The Obesity Doctor Podcast

I’m joined by Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple to unpack the rapidly growing world of wellness peptides — from BPC-157 and CJC-1295 to Ipamorelin, Tesamorelin, NAD, and the so-called “fat-burning” and “healing” peptides taking over social media. We discuss what peptides actually are, why they’ve become so popular, and how legitimate medical therapies have blurred into a largely unregulated wellness industry.We also break down the claims being made about popular peptides marketed for fat loss, recovery, anti-aging, and performance enhancement, while taking a closer look at what evidence truly exists (and what doesn’t). Dr. Lauren shares important insight into the safety concerns, marketing tactics, and cultural obsession with optimization that are fueling this trend online.If you’ve been curious about peptides or wondering whether the internet hype matches the science, this episode will help you think more critically before jumping on the trend.Check out Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple’s work here: https://www.drlaurencs.com/

In this episode, Dr. Neil Naik and I unpack a foundational question—is obesity actually linked to cancer, and what’s really driving that connection? We explore the underlying biology, from chronic inflammation and insulin resistance to the hormonal activity of adipose tissue, and why visceral fat may matter more than we think.We then move beyond risk and into what happens after a diagnosis—how obesity can influence treatment response, toxicity, dosing, and outcomes across chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The conversation also highlights the often-overlooked phase of survivorship, including the role of metabolic health in recurrence risk and long-term prognosis.We close by discussing where emerging therapies like GLP-1 medications fit, how clinicians can move beyond BMI toward more individualized care, and how to talk about the obesity–cancer connection in a way that informs without adding shame.My Guest Dr. Neil NaikDr. Neil Naik, a family physician, educator, and innovator based in Waterloo, Ontario. Trained at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, he completed residencies in Newfoundland and Nunavut and holds an Executive MBA from Ivey, where he focused on technology-driven healthcare innovation. He runs a Family Practice and an obesity medicine clinic in Waterloo, along with an AI-enabled skin cancer screening program, while teaching medical students at both McMaster University and the University of Waterloo.Dr. Naik advises startups, leads regional primary care and cancer prevention initiatives, and champions universal healthcare, leveraging AI to make safe, high-quality care accessible to everyone, everywhere.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-naik/

Brian Baumal lost 100 pounds, and more importantly, he’s kept it off for over 14 years.But what he really understands is this: it’s not a lack of knowledge that keeps people stuck, it’s the psychology. The urgency that drives all-or-nothing thinking.Brian works as a Toronto-based psychotherapist and is the guest on today’s episode of THE OBESITY DOCTOR PODCAST. We break down why urgency isn’t discipline, and what actually works if you want change to last.Work with Brian:https://alivapsychotherapy.com/WORK WITH MEO​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guideFOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/

Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective tools we have in obesity medicine—and also one of the most misunderstood.In this episode, I’m diving into where surgery truly fits in the treatment of obesity and metabolic health. While we often focus on medical therapies like GLP-1s, it’s important to understand the role bariatric surgery can play—and why it continues to be underutilized or dismissed by many patients.I’m joined by Toronto-based bariatric surgeon Dr. Lazar Klein, who shares his expertise on what bariatric surgery actually involves, who it’s for, and how it fits into a comprehensive, long-term approach to care. We walk through the most common procedures available — including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch variations — and clarify why older procedures like gastric banding are no longer recommended.Dr. Klein addresses common fears around surgery, including concerns about surgical complications, dumping syndrome and lifelong changes, while offering a realistic and balanced perspective on risk.We explore the long-term outcomes as well—how surgery impacts conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and cancer and even mortality, and what the evidence shows about weight maintenance years down the road.If bariatric surgery has ever felt confusing, intimidating, or “not for you,” this episode will help bring clarity to the conversation.Resources & LinksOntario Bariatric Networkhttps://www.ontariobariatricnetwork.ca/High Metabolic Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.com/

Long-term change isn’t just about knowing what to do—it’s about how we see ourselves while we’re doing it. In today’s podcast episode, we explore why so many people get stuck in that gap between where we are and who we’re trying to become.I’m joined by Registered Psychotherapist Margo Green, and we talk about how visualization and imagery can make the future feel more real and connected to who you are today. We also dive into identity-based motivation, and how the way you see yourself quietly shapes your behaviours—often more than motivation ever does.We cover practical ways to use these tools during difficult moments, and how to begin shifting identity in a realistic, sustainable way.Key takeaway: Motivation fades, but identity drives behaviour.If you’re feeling stuck, start with one small shift in how you see yourself—and take action from there.If you’d like therapy support from Margo, you can find her at:www.highmetabolicclinic.com/psychotherapy

In this episode, I break down everything you need to know about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro—including the real-world side effects I see in clinical practice. While these medications can be incredibly effective for improving metabolic health, there’s often confusion online: some people are scared away by exaggerated side effect stories, while others underestimate what to expect when starting treatment. My goal here is to give a balanced, evidence-informed perspective so patients can make informed decisions without fear or misinformation. This episode is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalized medical advice. Always speak with your licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any treatment. We cover side effects and how to manage them, like: Nausea, bloating, diarrhea, constipation Sulphur burps and reflux Appetite suppression and food aversions Injection site reactions Gallbladder disease Hair thinning Ozempic face Rare: NAION If you’re in Ontario and need support with obesity or metabolic health, you can request a referral to my multidisciplinary clinic, the High Metabolic Clinic. Learn more at www.highmetabolicclinic.com.

