Conquer Your Weight

In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh discusses the newly approved higher-dose version of semaglutide, Wegovy HD (7.2 mg). She reviews the latest clinical trial data showing how effective the higher dose is for weight loss and how it compares to the standard 2.4 mg Wegovy dose. Dr. Stombaugh also explains the side effect profile of the higher dose, what patients can expect during treatment, and how clinicians help manage common GLP-1 side effects. Finally, she compares Wegovy HD to Zepbound (tirzepatide) and discusses how to think about choosing the right medication based on effectiveness, tolerability, and individual goals. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia, and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explores a question many patients ask during their weight loss journey: should I switch GLP medications? With several effective options now available, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, it is common for people to wonder whether a different medication might lead to better results. Some patients consider switching because their weight loss has slowed, while others are dealing with side effects, insurance coverage changes, or curiosity about newer medications. Dr. Stombaugh explains how these medications work and reviews the differences between commonly prescribed options. She discusses why some patients respond differently to one medication compared with another and why switching can sometimes make sense. Situations such as inadequate response to a medication, persistent side effects, or changes in insurance coverage may lead a clinician to consider trying a different option. At the same time, Dr. Stombaugh emphasizes that switching medications is not always the solution. Many patients are still early in treatment or have not yet reached the most effective dose of their current medication. In other cases, weight loss may slow because of normal metabolic changes, lifestyle factors, or expectations that do not reflect the reality of long term weight management. Understanding these factors can help patients make thoughtful decisions rather than assuming a new medication will automatically lead to faster results. This episode also walks through what typically happens when patients transition from one medication to another, including how doses are adjusted and what to expect during the transition period. Dr. Stombaugh encourages listeners to work closely with a knowledgeable clinician who can help evaluate whether switching medications is the right choice for their individual situation. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

In this week’s episode, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh reviews the newest GLP medication: Foundayo. Foundayo (orforglipron) is a once-daily oral GLP medication, offering a potentially more convenient option for patients seeking medical support for weight loss. Dr. Stombaugh breaks down the latest data from the ATTAIN clinical trials, explaining how effective this medication appears to be for weight loss and how it compares with existing GLP medications. She also reviews the most common side effects seen in the trials and what patients should realistically expect if they start treatment. Finally, she discusses who may be a good candidate for this medication, situations where it may be particularly helpful, and what we currently know about cost and access. If you have been curious about new options for weight loss medications, this episode provides a clear and practical overview of what this new oral GLP may offer. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh addresses one of the most common and frustrating experiences in a weight loss journey: when progress slows down. Many people begin GLP medications such as Zepbound and Wegovy and see encouraging results in the first few months, only to feel discouraged when the scale starts moving more slowly. If this has happened to you, you are not alone. Slowing weight loss is a normal and expected part of the process, and it does not mean that the medication has stopped working or that you are doing something wrong. Dr. Stombaugh explains the biology behind why weight loss naturally slows over time. As the body becomes smaller, it requires fewer calories to function, which means the same habits that led to early weight loss may no longer produce the same results. She also discusses how normal fluctuations from hormones, salt intake, travel, or the menstrual cycle can make it seem like weight loss has stalled even when overall progress is still happening. In this conversation, Dr. Stombaugh walks through some of the most common reasons weight loss slows down while taking GLP medications, including changes in appetite, gradual increases in portion sizes, loss of muscle mass, inconsistent medication use, and the effects of stress and sleep. She also shares practical strategies that can help patients restart progress, from focusing on protein intake and strength training to reviewing medication dosing with a physician. Most importantly, this episode reframes the idea of a plateau. Sustainable weight loss is rarely linear, and slower progress often reflects the body adapting in healthy ways. With the right adjustments and continued support, patients can keep moving toward their long term goals. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

Planning a spring break or upcoming vacation? This episode was inspired by an email from Dr. Nikita Shah, an obesity medicine physician and close friend of Dr. Stombaugh. In this episode, Dr. Stombaugh discusses how to travel with weight loss medications safely and effectively, set clear intentions before vacation, such as maintaining or losing weight, how to manage alcohol and desserts intentionally to avoid overindulgence, and strategies for proper sleep and relaxation to prevent vacation fatigue. If you want to set up your spring break for success, this episode is for you! Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia, and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com For patients in the Orlando, Florida area, check out Dr. Nikita Shah at https://weight-sense.com/ If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk with your personal physician.

GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now, but finding the right provider to prescribe and support you on them can make all the difference. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh breaks down what you should look for when choosing a clinician for medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro, and Saxenda. You’ll learn why these medications, originally developed for type 2 diabetes, are now used for many other conditions, including obesity, cardiovascular risk reduction, metabolic liver disease, and even sleep apnea. With more specialists prescribing them than ever before, the key question isn’t who prescribes them, it’s whether they can truly support you through the process. Dr. Stombaugh explains the biggest green flags and RED flags to watch for, including why regular follow-ups, dose adjustments, and accessible communication with your care team are essential for both safety and long-term success. She also shares why it’s important that you consider how well a clinic helps with prior authorizations and cost-savings options. You’ll also hear why many people struggle on these medications. Often people struggle not because the treatment is wrong for them, but because they weren’t given the guidance or support they needed. If you’ve had a difficult experience with GLP-1 medications before, or you’re considering starting them, this episode will help you understand what good care should actually look like. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia, and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk with your personal physician.

