Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

In this episode, we continue our series on weight loss, obesity, and their link to chronic pain syndromes. Joined by a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Michael Greger we discuss various weight loss strategies, including bariatric surgery, GLP-1 agonists, and the benefits and risks of these medical interventions. The discussion focuses on the potential of whole food plant-based diets as a natural alternative for long-term weight loss, backed by evidence such as the BROAD study from New Zealand. Highlighting the role of natural satiety hormones and the benefits of plant-based nutrition, this episode aims to debunk myths around diet and redefine approaches to sustainable, health-promoting weight loss.

00:00 Introduction to Weight Loss and Chronic Pain
01:19 Risks and Benefits of GLP-1 Agonists
03:26 Natural Alternatives to Weight Loss Drugs
04:02 Understanding Appetite and Obesity
06:43 Challenges of Calorie-Restricted Diets
08:21 The Role of Environment in Obesity
09:40 Sustainable Weight Loss with Whole Foods
17:07 Thermogenic Effects of Plant-Based Diets
18:51 Changing Cravings and Palate Adaptation
22:31 The Power of Healthy Eating
30:01 Conclusion and Encouragement

Support the show

A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Exploring GLP-1 Agonists: A Game Changer for Weight Loss and Chronic Pain?

This is the 3rd episode in the ongoing series on obesity and chronic pain continuing with a discussion on GLP-1 agonists and their impact on chronic pain, specifically fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. The role of GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide in managing diabetes and obesity, their mechanisms of action, and clinical applications is discussed. A recent study from the New England Journal of Medicine detailing the effects of semaglutide on weight loss and osteoarthritis pain is analyzed, highlighting significant improvements in patients with obesity and knee osteoarthritis. The importance of long-term use, potential side effects, and the need for an integrated approach incorporating diet and exercise are also discussed. The episode concludes with the anticipation of next week's guest, Dr. Michael Greger, who will discuss the benefits of a whole food plant-based diet as an alternative to GLP-1 agonists.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Weight Loss Series
00:55 Exploring GLP-1 Agonists
02:05 How GLP-1 Agonists Work
03:42 Clinical Applications and Benefits
04:19 Challenges and Considerations
09:18 GLP-1 Agonists and the Gut Microbiome
11:55 Effectiveness of GLP-1 Agonists
18:10 Study on Semaglutide and Osteoarthritis
30:10 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Support the show

A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Chronic Pain Syndromes

In this episode, we explore the significant relationship between obesity and chronic pain, and the impact of weight loss on conditions such as fibromyalgia, specifically highlighting bariatric surgery. Key aspects discussed include different types of bariatric surgeries, their mechanisms, benefits, risks, and long-term commitment required for success. Various studies are reviewed showcasing the effects of weight loss on knee osteoarthritis, chronic pain improvement post-surgery, and overall physical function. Future episodes promise to delve into the impact of GLP-1 agonists, very low-calorie diets, and whole food plant-based diets on chronic pain and autoimmune conditions.

00:00 Introduction to Chronic Pain and Obesity
00:39 Understanding Eating Disorders and Weight Loss
01:11 Overview of Weight Loss Interventions
01:45 Bariatric Surgery Explained
03:47 Types of Bariatric Surgery
05:47 Post-Surgery Effects and Benefits
06:46 Risks and Long-Term Commitment
08:29 Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Chronic Pain
08:35 Study on Knee Osteoarthritis and Bariatric Surgery
14:41 Predictors of Chronic Pain Post-Surgery
16:55 Longitudinal Study on Pain and Function
20:23 Meta-Analysis on Back Pain and Bariatric Surgery
22:53 Conclusion and Next Week's Preview

Support the show

A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.