Health & Fitness
**The Obesity Guide with Matthea Rentea MD**

Matthea Rentea MD leads discussions on obesity and chronic weight management. Her guests range from experts in the fields that intersect with obesity and wellness, to individuals successful in their weight journey. She is a Board certified Internal Medicine and Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine and founder of the Rentea Metabolic Clinic, a Telehealth clinic for residents of the state of Indiana and Illinois that helps comprehensively with weight management. This podcast is for information and education purposes only. No medical advice is being given. Please talk to your physician for what is right for you.

Latest Episodes:

Supporting Your Health During the Holiday Season Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

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The holidays are something I look forward to every year. It’s a beautiful time spent coming together with friends and family in celebration. But there will always be certain challenges that come with the changes in environment, routine, etc. And It can be really hard to figure out how to navigate these get-togethers and support yourself and your health at the same time.

I offer my three biggest tips in this episode to help you navigate the holiday season and still come out on top with your health. These are things that I have learned over the years and found to be personally helpful, and I hope you can take something away from these as well. I want you to be able to have a fulfilling holiday season full of everything you enjoy, while still finding ways to incorporate habits and options for yourself that support your health.

Click here to listen to Episode 18 - Balancing Blood Sugar to Curb Cravings

Quotes

You can have the best laid plans, and life's still going to happen. So you need to have a solid re-entry plan. - Matthea Rentea MD

I want you to be very intentional with this time. It doesn't need to be an eight week experience over the holiday season of having things imposed upon you. - Matthea Rentea MD

I really want you to spend time with your re-entry plan because that might determine what the whole season is going to look like for you. - Matthea Rentea MD

There is not ever any amount of damage that you can do in one, two, three days that is not super quickly recovered by you having a plan of what you're going to come back to. - Matthea Rentea MD

I want you to remember that you have all the control in the world. Do not get locked into this herd mindset. There are no rules here for you; you're the one the next day that needs to like how you feel. - Matthea Rentea MD

Audio Stamps

02:18 - Dr. Rentea introduces her three biggest tips for tackling the holidays and still feeling great

02:26 - We learn about merging supportive habits from our daily routine into our holiday events in a healthy way

03:34 - Dr. Rentea shares some info on how to celebrate and support your own health simultaneously, including contributing healthy foods that you love at gatherings

06:05 - Dr. Rentea explains the importance of having a re-entry plan

12:00 - Dr. Rentea shares a bonus tip: the importance of regaining balance when your routine gets thrown off

Join The Next Chapter, a five-month experience to make space for your health, work toward a meaningful goal, and have some fun along the way—get the details and enroll here by October 30th.

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Setting Boundaries and Creating Space to Rest Nov 13, 2023

Show notes

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If I asked you to, could you name your highest priority needs right now? Those things that when you try to go without, the day just doesn’t flow like it should, you end up with a lingering negative attitude, and everything seems to go horribly wrong. Could you make a list of those things? I call those “non-negotiables”; the things that absolutely have to happen for you to get everything done and make it through the day.

Especially during this time of year, with all the business of various holidays and get-togethers, it can be really hard to prioritize your own wellbeing. I was able to take some time this week to make sure that my non-negotiables were met and to check in with me, my rest, and my overall health. So I’m coming back from taking some time and space for myself, and I’m here to check in with you on your own non-negotiables.

So take some time to listen to this episode, check in with yourself and reevaluate your own non-negotiables, and determine the best way for you to re-prioritize your needs.

Quotes

I find if you're not resting enough that you're not able to take on the non-negotiables. - Matthea Rentea MD

When it comes to our body and health, there should be some non-negotiables. - Matthea Rentea MD

All of us have a unique nut to crack. - Matthea Rentea MD

If you don't have a clear sense of what your non-negotiables are, I want you to start with “what's a small thing that I can build out that will make a big difference for me?” - Matthea Rentea MD

You need to know what your triggers are that you need more rest or refocusing in your life. - Matthea Rentea MD

I want you to think about, are you getting enough rest in your life? If not, how could you restructure things so that you can build up your energy a little bit more? - Matthea Rentea MD

Audio Stamps

00:49 - Dr. Rentea defines rest and explains the importance of boundaries and “non-negotiables”

04:31 - We learn how to discover and define our own non-negotables and what those might look like practically

08:10 - Dr. Rentea shares how she gets her steps in

10:05 - Through the fluctuations of life and work, we learn that the non-negotiables need to stay priority, and how Dr. Rentea recommends making changes to accommodate those necessary tools

14:11 - We hear about how to create space for non-negotiables in the easiest way, and how accomplishing those looks different for everyone

Join The Next Chapter, a five-month experience to make space for your health, work toward a meaningful goal, and have some fun along the way—get the details and enroll here by October 30th.

