Listener Q&A: Medical Tourism, Hair Loss and “Slow” Progress

Today’s episode takes a slightly different format to usual as I will be diving into some of the most common questions I get asked from you, my community.My rule of thumb is that if one person is asking it, there are likely many more of you thinking it or struggling with a similar issue. As always, I am not providing any medical advice in my responses, this is purely informational and educational. While I cannot give specific recommendations, there are some general points and takeaways that I want to share with you.I’m covering a wide range of topics, including:Concerns about slow progress on anti-obesity medicationsBariatric surgery vs. anti-obesity medicationsIssues around medical tourismSuggestions for hair loss on GLP-1 medications.Don’t forget, if you have a topic you’d like to hear covered in a future episode, you can sign up to my weekly email that lets you know what's coming out on the podcast. Simply hit reply to those emails with your suggestion and we'll look at incorporating it into a future episode!ResourcesTo get my latest content via email, join The Obesity Guide Podcast Email List (right hand side).To find out more about how to calculate the percentage of body weight that you've lost, head over to my recent podcast episode: Anti-Obesity Medications Part 2To learn more about how weight loss can impact hair loss, listen to my interview with dermatologist Cris Berlingeri MD.Audio Stamps02:12 - Dr. Rentea responds to a patient who has been on Ozempic for 3 weeks and is concerned about slow progress.05:30 - Dr. Rentea gives her opinion on VSG (vertical sleeve gastrectomy) versus medications.08:45 -  We hear about a patient who lost 30 lbs on Mounjaro before switching to Ozempic, and is frustrated about the results.10:48 - Dr. Rentea discusses the issues around medical tourism.14:58 - We find out Dr. Rentea’s suggestions for hair loss on GLP-1 medications.Quotes04:42 - “The percentage of body weight that you've lost is a much more revealing number compared to just pounds in general.”05:07 - “We do not want this rapid weight loss. One to two [pounds per week] would be the max. Over that, you're likely getting into a category where you're getting rid of some of your muscle.”08:32 - “Whenever someone asks a ‘this or that’ question, I always want you to ask yourself, is there really a line here and is it really one or the other?"All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast. If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com