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:

Jacqui Cook on GLP-1 Weight Loss, Maintenance Fears, and Letting Go of Diet Rules Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

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For decades, Jacqui Cook lived in a cycle many women know all too well: losing weight, gaining it back, and starting over… always wondering why nothing seemed to stick. Food was her love language, life kept getting in the way, and no matter how hard she tried, maintaining her progress felt impossible.

Everything changed after a wake-up moment that led her to try a GLP-1 medication. Now, 115 pounds lighter, Jacqui shares the real, honest side of her journey: navigating maintenance, facing the fear of regain, letting go of guilt, rebuilding lost muscle, and learning to live fully in her body. She also reveals the diet habit she finally ditched, and why it turned out to be one of the best decisions of her life.

References

Body Composition Mini Course

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

Get my free Podcast Roadmap—a simple guide to help you find the episodes that matter most to your journey. Whether you're on GLP-1s, navigating plateaus, or just starting out, there's something here for you.

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You've Hit Your Goal Weight…Now What? 5 Truths About Long-Term Weight Maintenance Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

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You hit your goal weight. So now what...?

For a lot of people, maintenance feels like uncharted territory. And without the right mindset, it's easy to either white-knuckle it or slowly drift back to old patterns.

In this episode, I walk through five things I think everyone needs to know about maintenance: why it's not a new phase, how to find the weight you can actually live at, how to monitor without judgment, what to do when your metabolism adapts, and what long-term GLP-1 use really looks like.

References

Body Composition Mini Course

Five Mistakes that People Make on a GLP- 1 Mini Course

Get the free podcast roadmap for The Obesity Guide

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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GLP-1s and Vision Loss: Separating Fact from Fear with Dr. Mina Farahani Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

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There’s a lot of noise online about semaglutide, sudden vision loss, and scary eye complications. If you’re taking a GLP-1 (or thinking about it), you might be wondering: Am I putting my vision at risk?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mina Farahani, a cornea, cataract, and refractive specialist, to get the real story on GLP-1s and eye health. We cover what the latest data actually says about vision loss risk, why a baseline eye exam matters before starting treatment, what symptoms should never be ignored, and the simple habits that protect your eyesight long-term.

References

Connect with Dr. Mina Farahani:

Instagram

Website

Get the free podcast roadmap for The Obesity Guide

Audio Stamps

01:40 - Meet ophthalmologist Dr. Mina Farahani, answering all your GLP-1 and eye health questions.

02:52 - GLP-1s and sudden vision loss: what NAION is and how low the risk actually is.

06:24 - What to ask for at your eye exam.

07:16 - Should you get an eye exam before starting a GLP-1?

09:10 - Eye symptoms that should never wait for further attention.

11:00 - Dr. Mina's top tips for protecting your eyesight long-term.

13:16 - Contrave, Qsymia, and eye pressure: what you need to know.

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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Restarting GLP-1s? 5 Reasons It Feels Harder This Time Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

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Back on your GLP-1 medication… but confused why it isn’t working this time?

Lots of people stop these medications for valid reasons. Cost, side effects, pregnancy plans, or simply because things were going well and it felt like the right time to try managing without them. But when weight creeps back on and you restart, it can feel really frustrating when results don’t look the same.

In this episode, I talk through why that happens. Factors like muscle loss, metabolism changes, weight regain patterns, and higher stress levels can all change how your body responds the second time around. If you’re feeling stuck or wondering what changed, this episode will help you make sense of what’s going on and figure out your next steps without beating yourself up.

References

Get the free podcast roadmap for The Obesity Guide

Jane Pilger: The Gathering

A monthly guided experience to help you slow down and learn how to trust yourself.
Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy by Matthew Kelly

Back to Basics Mini Podcast Series 2025

Ep. 100: Hydration

Ep. 101: Protein

Ep. 102: Fiber

Audio Stamps

00:30 - Why GLP-1 medications may stop working when you restart them after taking a break.

