The Truth About GLP-1 Medications with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen

On this episode of the Strong New York Podcast, powered by Celsius, host Kenny Santucci sits down with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen—triple board-certified physician in Endocrinology, Obesity Medicine, and Internal Medicine—to discuss the evolving landscape of weight management and women’s health.A pioneer in the use of GLP-1 medications, Dr. Salas-Whalen explains how these treatments, originally approved for type 2 diabetes, are now transforming approaches to weight loss. She breaks down common misconceptions, highlights the importance of muscle retention, and shares how these medications fit into a sustainable, science-backed health strategy.They also dive into hormone therapy, strength training, and Dr. Salas-Whalen’s empowering approach to perimenopause and menopause—what she calls a “menopause redo.” She offers practical, modern tools to help women navigate midlife with clarity, strength, and confidence.Dr. Salas-Whalen also previews her upcoming book, The GLP-1 Breakthrough, packed with insights on how to take control of your health through medical innovation and thoughtful movement.Want to learn more?  Follow @drsalaswhalen on Instagram.Plus visit strengthMD.co to check out her protein and use code STRONGNY at check-out for 15% off your order.00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Announcement00:22 Meet Dr. Rocio Salas-Whelan00:49 The Benefits and Controversies of GLP-1 Medications01:34 Early Adoption and Off-Label Use03:55 FDA Approval and Media Attention05:04 Addressing Negative Press and Misuse06:25 The Importance of Medical Supervision09:50 Muscle Preservation and Weight Loss12:50 Understanding Obesity as a Chronic Condition16:36 Genetics, Hormones, and Environmental Factors18:14 Personal Experiences and Family Struggles19:56 GLP-1 Use in Children and Adolescents21:49 The Role of Exercise and Medical Guidance24:47 Bridging the Gap Between Fitness and Medicine28:53 Success Stories with GLP-129:11 The Psychological Impact of Weight Loss30:20 The Fitness Divide: Fit vs. Unfit31:09 The Role of the Food Industry in Health33:08 The Importance of Motivation and Accessibility37:54 The Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Women43:01 Balancing Life and Fitness47:37 Diet and Supplementation Tips52:21 Future of Medical Treatments for Obesity54:23 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Being STRONG is more than just how much weight you can lift. The Strong New York Podcast is dedicated to inspiring you to become your strongest self- in the gym, in business, in relationships and in life. Join Kenny as he sits down with his strong as fuck buddies and shoots the shit on what it takes to be strong willed, strong minded and physically strong. Season one features everyone from entrepreneurs and local business owners to doctors and industry leaders in the fitness and wellness space. With over a decade of experience, Kenny Santucci has made himself known as one of New York City’s top trainers and a thought leader in the health and wellness industry. After transforming his life at 15 years old through fitness, Kenny made it his mission to transform the lives of those around him. Kenny has trained some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Jon Bon Jovi, Liev Schreiber, and Frank Ocean, and has been tapped as a fitness expert sharing his training approach with Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Runner's World, SHAPE, Well+Good, among other publications. Kenny is the creator of STRONG New York, NYC's only Health and Fitness Expo. Strong New York is an immersive day of workouts, wellness experiences, panel discussions, and inspiring conversations with the best in-class wellness professionals, industry leaders, and change makers who are sharing their expertise on today's hottest wellness trends and first-hand experiences on how to optimize your overall health and life. You can find Kenny at The Strength Club, his private training and group strength training facility in the heart of Manhattan located on 28th and 5th Ave in New York City.