As summer heats up, so does the pressure to slim down—and many are turning to popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications to get results fast. Prescriptions for these drugs have surged, with usage jumping from less than 1% to 4% of U.S. adults between 2019 and 2024. But with the rise in popularity has come a wave of troubling side effects—ranging from "Ozempic hands" and "Ozempic teeth" to more serious complications like vision issues.
So how safe are these medications, especially in the summer when hydration, appetite changes, and physical activity can amplify side effects? Should people be using them at all? I had a chance to learn more in this interview with Dr. Phyllis Pobee, leading physician and author of Lean Genes.Why do people seem to be in a rush when losing weight in the summer?
Because we’ve been conditioned to believe that our bodies need to be “fixed” before we’re allowed to enjoy the season. As soon as the weather warms up, the pressure to be smaller, tighter, or more “toned” hits hard. And for many women, that pressure is wrapped in years of shame and comparison.
I remember avoiding beach trips and hiding behind oversized clothes because I felt like I wasn’t “ready.” The real issue is that diet culture pushes urgency instead of understanding. When you rush weight loss, your body fights back. The faster you try to drop the weight, the more it impacts your hormones, energy, and metabolism.
Instead of chasing a summer body, I encourage women to ask a deeper question: what’s really going on in my body that’s making weight loss feel so hard? That shift creates results that actually last—and feel good along the way.
What should people consider before using weight-loss drugs, especially with warmer weather?
GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic might seem like a quick fix, but they don’t solve the root issue. They cover up cravings—and cravings are not the enemy. They’re a clue. When a woman comes to me saying, “I can’t stop snacking at night” or “I’m never satisfied,” I don’t tell her to suppress that. I ask why.
Cravings can be signs of deeper imbalances. Nutrient deficiencies like low magnesium, gut issues that disrupt serotonin production, cortisol spikes from stress, or even sluggish detox pathways can all show up as intense cravings. When you use medication to mute that signal, you miss the message your body is trying to send.
And in the summer, these medications can create even more stress on the body. They slow digestion, reduce appetite, and can lead to dehydration, dizziness, and constipation. You may lose weight, but it often comes at the cost of muscle, which weakens your metabolism in the long run.
Before you reach for a prescription, ask: what is my body asking for? What if I could give it what it needs, instead of just silencing the symptoms?
What are some side effects people should watch out for?
Aside from the common ones like nausea, constipation, and fatigue, the more hidden effects are what concern me most. One is muscle loss. GLP-1s do not just target fat—they often cause the body to burn lean tissue. And muscle is not just for aesthetics. It regulates blood sugar, supports hormone health, and keeps your metabolism strong.
The second is emotional disconnection. I’ve had women share that they no longer feel interested in food, but also feel flat emotionally. Food is not just fuel—it’s connection, joy, culture. When your hunger cues are artificially shut down, you lose that connection.
There’s also the risk of long-term metabolic slowdown. When your body is undernourished or losing muscle, it becomes harder to maintain weight loss once the drug is stopped. Many women find the weight returns quickly—and often in different places—leaving them even more frustrated than when they began.
What is the role of DNA in weight management?
Your DNA determines so much more than most people realize. It affects how you store fat, how sensitive you are to carbs, how your body processes stress, and even whether you feel full after eating.
For example, the FTO gene is linked to increased hunger after meals and reduced fat burning. The MC4R gene affects satiety. If you have variants in these genes, traditional “eat less, move more” advice may completely backfire. It’s not about willpower. It’s about biology.
When I finally tested my own genes, everything made sense. The constant cravings, the low energy, the way my body held onto weight no matter how hard I tried. It wasn’t me. It was my wiring. That’s why I created GeneLean360°—to give women a way to finally understand their blueprint and create a strategy that works with it instead of against it.
What are some ways people can find personalized, low-risk strategies for losing weight?
Start with data, not trends. Every woman’s body is different, and what works for your friend might backfire on you. I recommend two simple tests for anyone serious about personalized weight loss:
• A genetic test to identify how your body responds to food, stress, exercise, and detox.
• A urine oxidative stress test to uncover hidden inflammation that slows metabolism.
Once we have that information, we can design a strategy that fits your biology. For example, some women need more support with cortisol and stress recovery. Others need to boost detox pathways or correct nutrient imbalances that are triggering cravings. It’s not about restriction. It’s about precision.
When women see their own data, they stop blaming themselves. They start feeling in control again. And that’s where real transformation begins.
Tell us about your book?
Lean Genes is my personal and professional journey rolled into one. I was a family physician who had tried everything. Keto. Fasting. Clean eating. Personal trainers. And I still couldn’t lose the weight. Nothing clicked until I looked at my genes—and everything changed.
In the book, I introduce the 12 Genetic Avatars I’ve identified through years of clinical work. These are the biological patterns I see over and over in women who feel stuck. There’s the Cortisol Carrier, the Craving Captive, the Detox Bound, the Hormone Havoc, and more. Once you know your Avatar, you can start understanding why your body resists certain plans and thrives with others.
It’s part memoir, part science guide, and part blueprint. My goal was to give women the clarity and confidence I wish I had 100 pounds ago. This book is for anyone who’s ever felt like their body is broken. It’s not. You just haven’t been given the right map—yet.
To learn more about your Genetic Avatar, get your copy of Lean Genes, or explore how GeneLean360° can help you lose weight by working with your biology, not against it, head to GeneticWeightLoss.com. This is where real, lasting transformation begins.
No comments:
Post a Comment