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:

We Are Not Chasing Suppressed Hunger Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

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In today’s quick Friday Five episode, we’re talking about something that causes fear for so many people on a weight loss journey: hunger.

If hunger starts returning, many people immediately assume something has gone wrong — that the medication is failing, that weight regain is inevitable, or that they’re losing control. But hunger is not a problem to eliminate.

Hunger is normal. It’s natural. And it’s necessary.

In this episode, we explore why chasing lifelong appetite suppression isn’t realistic, why grazing often keeps you undernourished and unsatisfied, and how learning to live in harmony with hunger is a key part of long-term weight management.

You’ll hear why hunger doesn’t mean failure, how diet culture taught us to fear it, and what it actually looks like to respond to hunger with trust instead of panic.

We also discuss practical strategies like structured meals, adequate hydration, gentle planning, and why eating full meals — not constant snacks — helps your body feel safe and nourished.

Finally, I share resources that helped reshape my own thinking around hunger, including Words to Eat By and Food and Feelings, along with reminders about accessible support through libraries, journaling, and therapy.

We are not chasing suppressed hunger for life.
We are learning how to work with our bodies — not against them.

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.

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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Oral Wegovy: How to Take It, Who It's For, and What It Costs with Joseph Zucchi, PA Jan 19, 2026

Show notes

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We finally have the first-ever FDA-approved oral GLP-1 for treating obesity, and it's a much bigger deal than the headlines suggest…

In this episode, I'm joined by Joseph Zucchi, PA, a clinical supervisor at a weight management clinic who lives and breathes the data behind obesity care. We break down oral Wegovy in practical terms: the real weight loss data, how it compares with weekly injections, why it’s different from Rybelsus, and who it’s best suited for. We also cover cost, insurance disruptions, and what to realistically expect if you’re considering a switch.

If you’re trying to make sense of your options in a fast-changing landscape, whether due to coverage changes, injection concerns, or simple confusion — this conversation helps break it all down using real data.

References

Connect with Joseph Zucchi, PA

Transition Medic Medical Weight Loss

Audio Stamps

01:42 – Meet Joseph Zucchi, PA, clinical supervisor at a comprehensive weight management clinic with an on-site food store.

04:35 – What is oral Wegovy and how does it compare to injectable semaglutide in terms of efficacy and weight loss?

07:21 – The reformulation that makes oral Wegovy different from Rybelsus and why absorption matters.

10:22 – How to take oral Wegovy correctly: timing, dosing instructions, and common mistakes to avoid.

12:02 – Who should consider oral Wegovy and who might be better off sticking with injections?

13:45 – Side effects, dosing transitions, and what to expect when switching from injectable to oral.

22:03 – The importance of specialized care: why working with a weight management expert improves outcomes.

24:00 – Pricing, insurance coverage challenges, and accessibility of oral Wegovy in 2026.

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 Week Muscle ‘Disappears’ (But Doesn’t) Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

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In this short Friday episode, Dr. Matthea Rentea breaks down a common body composition mistake that causes unnecessary panic: apparent muscle loss that isn’t real.

She explains two very common scenarios where body composition scans can falsely suggest a significant drop in skeletal muscle:

After an illness (like flu or viral infections)
After time away from regular strength training, such as vacation

Dr. Rentea explains how temporary drops in muscle glycogen — not true muscle loss — can skew body composition results, and why this typically resolves within a few weeks of returning to normal routines.

Key takeaways:

Rapid “muscle loss” on body composition scans is often not real
Illness and vacations commonly affect glycogen, not muscle tissue
True muscle gain and loss happen much more slowly
The best response is consistency, not panic-driven changes

She also shares a preview of an upcoming mini-teaching focused on how to properly interpret body composition reports — something most people have never been taught to do in a practical, clinical way. Get on my email list here to not miss this.

If your January feels a little wobbly, this episode is your reminder to refocus, return to your routines, and keep moving forward!

