About this episode

Ragen Chastain discusses the science behind GLP-1 drugs and their implications for weight loss and healthcare.

The science on GLP-1 drugs is not what the marketing says it is. Ragen Chastain has been studying weight science, weight stigma, and healthcare practice for over 20 years. In this episode, she gives us the clearest breakdown yet of what the research actually supports — as of May 2026 — and how to tell the difference between evidence and pharmaceutical strategy. This is part of the Beyond GLP-1 expert interview series on It's Beyond The Food. What you'll learn in this episode: Why GLP-1 drugs are solid for type 2 diabetes but how the weight loss dose is a fundamentally different use What the weight regain data actually shows — including what happens while people are still on the drug How secondary use claims get built and why the cardiovascular trial results apply to far fewer people than the approval suggests What the death data shows — and why Novo Nordisk was cited for under-reporting serious adverse events Specific questions to ask your provider before starting a GLP-1 medication — and how to ask for weight-inclusive care Mentioned in the show: Beyond GLP-1 Expert Podcast Series: https://program.stephaniedodier.com/beyond-glp-1 Ragen Chastain's Weight and Healthcare Substack…

People in this episode

Host: Stephanie Dodier

Guest: Ragen Chastain

Topics covered

• GLP-1 drugs
• weight science
• weight stigma
• healthcare practice
• evidence-based medicine

Keywords

• GLP-1
• weight loss
• type 2 diabetes
• healthcare
• evidence
• pharmaceutical strategy
• weight regain
• adverse events

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Novo Nordisk, Beyond GLP-1 Expert Podcast Series, Ragen Chastain's Weight and Healthcare Substack, Dances With Fat, Sized for Success

More episodes of It’s Beyond The Food: Non-Diet Health Coaching

• 475-Beyond GLP-1 Series: Body Image Healing & Eating Disorder In The Era Of GLP-1 With Marci Evans · June 4, 2026 · 56 min
• 472-Beyond GLP-1 Series: Body Positivity and Activism in the "Ozempic Era" with Virgie Tovar · May 21, 2026 · 54 min
• 471-The Psychology Of Future Self · May 18, 2026 · 31 min
• 470-Beyond GLP-1: Can Intuitive Eating And GLP-1 Coexist? with Sam Previte · May 14, 2026 · 51 min
• 469-Coaching When Clients Still Want To Lose Weight (Greatest Hits) · May 12, 2026 · 34 min

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