based obesity care. What's Discussed: (00:00) GLP-1s and Weight Loss (12:45) The Impact of GLP-1 Hormone (25:29) Muscle Mass and GLP-1 Importance (31:46) Optimizing Protein Intake on GLP-1 (43:24) GLP-1 Dosing and Gut Health (48:20) Mental Health Implications of Weight Loss (57:16) Weightless Book Pre-Order Announcement Thank You for Our Sponsors: IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH . Function Health: Own your health for $365 a year. That's a dollar a day. Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah and use gift code DRSHAH25 for a $25 credit toward your membership. Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ Learn more about Dr. Rocio Salas Whalen: Website: https://www.nyendocrinology.com/dr-salas-whalen IG: https://www.instagram.com/drsalaswhalen/ Threads: https://www.threads.com/@drsalaswhalen Book: Pre-order Here!