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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200-Pound Weight Loss: Why Self-Love Is a Practice, Not a Feeling with Dr. Joy Bracey Jan 12, 2026

Show notes

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Self-love gets talked about a lot… but most of us still don’t really know what it is. Is it positive affirmations? Spa days? Just “being nicer” to yourself?

And if that’s true, why do so many capable, motivated people still feel stuck in cycles of self-criticism, burnout, emotional eating, or fear of failure?

In this episode, licensed therapist and educator Dr Joy Bracey breaks down why self-love is so widely misunderstood and why it’s not a feeling at all, but a daily practice. We talk about how the way you speak to yourself shapes your behavior, your health, and your ability to trust yourself long-term. Plus, we explore what real self-love actually looks like in everyday life.

If you’ve ever thought, “I know I should love myself, but I don’t know how”, this conversation will give you a practical place to start.

References

Connect with Dr. Joy Bracey:

Podcast: The Easy Weigh Out

Audio Stamps

00:30 – Dr. Joy Bracey introduces herself and shares her 25-year struggle with obesity.

03:07 – Self-love is a practice that requires action, not just words.

07:08 – Why tuning into your internal dialogue is the first step toward self-love.

14:19 – How fear of weight regain disappears when you build self-trust.

17:30 – Simple practices to reconnect your mind and body.

23:26 – Self-love examples using the five love language categories.

26:48 – Advice for when you're feeling overwhelmed by the process of self-love.

30:33 – Why committing to yourself is 90% of the effort and the rest is just repetition.

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 Fave: The One Question That Changes Everything Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

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This week’s Your Friday Five centers around a single question—one that has the power to shift your mindset, your habits, and the way you evaluate progress. I came across it in a video from Jamie Seltzer (linked below), and it stopped me in my tracks:

“If every week was like last week, would I be closer to my goal?”

In this episode, I break down why this question works, how it cuts through perfectionism, and why zooming out to that 30,000-foot view gives you more clarity than obsessing over small slip-ups. We talk about what to do if your answer is “yes,” what to do if your answer is “no,” and why understanding why you had an off week is more important than beating yourself up for it.

You’ll also hear a simple way to build this question into your weekly routine—whether that’s a Friday afternoon alarm, a sticky note, or a reminder tucked into your planner—so it becomes a guide instead of a forgotten moment of inspiration.

This episode is your permission to release perfection, get honest without judgment, and steer yourself gently back on track.

Links:
→ Watch Jamie Seltzer’s original video

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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New Obesity Medications Coming 2026-2028 Jan 05, 2026

Show notes

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Weight loss medications are evolving at lightning speed. But once you start digging online, it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s real, what’s safe, and what your options actually are if a medication stops working.

In this episode, I walk you through what’s genuinely on the horizon between 2026–2028, using the clinical data we have right now. We’re talking higher-dose oral Wegovy, more affordable non-refrigerated options, and the triple agonist many people are waiting for, with nearly 29% average weight loss.

Tune in to find out how these medications work, what the research is showing so far, and why this pipeline offers real hope for anyone managing obesity as a chronic disease.

References

Timeline of upcoming obesity medications

Coloring recommendations:

Alcohol Markers

Coloring books

Season 2 of The Obesity Guide: Behind the Curtain Podcast

Get my free Podcast Roadmap—a simple guide to help you find the episodes that matter most to your journey.

Audio Stamps

00:30 – The importance of building a dopamine menu with non-food hobbies to manage obesity long-term.

06:08 – Staying open to new treatments and pivoting strategies in managing a chronic, lifelong disease.

07:48 – Oral Wegovy coming early 2026 with improved results and affordability.

10:00 – Higher-dose Wegovy subq arriving with 21% average weight loss.

11:50 – Orforglipron: a new non-refrigerated oral GLP-1 option.

12:40 – CagriSema combines semaglutide with amylin for enhanced results.

14:20 – Retatrutide overview and warnings about unregulated versions.

15:37 – What's coming in 2027-2028: Survodutide and MariTide explained.

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: The “Prepared, Not Perfect” Nutrition Reset Jan 02, 2026

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.