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Bariatric Surgery 101 with Surgeon Dr. Daniel Rosen Nov 06, 2023

Show notes

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Can I take GLP 1s after having bariatric surgery? Weight loss methods have changed drastically over the last few years as GLP 1s have come onto the scene, leaving many people wondering what their options are. Dr. Rosen and I have a wonderful conversation all about bariatric surgery, how GLP 1s can be applied in situations where patients have had surgery, and all of the ins and outs of weight loss.

Dr. Rosen draws from his years of experience and knowledge as he shares with me the expectations and results of various bariatric surgeries, what to do when the weight starts to creep back on, and which labs he keeps an eye out for in post-bariatric patients. If you are someone who has either had bariatric surgery or is considering that route, this is a must-listen!

Quotes

The relationship between bariatric surgery patients and their physicians should be for life, especially with the potential for vitamin deficiencies and weight regain over time. I expect to be on this journey with you, please don't rob me of the joy of the transformative journey that I find so rewarding! - Dr. Rosen

I think it's really important to advocate for yourself and own the fact that you have a disease and that you are worthy of treatment. You should not be judged as less than anybody else. - Dr. Rosen

You should be applauded for any proactive steps you take to manage your disease, and bariatric surgery is something that is proven to be reliable and effective in managing obesity. - Dr. Rosen

Some people deal with rosacea, some people deal with ADHD, some people deal with obesity. We all have our challenges and for the obese population, they have to wear their challenge front and center for everyone else to judge. People who deal with obesity have to be strong. - Dr. Rosen

Find the health care providers that see you as a human who's struggling with a disease rather than judging you as someone who's anything less than anyone else. - Dr. Rosen

Audio Stamps

02:42 - Dr. Daniel Rosen introduces himself and shares his background

04:18 - Dr. Rosen tells us about how weight loss has changed since the introduction of GLP 1s, and how these medications and bariatric surgery relate to each other

09:22 - Dr. Rosen shares his weight loss percentage expectations for patients who have bariatric surgery or take weight loss medication

19:22 - Dr. Rosen explains the importance of continuing communication with your doctor long-term after having bariatric surgery

20:42 - Dr. Rentea asks Dr. Rosen what labs he recommends having checked for post-bariatric surgery patients

27:01 - Dr. Rosen expresses the importance of self-advocacy and proactivity on your weight loss journey

Join The Next Chapter, a five-month experience to make space for your health, work toward a meaningful goal, and have some fun along the way—get the details and enroll here by October 30th.

Not Sure Where to Start With the Podcast? I’ve Got You.

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Binge Eating Disorder: Shifting Your Perspective with Dr. Key Oct 30, 2023

Show notes

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This week we’re tackling a topic that affects millions worldwide, yet is often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding: Binge Eating Disorder (BED). I am so excited to be bringing this episode to you, as we have not discussed the topic of binge eating yet on my podcast. And to help shed some light on the subject, I have with me Dr. Siobhan Key, an obesity medicine physician, certified weight loss coach, and an expert in emotional binge eating.

Dr. Key was very open in our interview about her own journey with BED, and she was able to share with me so much of her knowledge on the subject from both a personal and medical standpoint. We talk a lot about the shame and stigma that often accompanies binge eating and restriction, and how healing it can be to find resources and support to help address this disorder.

I hope you take something valuable away from this week’s episode, and if you struggle with binge eating disorder, please talk to your doctor or find a physician in your area that specializes in eating disorders.

Connect with Dr. Key

Thriving As A Physician Podcast

Weight Solutions for Physicians website

Instagram

Quotes

Understanding your urges makes it easier to look at binging behaviors in an objective way, because when we get bogged down with all this guilt and shame, we miss out on the opportunity to understand what is actually driving this behavior; your brain just wants to feel better. - Dr. Key

Restriction is not defined by the food we eat or the food we say no to, restriction is defined by your thoughts about the action of saying no to that food. - Dr. Key

Part of my recovery from when I have a binge is I'm going to really just focus on eating enough so I feel very satisfied. - Dr. Key

If you hold on to the belief that it needs to be cured and I need to never binge again, you will miss out on seeing that progress that you might be creating already. - Dr. Key

Audio Stamps

00:50 - Dr. Siobhan Key Shares her medical background, personal experience and approach to metabolic health

8:02 - Dr. Key explains her mentality and the steps she takes when treating patients that are experiencing disordered eating behaviors

19:47 - Dr. Key shares the healing strategies that she recommends for patients that are struggling with binge eating disorder, and talks about her own experience

26:55 - Dr. Key stresses the importance of the personal journey to recovery, how it looks different for everyone, and how finding the right people and developing a plan can allow you space to thrive

Join The Next Chapter, a five-month experience to make space for your health, work toward a meaningful goal, and have some fun along the way—get the details and enroll here by October 30th.