01:20 - Book recommendation: "Slowing Down to the Speed of Joy" and how constant busyness prevents you from addressing behaviors that aren't serving you.

04:04 - The common pattern: success, stopping medication, weight regain, then struggling when restarting.

06:25 - Why it's harder the second time: muscle loss, weight cycling, and mismanaged expectations all impact your results.

09:00 - The importance of updated lab work and comprehensive metabolic assessment before restarting.

10:35 - How chronic stress and high cortisol prevent weight loss, even on medication.

14:35 - The real work: learning nervous system regulation instead of constantly fighting cravings and urges.

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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Perimenopause, GLP-1s, and What's Actually Affecting Your Sex Drive with Dr. Kristen Wolfe Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

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If you've noticed your sex drive has tanked, whether from GLP-1s, perimenopause or menopause, postpartum changes, or simply the mental load of being a woman in 2026… you're not imagining it. And you're definitely not “broken”.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Kristen Wolfe, OB-GYN and women's sexual health specialist at Evermore Women's Health. She breaks down why 85% of women experience desire differently than we're told and what’s actually behind the drop in libido so many women experience.

We talk about how hormones, stress, medications, busy lives, and relationship dynamics all play a role, and why so many women blame themselves for changes that are completely normal. Dr. Wolfe also shares practical strategies that can help, from understanding responsive desire and reducing the “brakes” on libido, to scheduling intimacy, practicing mindfulness, and using tools like arousal creams or medical treatments when appropriate.

References

Connect with Dr. Kristen Wolfe

https://www.evermorewomenshealth.com/

https://www.kristenwolfemd.com/

Books:

Online resources:

Dipsea, an app offering erotic audio stories designed for women
OMGYes, an educational platform where women share techniques and insights about pleasure and orgasm
The International Society for the Study of Women's Sexual Health (ISSWSH)

Products:

Vella Bioscience

Überlube

Documentary:

The Pink Pill: Sex, Drugs and Who Has Control

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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Understanding PCOS: From Diagnosis to Long-Term Health with Dr. Sabrina Huq Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

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If you’ve been told you have PCOS (or suspect you might), you’ve probably been left with more questions than answers. It’s one of the most misunderstood conditions out there, and a lot of people are misdiagnosed, under-treated, or given the same tired advice: “just lose weight” or “take the pill and see.”

In this episode, I’m joined by endocrinologist Dr Sabrina Huq to clear things up. We talk about what PCOS actually is, how to get properly diagnosed (including the key lab tests), and why spotting it early can change your long-term health, including your ability to have a healthy, natural pregnancy. Tune in for Dr Huq’s practical approach to managing PCOS through food, movement, sleep and stress, plus when meds like metformin or GLP-1s might make sense.

References

Flo.health

Connect with Dr. Sabrina Huq:

Instagram

Tiktok

Clinic

Audio Stamps

01:08 – Dr. Sabrina Huq introduces herself and her approach to treating PCOS patients.

02:26 – What PCOS actually is and why you don't need ovarian cysts to have it.

06:45 – The essential labs to diagnose PCOS and rule out serious conditions.

15:15 – Diet strategies for elevated blood sugar: why breakfast and whole foods matter.

22:34 – Exercise that works: strength training three times weekly and post-meal movement.

27:35 – Why stress management and sleep quality are critical for PCOS symptoms.

28:45 – Hidden endocrine disruptors in plastics and takeout + simple swaps to reduce exposure.

32:57 – Dr. Huq's supplement approach: prenatals and vitamin D over trendy options.

38:12 – What CGM reveals about insulin resistance in PCOS patients.

43:06 – Why early diagnosis matters and the reality of GLP-1s for young PCOS patients.

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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Your Friday Five: Season One Wrap + A Short Hiatus Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

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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.

Support the show

The Cost of GLP-1s is Forcing Switches: Can You Maintain Your Results? Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

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What happens when the medication that's finally helping you is no longer affordable?