In this New Year edition of Your Friday Five, we’re talking about the ONE strategy that consistently transforms my patients’ nutrition—and my own. Winter is here, the days are darker, and this is the time of year when energy dips and cravings rise. Instead of fighting it, let’s set you up to feel better from the inside out.

In today’s episode, I walk you through my simple “2 protein + 2 fiber” system that keeps your meals effortless, balanced, and ready when you need them—not after hunger hits. I share exactly how I prep my fridge, the card-stock list I keep posted, and the easy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack combos that make nutrition feel doable (even on your busiest weeks).

You’ll also hear how to grab my free “Prepared” PDF and the lentil red sauce (“Steve”) recipe, plus how to comment on social to get them sent straight to your DMs.

This episode is all about real-life support—not perfection. When you have go-to meals ready, you give yourself a fighting chance for better energy, better mood, and better consistency as you move into the year.

Links:
→ Note I miss-spoke on the episode and it's comment "sauce", not Steve, to get the red sauce recipe. Also not instead of ground beef I use a can of pre-cooked lentils. Comment “Sauce” on the this post to get the full PDF
→ Comment “Prepared” to get the ideas for the 2 protein and fiber concept

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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Community, Energy, and Gratitude: Looking Back at 2025 Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

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In this special end-of-year episode, I'm doing something I've never done before: slowing down to reflect on the moments, lessons, and people who shaped this year—and sharing a glimpse of what's coming in 2026.

From the evolution of the 30/30 community and the launch of new programs to personal growth, nervous system work, and learning how to protect my own energy, this episode is an honest look at how the year changed me as both a physician and a person.

I also walk through the big themes I'm feeling pulled toward next and end with a heartfelt gratitude list that reminded me just how grateful I am for the village that makes any of this possible

If you've been part of this community in any way, this episode is my thank-you letter to you. (And if you're curious about what's coming in 2026, stick around!)

Ways to work with me:

The 30/30 Program // Season 1 Behind the Curtain // Season 2 Behind the Curtain

Beyond the Scale (A 30/30 Retreat) // Clinician Social Accelerator // The Body Intelligence Blueprint

Audio Stamps

00:28 - Reflecting on 2025's guiding words: connection and calm after an overwhelming 2024

02:23 - Three rounds of 30/30 showed how people thrive with community and accountability

04:33 - Behind the Curtain podcast launch and 21 incredible podcast guests this year covering addiction, grief, ADHD, skin health, and more

11:16 - Building the Social Media Accelerator and Female Founders Accelerator to help other physicians grow strong, independent practices

13:07 - Learning to regulate energy through intentional family time, emotional eating work, sound baths, and prioritizing whole-based foods

15:20 - What's coming in 2026: in-person retreats, genetics work, and more focused programming

19:28 - Gratitude list: A heartfelt thank you to the extensive village that makes this work possible

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: The 5 Lessons That Changed My Health This Year Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

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In this year-end episode, I’m sharing the top five lessons that transformed my own health—and the health of so many patients I’ve worked with. These weren’t quick fixes or resolutions that fizzled out in February. These were identity-level shifts that changed how I eat, move, think, and show up for myself.

You’ll hear about how my tastes evolved (yes, your palate really can change), how movement became a true non-negotiable, why structure creates more freedom—not less—and the mindset practices that kept me anchored during the busiest seasons. I also share the patterns I’ve seen repeatedly in patients navigating GLP-1 medications, metabolic healing, emotional eating, and long-term weight management.

This episode wraps the year with grounded wisdom, compassion, and tools you can start using today.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why your taste buds genuinely change over time—and how to create the conditions for that shift.
The identity shift that makes daily movement automatic (and non-negotiable).
How simple routines and structure actually reduce stress, emotional eating, and evening overeating.
The mindset training required to maintain weight loss and navigate busy seasons with less friction.
The role of community and support in sustaining long-term behavior change.
Why building momentum—not perfection—was the biggest theme in both my life and my patients’ successes this year.

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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Conquering Health During the Holidays (Re-Run) Dec 22, 2025

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

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.