Not Sure Where to Start With the Podcast? I’ve Got You.

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Taking Preventative Measures: Heart Health with Dr. Mohammed Alo Oct 23, 2023

Show notes

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In all the work that I do within the arena of metabolic healthcare and education, I always stress the importance of a comprehensive approach. This is why I work to provide you with a variety of resources and different perspectives, like the amazing discussion I’m bringing to you today.

Dr. Alo is a cardiologist who focuses especially on preventive cardiovascular healthcare. He is an amazing resource, and I am so honored to have him as a guest on The Obesity Guide. In this episode we hear a very unique and medically significant perspective on metabolic health and obesity, and how this affects our cardiovascular health.

We were able to really dive deep and have a well rounded, evidence-based discussion on whether or not the “calories in vs. calories out” method stands, what it really means for your heart health when you lose weight, practical milestones that Dr. Alo looks for in both cardiovascular and metabolic health, realistic fitness expectations and where to start to improve heart health, and so much more!

Connect with Dr. Alo:

Website
YouTube
Instagram
TikTok

More Resources:

Fitness And Weight Loss For Busy Physicians: Medical Conference Lecture(includes information on The Matador Study)

The Matador Study
Quotes

“The number one thing I would tell people in terms of lifestyle modifications is to find some kind of activity that you enjoy and that you can do forever” - Dr. Alo

“One of the things that we've found with diet and weight loss is regardless of how you do it, if weight comes off, you improve almost all of your cardiovascular markers and inflammatory markers no matter how you measure it. Even if you only eat twinkies.” - Dr. Alo

“One of the biggest things I see with patients is they have diet culture trauma that has been there for a very long time, that’s very difficult to overcome. They're afraid of food and haven't been given the tools to deal with that properly. So mindset when it comes to food is absolutely the number one step.” - Dr. Alo

“We have unbelievable tools now that work, like Ozempic, and even at the lowest, microscopic doses, they’re amazing. I think there's a lot we're still learning about these medications, and I'm not saying it's a cheat code or it's magic, but it is a tool we can use.” - Dr. Alo

Audio Stamps

03:06 - Dr. Alo introduces himself and shares some of his achievements and current involvements

11:06 - Dr. Alo shares the weight loss milestones that he looks for for noticeable improvement in quality of life

12:20 - Dr. Alo shares his biggest preventative health tips for longevity in cardiovascular health

20:33 - Dr. Alo explains the preventative health benefits of GLP 1s

26:08 - Dr. Alo discusses exercise and shares his process for goal-setting within this arena for those who deal with obesity

Join The Next Chapter, a five-month experience to make space for your health, work toward a meaningful goal, and have some fun along the way—get the details and enroll here by October 30th.

Not Sure Where to Start With the Podcast? I’ve Got You.

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Vacationing and Food: Staying on Track While you Travel Oct 16, 2023

Show notes

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Habits are notoriously difficult things to create, but once they’re in place, the task becomes second nature to you. Once something becomes routine for you, you no longer have to spend time and energy making sure you follow through; it just happens.
This week on The Obesity Guide, I spend time uncovering how habit creation is your secret tool to taking a vacation and maintaining mindful eating practices. I give practical advice on making smart decisions for your health, and I get to share some of the habits I’ve created over time that help me stay on track when traveling. I’ve learned that habits developed through time and effort are the difference between returning from a vacation feeling great or playing catch up with your health and energy levels.
You need to tune in this week if you want to enter this holiday season full of confidence and empowered with the habits you need to feel great, even as you travel!