One of the most common questions people ask after starting a GLP medication like Wegovy or Zepbound is: What should I be eating now? Between social media advice, rigid “GLP meal plans,” and fear of side effects, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or to think you need to eat as little as possible for the medication to work. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh walks through how to eat in a way that supports your body while taking a GLP medication, without extreme rules, guilt, or diet culture. This is a practical, flexible guide to fueling your body, reducing side effects, and setting yourself up for sustainable success. The goal of eating on a GLP isn’t to eat as little as possible; it’s to eat enough of the right things to support your metabolism, muscle, and energy. When you fuel your body well, GLP medications work better and feel better. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com If you’re looking for support during your GLP journey, check out The GLP Guide. This on-demand video program will give you answers to the questions you have! Get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk with your personal physician.

Starting a GLP medication like Wegovy or Zepbound can feel equal parts hopeful and overwhelming. Many people wonder: Am I doing this right? Should I be losing more weight by now? What should I be focusing on? In this episode, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh shares exactly what she tells her patients during the first 30 days on a GLP medication: what to expect, what to prioritize, and what not to stress about. This is a compassionate, practical guide to navigating the early weeks without panic, perfectionism, or unnecessary side effects, so you can build a foundation for long-term success. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

You’ve been doing everything “right.” You’re taking your medication, trying to eat well, moving your body, and suddenly, the scale just stops. If you’ve hit a weight loss plateau and are wondering What did I do wrong? or Is this medication still working? This episode is for you. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh breaks down why weight loss plateaus are normal, especially when using GLP medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, and what actually helps you move forward without panic, punishment, or drastic changes. Weight loss is not linear, and plateaus don’t mean your body is broken or that your medication has stopped working. With the right adjustments, and the right support, plateaus are a normal, temporary part of sustainable weight loss. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

GLP medications like Wegovy and Zepbound have completely changed the landscape of obesity treatment. But with that shift has come a flood of misinformation, fear, and judgment. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh breaks down the 10 most common myths she hears from patients, social media, and even other healthcare professionals—and explains what the science actually says. Whether you’re considering a GLP medication, already taking one, or simply trying to make sense of the headlines, this episode will help you separate fact from fiction, without shame or hype. This is a compassionate, evidence-based conversation about what GLP medications can do, what they can’t do, and why they’re a legitimate, powerful tool in the treatment of obesity. The Top 10 GLP Myths — Debunked: GLP medications are not shortcuts or magic wands—they are evidence-based medical treatments that help address the biological drivers of obesity. When used thoughtfully, with proper support, they can make sustainable health changes finally feel possible. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

For so many people, the hardest part of weight loss isn’t willpower, it’s the constant mental battle with food. The cravings. The guilt. The feeling that food is always “too loud.” In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explores how GLP medications like Wegovy and Zepbound can do more than support weight loss. They can help quiet the noise around food and create space for a healthier, more peaceful relationship with eating. We’ll talk about how these medications work in the brain and gut, why they can reduce obsessive thoughts about food, and how that mental relief can allow you to reconnect with hunger, fullness, and satisfaction. In this episode, you’ll learn: If you’ve ever felt like food controls your thoughts, your emotions, or your day, this episode will help you understand why that happens and how medical support can help you move forward with less struggle and more trust in your body. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

GLP medications like Wegovy and Zepbound have completely changed the landscape of obesity treatment. For many people, the biggest barrier isn’t whether they work. It’s whether they can afford them. In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh walks through the real-world costs of GLP medications and explains why insurance coverage can feel so confusing, inconsistent, and frustrating. You’ll learn what these medications actually cost, why two people with “good insurance” can have wildly different coverage outcomes, and what steps can improve your chances of getting a medication approved. We also break down the difference between list price and what patients often end up paying, how insurance formularies and prior authorizations work, and why weight-loss medications are treated differently than medications for other chronic conditions. Dr. Stombaugh also shares practical strategies patients can use to navigate denials, understand savings programs, and decide when a cash-pay option may make sense. This episode is designed to empower you with knowledge, not just about medications, but about the insurance system itself, so you can advocate for your health with clarity and confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn: If you’ve ever wondered, “Why is this medication so expensive?” or “Why won’t my insurance cover something my doctor recommends?” — this episode is for you. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

With so many GLP-1 medications available today, it’s no wonder people feel overwhelmed. Ozempic or Wegovy? The weekly injection or the daily pill? Zepbound? And how do you know which option actually fits your body, goals, lifestyle, and budget? In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh breaks down the most commonly prescribed GLP-1 medications in a clear, practical, and judgment-free way. Instead of hype or headlines, you’ll get real-world guidance to help you understand what matters when choosing a medication and why there’s no single “best” option for everyone. In this episode, you’ll learn: youIf you’ve ever wondered, “Which medication would be best for me?” — this episode is for you. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