If you've had success on Mounjaro or Zepbound but need to switch to a more affordable option like Ozempic for maintenance, you're probably wondering: will this actually work? And if semaglutide didn't help you before, the idea of going back can feel risky, especially when you're worried about regaining weight, increased food noise, or losing the progress you've worked so hard for.

In this episode, I break down when switching medications for cost makes sense, when it's likely to backfire, and what your options are if semaglutide is the only affordable option.

References

https://www.orchardpond.com/

Special COUPON CODE for Orchard Pond Granola mentioned in this episode: WELLNESS2026. Limit one per customer. Offer valid until April 30, 2026.

The 30/30 Program (Sept 2026 registration now open)

Audio Stamps

01:08 - Update on Dr. Rentea's retreat planning, plus her new favorite granola discovery.

05:03 - Listener question: Switching from Mounjaro to Ozempic for long-term maintenance due to cost.

05:59 - When it makes sense to switch medications for affordability (and when it doesn't).

08:03 - If semaglutide is your only option: combining GLP-1s with oral medications.

10:48 - Oral (daily) Wegovy vs injections: does steadier dosing actually help?

11:40 - Why no medication is perfect and working with the right clinician is key.

12:58 - The real reason behind this work: preventing disease, not chasing a number on the scale.

14:05 - September 30/30 program update: early registration + monthly Q&A access.

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.

Support the show

Your Friday Five: Cozy Protein Favorites, Movie-Night Snacks & a Surprise Soda Jan 30, 2026

Show notes

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Welcome back to Your Friday Five — a quick roundup of products I’ve been loving lately, especially when it comes to easy ways to add more protein.

Here’s what’s in my current rotation:

• Devotion Nutrition Protein Powder – My go-to for protein hot chocolate. Mix hot water, a splash of milk or milk alternative, one scoop of protein, and blend for a cozy 20-gram protein treat. If you use code DrMatthea at checkout you save.

• Meal Boosters Savory Protein Powder (White Cheddar) – Perfect on popcorn for movie nights. Tastes just like classic white cheddar seasoning and adds easy protein without sacrificing flavor.

• Joyburst Protein Soda – said the name wrong on the episode but correctly written here, 20 calories, 4 grams of protein per can. Found at Costco and surprisingly became a regular favorite for both adults and kids.

Cookbooks I recommend:

• Skinnytaste High Protein: 100 Healthy, Simple Recipes to Fuel Your Day
• Devotion Nutrition Cookbook

Have a great weekend — I’ll see you Monday as we head into February!

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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Weight Loss Stalled on GLP-1? Focus On THIS Instead Jan 26, 2026

Show notes

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Some of the best conversations start with listener questions, especially the ones that come from feeling stuck, confused, or wondering, 'is this normal?'

In this special Q&A episode, I'm tackling two listener questions. One is about unexpected dryness while taking a GLP-1 medication. The other is a much bigger one: what to do when weight loss slows down after an initial drop, even though you feel like you’re trying.

Join me as I talk about the importance of success beyond the scale, why BMI is useless without body composition data, and why movement matters more for your brain than your waistline.

If you’ve been feeling frustrated, stalled, or unsure what to focus on next, this episode will help you think about your situation a little differently.

References

The Body Intelligence Blueprint

Audio Stamps

00:29 – 30/30 program updates and changes for the September round.

03:40 – Dry lips and skin on Zepbound: what's normal vs. what needs medical attention.

05:28 – Redefining success beyond the scale and celebrating non-scale victories.

07:15 – Why body composition data matters more than BMI for tracking real progress.

08:07 – Exercise as a tool for emotional resilience and stress management.

09:58 – Why checking labs and ruling out physiological causes should always come first.

11:46 – Introducing the Body Intelligence Blueprint: personalized one-on-one coaching with genome analysis and body composition.

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.