Quotes

“When I say routine, I mean looking at what is gonna ground and center me, and still focus me.” - Dr. Rentea
“When I take long drives between homes in separate states, good planning for me is thinking, ‘okay when I leave, how many meals or snacks am I actually logistically going to need for everyone during that period?’ I can’t just aimlessly pack snacks and food and things. I want you to think about what is actually reasonable during a trip.” - Dr. Rentea
“I want to open you up to the fact that planning is in a very loving vein; so that you can end up getting what you want long term. It's not restrictive, it's not punitive, it's not you controlling every moment.” - Dr. Rentea
“Planning is not controlling every single moment. Planning takes time. Planning is about getting realistic. Planning is about thinking ‘what supports me?’ Planning is not about panic.” - Dr. Rentea
“As humans, we like routine because of what it does for us. It makes us feel stable, it makes us feel secure, and it helps us out.” - Dr. Rentea

“You do not need to end the holidays feeling crappy. It's not about your weight, it’s about avoiding that blood sugar yo-yo. So maybe one of your routines is that you say, ‘I'm going to balance things, even if I'm eating cakes and cookies, I will first have a bite of protein and veggie.’” - Dr. Rentea

Audio Stamps

00:29 - Dr. Rentea introduces this week’s topic of maintaining healthy habits while traveling/vacationing
03:16 - We learn the first of Dr. Rentea’s top three pieces of advice for taking a healthier vacation
08:35 - We hear more about Dr. Rentea’s top three tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying traveling and the holidays
19:45 - Dr. Rentea empowers her listeners to make decisions that benefit them and their metabolic journey on trips and vacations

21:12 - We get one final tip from Dr. Rentea on how to plan for success when eating mindfully on vacation

Join The Next Chapter, a five-month experience to make space for your health, work toward a meaningful goal, and have some fun along the way—get the details and enroll here by October 30th.

Not Sure Where to Start With the Podcast? I’ve Got You.

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Angel’s Metabolic Journey: 4 Small Changes That Inspired Big Results Oct 09, 2023

Show notes

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Today I have the profound privilege to introduce you all to Angel. I have been working with Angel for several months and her story and triumphs are truly inspiring to me, and I hope they can be for you as well. In this episode, we get to hear her health story firsthand, and she shares with us all of the many motivational tools and takeaways that have brought her to the place she is able to celebrate today.

Angel’s story and stories like hers can really help us to frame obesity care and GLP 1s in a way that provides hope; which is something that she said she lost along the way, and was able to find again with help and the right tools. I hope that her interview gives you some encouragement on your journey, and I would love to hear your success stories and encouraging thoughts as well by emailing me at renteaclinic@gmail.com.

Click here to visit the American Board of Obesity Medicine’s website and find a practicing board certified obesity medicine physician near you.

Quotes

“No one looked at me as a whole, but only as the parts.” - Angel

“You gave me a tool; medication. The other tool that you're giving me is information. And that's a big benefit about being in your clinic. The information you provide me is so helpful to understand why I've been stuck in obesity. It makes sense, and it's not all me doing something wrong. the information has helped me de-stigmatize my mind.” - Angel

"When I have someone come in, you have objective things that you want to see happen. And we’re looking at the whole picture; I always describe it like we're looking at the roots of the tree and not just like the fruit that's on the outside." - Dr. Rentea

"My biggest win is that I just feel so much better. I look better with this 40 pounds off. I feel more energetic, and I feel hopeful. There are so many small non-scale victories that I'm experiencing every single day." - Angel

"If you are someone where your primary care doctor or whoever you're seeing can't help you, there are other options." - Dr. Rentea

"I'm basically 40 pounds down since February. And I know that other people can have the same success because I'm not doing anything special. I'm living my life. Each meal or each moment I try to think about my choices, but I still indulge in the things that I loved to eat before, but a lot less of it." - Angel

Audio Stamps

01:25 - Angel introduces herself and shares about her metabolic health journey and what led her to joining the Rentea Metabolic Clinic

07:42 - We hear about what Angel’s metabolic health goals have looked like, and how the metabolic clinic has played a role in the reversal of Angel’s poor metabolic health

15:52 - Angel shares her top tips that have brought on improved metabolic health in her life

21:31 - Angel tells us about the biggest wins and triumphs she has experienced with improved metabolic health on a GLP medication and with mindful lifestyle changes

23:09 - Angel offers advice to anyone looking to work towards a healthy metabolism, and shares more information on how finding an obesity medicine doctor in her area was a massive catalyst for her success

Join The Next Chapter, a five-month experience to make space for your health, work toward a meaningful goal, and have some fun along the way—get the details and enroll here by October 30th.

Not Sure Where to Start With the Podcast? I’ve Got You.

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It’s a Balancing Act: Hormones and Metabolic Health with Melissa Young MD Oct 02, 2023

Show notes

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Joining us on today’s episode is Dr. Melissa Young, a renowned endocrinologist with extensive knowledge and experience in managing hormonal disorders and their profound effects on weight and metabolism. In this enlightening episode, we work to uncover how hormonal imbalances can impact our weight and discuss innovative, science-backed approaches to sustainable weight management and overall well-being. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, are dealing with a hormonal imbalance yourself, or are just keen on understanding the myriad factors that have the potential to influence weight fluctuation, this episode promises insights that could redefine your approach to healthy living. So sit back, relax, and I hope you enjoy!