If you’ve ever felt like your weight gain, rising blood sugar, or hormone issues are somehow all connected — you’re not imagining it. In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, I sit down with endocrinologist, Dr Chhaya Makhija at Unified Endocrine Care to break down insulin resistance, the common thread linking weight gain, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. We explore how metabolic disease exists on a spectrum, why many people struggle for years before getting answers, and what you can do to intervene earlier. This conversation moves beyond “eat less and move more” to explain the physiology driving metabolic dysfunction and why addressing insulin resistance can be a turning point for long-term health. In this episode, we discuss: If you’ve been frustrated by stalled weight loss, confusing labs, or conflicting advice, this episode will help you understand what’s really happening inside your body. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

In this episode of the Conquer Your Weight podcast, you’re going to learn everything you need to know about the new Wegovy pill. We’ll talk about: Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

Food journaling can be an incredibly powerful tool for weight management—but only when it’s used the right way. For many people, tracking food brings up perfectionism, guilt, or an all-or-nothing mindset that actually works against long-term success. In this episode, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh breaks down how to use food journals as a tool for awareness, curiosity, and understanding your body—not control or self-punishment. You’ll learn how to get the benefits of food journaling without turning it into an obsession, especially if you’ve struggled with tracking in the past or are using GLP-1 medications. In This Episode, We Cover: Who This Episode Is For: Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

Would you take a medication long term if it truly improved your health and quality of life? In this episode of Conquer Your Weight, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh explores the role of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound in the long-term treatment of obesity. We discuss why obesity is a chronic, biologically driven condition, not a failure of willpower—and why long-term treatment is common in medicine. You’ll learn what research shows about weight regain after stopping GLP medications, why this happens, and why it doesn’t mean the medication “failed.” We also talk through common reasons people feel resistant to long-term medication use—fear of dependency, stigma, diet culture, cost, and safety concerns—and how to reframe those thoughts with compassion and evidence. Finally, we discuss how “forever” isn’t the goal. The goal is ongoing, informed reassessment—using the right tools, for the right person, at the right time. This episode will help you decide whether long-term medication support is a helpful part of your weight and metabolic health journey—without shame or pressure. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

If you're taking a GLP-1 medication like Wegovy, Zepbound, or Ozempic, protein becomes non-negotiable. In this video, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh—Obesity Medicine Physician and weight-loss expert—breaks down exactly how much protein you need, why protein protection matters during weight loss, and how to easily hit your goals even when appetite is low. You’ll learn: ✔ Why GLP-1s increase your protein needs ✔ The exact grams YOU should aim for ✔ How to prevent muscle loss on a GLP ✔ Easy protein-rich foods (even if you have nausea) ✔ Common signs you’re not getting enough ✔ The best way to structure meals for satiety + metabolic health This video is perfect for anyone on Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro, or other GLP-1 medications—and for anyone who wants to lose weight safely and keep it off. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

In this episode, Dr. Sarah breaks down one of the most common emotional struggles people face when considering GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound: the belief that taking medication is “cheating.” If you’ve ever felt guilty for needing medical help to lose weight—or worried that others will judge you—you’re not alone. Cultural messages about willpower, discipline, and doing things “the hard way” have shaped the way many of us think about weight loss. But obesity is a medical condition, and using an evidence-based treatment is not only appropriate—it’s empowering. Today’s conversation will help you understand the science behind GLP-1s, reframe unhelpful beliefs, and step into your journey with confidence, clarity, and compassion. You’ll learn: ✔ Why many people feel shame or guilt when considering weight-loss medication ✔ How internalized obesity bias and cultural pressure shape beliefs about “willpower” ✔ The physiology of hunger, satiety, metabolism, and set point regulation ✔ What GLP-1 medications actually do in the body ✔ Why using medication is not a shortcut or moral failure ✔ The difference between physiologic support and “cheating” ✔ How medication creates the stability needed to build sustainable habits ✔ Why the real work still happens off the medication—through skills, routines, and mindset ✔ Practical reframes to help you embrace your treatment plan without guilt Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp

In this episode, Dr. Sarah Stombaugh—Family Medicine & Obesity Medicine physician—breaks down the most common side effects of GLP-1 medications like Wegovy, Zepbound, Ozempic, Mounjaro, and shares simple, effective strategies to help you feel your best. You’ll learn: If you want to understand your body, manage your symptoms, and get the most benefit from your medication, this podcast is for you. Ready to get started on your weight loss journey? We’re now enrolling patients for in-person visits in Charlottesville, Virginia and for telemedicine throughout the states of Illinois, Tennessee, and Virginia. Learn more and get started today at https://www.sarahstombaughmd.com Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk with your personal physician. Are you taking a GLP medication? We are thrilled to share we are offering an online course, The GLP Guide, to answer the most common questions people have while taking GLP medications. To sign up, please visit: www.sarahstombaughmd.com/glp