Ep 183:    Insights from the OMA Conference 2026

Have I got a story for you—my experience at the Obesity Medicine conference in San Diego this year.   I'll get to the science-y good stuff below, but first: Imagine a room full of doctors ready to dive into the science of obesity, then suddenly, boom! A sonic boom interrupts the lecture and the entire room sprints outside in search of Artemis. It returned home! And we were in San Diego--ground (or should I say, ocean) zero.   Spoiler alert: nobody saw Artemis, but we all saw some major truths about obesity and weight loss.   Here’s what really stuck with me:   They Walk the Talk. Not only was the food gorgeously prepared and labeled (hello, buffet where “what’s in this?” isn’t a mystery!), but the whole event was designed to make healthful choices a breeze. Two-minute waits, colorful veggies, and protein-forward snacks made this cooking-challenged gal swoon—and I didn’t have to lift a spatula.   The Medication Buzz is Real. Most of the sessions focused on weight loss medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, which work wonders for many, but they’re no magic bullet. Not everyone responds, there are GI side effects, and—super important for us—they must be stopped at least two months before trying to get pregnant or going through a transfer. The “long-term unknowns” still have me in cautious doctor-mode, especially with all the new pills and injections being developed.   Skills Last—Drugs Don’t. Here’s my favorite part: the studies are clear that weekly support and behavioral work (think: cognitive behavioral theory work and learning to listen to your hunger) are the things that actually make weight loss and maintenance stick—regardless of whether you use meds. We can change our brains and habits, and that’s beautiful, lasting, and side-effect free.   So often, we want an easy fix—a medicine or a magic food. But lasting results mean learning to notice our thoughts and tune into our bodies--it's the closest thing we’ll ever get to our own owner’s manual.   Grab your headphones and give this week’s episode a listen. Links:   Click the links below to lose weight now, the Weight Loss for Fertility way: Website -  stephaniefeinmd.com   -  Facebook   -  Instagram  -  LinkedIn