Connect with Dr. Melissa Young:

tiktok

Quotes

Even for patients who aren't attempting to lose weight, exercise is important. But it is particularly important when you are trying to lose weight and keep the weight off because whenever you lose weight, you are going to lose some muscle mass along with the fat. And if you don't keep your muscles toned, your metabolic rate will slow.
- Dr. Young

There are still plenty of people in the medical community who don't see obesity as a chronic medical illness, which is unfortunate.
- Dr. Young

There is so much education that needs to go out there, so that the medical community sees it as the disease that it is, and treats it as such.
- Dr. Young

Changing eating habits that you've had probably since childhood, it’s very difficult. And even once you’ve changed, once you develop overweight and obesity, all those physical changes that have occurred in your body keep you from being able to lose the weight, even with the best of intentions.
- Dr. Young

Audio Stamps

00:55 - Dr. Melissa Young introduces herself and shares some information on herself and her medical background

02:06 - Dr. Young shares her perspective as an endocrinologist on which labs she considers checking when thyroid function is a possible concern, and what it looks like in regards to weight gain when the thyroid not functioning properly

11:40 - We hear about Dr. Young’s top tips and recommendations for patients when they start GLP-1s for weight loss.

14:05 - Dr. Rentea and Dr. Young share a mutual observation on protein intake and exercise, and stress the importance of combating muscle loss effectively when on GLP-1s.

23:08 - Dr. Rentea and Dr. Young share their perspectives on metabolic misinformation within the medical field, and recommend some strategies to help you find a physician that will work well with you

Join The Next Chapter, a five-month experience to make space for your health, work toward a meaningful goal, and have some fun along the way—get the details and enroll here by October 30th.

Not Sure Where to Start With the Podcast? I’ve Got You.

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The Road to Achievement and Why you Can’t Walk it Alone Sep 25, 2023

Show notes

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This week I get to delve into a topic that can really mean the difference between good and great when it comes to GLP1-s and weight loss; coaching and community!

We have been fed a steady stream of diet culture-y, “one-size-fits-all” hacks throughout the years that have tricked us into thinking that there’s something wrong with us because we don’t see the same results as others when we follow the same routines. But the truth is, each person’s physiology is so diverse, that it’s completely unrealistic to approach weight loss in this way.

Coaching is a tool that can really open your eyes to new possibilities and revolutionary tools within the realm of metabolic health. There is a whole world of resources and a huge community of supporters just waiting for you, that you can have access to; you just have to reach out and find your people.

Listen in to hear about why I believe coaching and community is an integral part of your metabolic journey, and the three things that I see change almost immediately when my clients begin coaching.

Quotes

Growth takes energy. It takes a certain environment. When someone's asking you that open ended question, it really helps you to see what the possibilities are.
- Dr. Rentea

This is what I tend to see; when patients or coaching clients want to keep making progress, they will ultimately run into a problem that takes them being really creative and flexible with how they're going to solve it.
- Dr. Rentea

There are always obstacles in life. It is not going to stop. We need flexibility to be able to get through these different obstacles that are going to pop up.
- Dr. Rentea

Audio Stamps

02:00 - Dr. Rentea introduces the topic of today’s episode: coaching and consultation, and how it intertwines with blood sugar management

04:37 - Dr. Rentea debunks the myth that medication can be a one-size-fits-all solution, and instead helps us to frame it as one helpful tool within a toolbox of resources

06:21 - We hear about the three biggest ways that coaching helps patients to overcome their biggest struggles and reach their goals.

13:57 - We hear about the common roadblock that trying to apply medicine in a one-size-fits-all manner can create, and how monumental personal care can be to revolutionizing your weight loss journey

Join The Next Chapter, a five-month experience to make space for your health, work toward a meaningful goal, and have some fun along the way—get the details and enroll here by October 30th.

Not Sure Where to Start With the Podcast? I’ve Got You.

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Live Q/A with Dr.Rentea about the Blood Sugar Mastermind! Sep 21, 2023

Show notes

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Click here to listen to our live Q/A call with Dr.Rentea about questions that were asked about the Blood Sugar Mastermind. Only 2 more days to register! To register, CLICK HERE!
Any more questions, feels free to email us at Renteaclinic@gmail.com

Join The Next Chapter, a five-month experience to make space for your health, work toward a meaningful goal, and have some fun along the way—get the details and enroll here by October 30th.