In this episode, I share how marathon training reshaped the way I think about food—and how those lessons apply to weight loss and metabolic health. Many people assume that eating less is the key to losing weight, but restriction can actually backfire, slowing metabolism and increasing cravings.I walk through the five most important lessons I’ve learned:1. Fuel for energy, not just calories – Nourishing your body properly supports metabolism, fat loss, and mental clarity.2. Hunger is a signal, not a failure – Learn to respond strategically to hunger instead of ignoring it.3. Carbs and sugar aren’t the enemy – Used in the right context, they support energy, recovery, and metabolic health.4. Focus on quality and timing – Protein, healthy fats, and carbs in the right balance enhance results.5. Restriction backfires—fueling wins – Sustainable weight loss comes from intentional, moderate fueling. I also share personal anecdotes from my running journey and patient experiences to show how these strategies work in real life. By shifting your mindset from restriction to fueling, you can improve energy, optimize metabolic health, and build habits that actually last.Tune in for practical tips to fuel your body, support weight loss, and maintain metabolic health—without guilt or obsession.WORK WITH MEJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedO​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guideFOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/

In this episode, we break down how to lose fat without sacrificing muscle so your metabolism stays strong and your results actually last.The ProblemExtreme calorie cutting, like eating 1,200 calories per day, may lead to quick weight loss but often at the cost of muscle. Losing muscle slows your metabolism and makes weight regain more likely.The Smarter Approach: Body Recomposition1. Create a Small Calorie Deficit Reduce intake by about 200 to 300 calories instead of drastically cutting. If you are stuck eating very low calories, you may need to slowly increase them before trying to lose fat again.2.Prioritize ProteinAim for 0.8 to 1 gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight each day. Spread protein evenly throughout the day, targeting around 30 grams per meal to support muscle maintenance and growth.3. Balance Your Macros Simply Start with a 1 to 1 ratio of protein to carbohydrates.Fats fill the remaining calories in your daily target. Include a carbohydrate source at each meal to support energy and training.4. Resistance trainingIncorporate resistance training at least twice per week, with the goal to build up to three times per week. Resistance training is essential to preserve and build lean muscle while losing fat.Bottom LineCrash diets wreck metabolism. Strength-focused nutrition reshapes you.RESOURCES: BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) CALCULATOR: https://www.calculator.net/bmr-calculator.html***Disclaimer: The information in this podcast episode is for educational purposes only, and is not individual nutrition therapy, for understanding individual needs please consult with your health care professional.GROCERY GUIDE: https://www.sashahighmd.com/high-on-life-podcast-grocery-guideWORK WITH USJoin us in our Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedO​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guideFOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Beyaert — a General Internist trained at the University of Toronto with a special interest in cardiovascular disease. With a background in Nutrition and Dietetics (Western University) and a Master’s in Neuroscience (McMaster), he brings a rare, practical lens to metabolic health that connects medicine, nutrition, and the brain. We dig into what body composition actually means, why visceral fat is so metabolically harmful, and why muscle and strength may be the most overlooked health markers in modern weight loss conversations. We also talk about sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), why rapid weight loss can increase risk, and what we actually know — and don’t know — about “safe” amounts of muscle loss during weight reduction, including with GLP-1 medications. Most importantly, Dr. Beyaert shares the real-world advice he gives patients: prioritize strength training, fuel your body (especially protein), monitor the rate of weight loss, and shift your focus from the scale to outcomes like strength, function, and quality of life. If you take one thing from this episode, it’s this: strength is health — and rather than obsessing over losing the next 10 pounds, most people would benefit more from gaining their first pound of muscle. Home BIA Scale Options We recommend one of two at-home BIA scales that you can easily purchase from Amazon.ca:8-electrode BIA scale (higher accuracy): Provides more precise data by measuring arms, legs, and trunk separatelyStandard foot-to-foot BIA scale (more affordable): Still effective for tracking overall trendsBoth options are acceptable. The most important factor is consistency.WORK WITH USO​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ashley White to explore a concept that’s missing from most conversations about obesity treatment: appetite literacy.Together, we talk about why hunger, fullness, cravings, and wanting aren’t problems to suppress, but physiological signals to understand—and how dieting, stress, and modern food environments disrupt those signals. We explore how appetite is regulated in the brain, why willpower-based models fall short, and how appetite literacy fits into modern obesity care, including the use of GLP-1 medications.This is a grounded, science-based conversation about working with biology rather than fighting it—and why skill-building matters just as much as treatment tools.Dr. White is a physician certified in family medicine and emergency medicine through the College of Family Physicians of Canada, with board certification in obesity medicine through the American Board of Obesity Medicine and a Master’s in Public Health with a specialization in global health. Her 15-year career spans community health work in Afghanistan, health equity policy at the Public Health Agency of Canada, rural emergency medicine, and pioneering integrated addiction treatment in primary care. She currently serves as Medical Lead in Canada for HeliosX and is the founder of The Shift Clinic, launching December 2025.Connect with Dr. Ashley White:Instagram: @ashleywhite.mdThe Shift Clinic: www.theshift.clinicWebsite: www.ashleywhitemd.comFOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/ WORK WITH ME Join my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedO​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide

Episode 167: Why “Do Not” Goals Backfire (and How “Do” Goals Improve Consistency)In this episode, I break down one of the most common goals I hear from women—“I need to stop snacking at night”—and why goals like this almost always fail. Not because of a lack of discipline, but because they ignore physiology. “Do not” goals create a metabolic void: the brain is told what to avoid, but the body’s needs for energy, protein, blood sugar stability, muscle preservation, and nervous system regulation aren’t addressed. When those needs go unmet—especially in women dealing with insulin resistance, perimenopause, menopause, chronic stress, or GLP-1 medications—willpower is expected to do the impossible.I explain how restriction fuels the deprivation–compensation cycle, why cognitive restraint breaks down at night, and why night snacking is usually a signal of under-fueling earlier in the day—not a self-control problem. Then I walk through how shifting from “don’t” goals to physiology-based “do” goals (like prioritizing protein, eating regularly, building balanced meals, planning intentional evening options, and reducing nervous system load) leads to better consistency, quieter food noise, and more sustainable fat loss—especially for women on GLP-1s.If you’ve ever felt like you’re “good all day” and then unravel at night, this episode will help you stop blaming yourself and start supporting your metabolism instead.FOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/WORK WITH MEJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedO​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide

165. Become the Woman Who Trains: Consistency, Confidence, and Strength at Any Age with Coach Tina McInnesWe're kicking off a brand new year with the perfect conversation: how to build consistency, confidence, and real strength — no matter your age, stage, or starting point.So many women WANT to be consistent with exercise, but life, perfectionism, and unrealistic expectations often get in the way. In this episode, we talk honestly about how to overcome those barriers, start where you are, and build a training lifestyle you’ll still be proud of next December.My guest is Coach Tina McInnes, an educator and strength coach who helps women understand their bodies, build confidence, and create sustainable habits that last. Through her program Women Who Want Muscle, Tina has created a supportive, science-backed community where women learn how to lift effectively, navigate midlife changes, and stay consistent through accountability and coaching.Together, we explore what actually creates consistency, how women’s training needs evolve in their 40s, 50s, and beyond, and how to design a realistic routine that supports longevity, resilience, and self-belief. About Coach Tina McInnesTina is the founder of Women Who Want Muscle, a community-based strength training program for women who want to become consistent lifters. She focuses on habit-building, coaching support, and simple, effective training — not complicated protocols or perfectionism.Learn more: coachmcinnes.caFollow Tina: @tinamcinnes_coaching on InstagramFOLLOW SASHA HIGH MDInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/WORK WITH MEJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedO​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide

163. Don't Wait for January: Why December is Perfect for Your Health Goals (REPLAY) In today’s REPLAY episode of High on Life, I discuss why December (with all the holidays and treats!) is actually the best time to focus on your health and weight loss goals. Rather than waiting for the New Year to roll around, I’m challenging my listeners to break free from the mindset that you need the “perfect time” to start and encouraging you to take small, manageable steps toward health and well-being—even during the busy holiday season. “Waiting for January is perpetuating an internal belief that your circumstances dictate how you show up for yourself.” Key Takeaways:→ Stop Waiting for the "Perfect Time": Waiting until January to start fresh is a misconception that can keep you stuck in a cycle of deferring action. Life is rarely perfect, and waiting for the ideal moment only reinforces the idea that external circumstances must align for you to take action.→ Progress Over Perfection: December is a great time to let go of all-or-nothing thinking. You don’t need to be perfect to make small, healthy choices. By focusing on progress, you can create a foundation for success that works with your real-life circumstances.→ Small Steps Lead to Big Changes: Starting small in December, like drinking more water or adding a short walk to your routine, is more effective than drastic resolutions. Small actions now will help you build momentum heading into the new year.Join Best Weight with Sasha High MD:If you’re a woman who is ready to prioritize your health and work toward your best weight, join Best Weight, my coaching program designed to support you in making lasting, sustainable changes. Inside Best Weight, you’ll learn how to optimize your thinking, build healthy habits, and create consistency that sticks. Visit www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight to join today.Links Mentioned: → Best Weight with Sasha High MD www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight → Organika Collagen Electrolyte Mix https://amzn.to/3Cx73vUFOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/