Episode 2: "Why Can't I Lose Weight?" (Peri)menopause & Weight Management with Dr. Sasha High, MD

Dr. Sasha High is a Board-Certified Internist and Obesity Medicine Physician with over a decade of experience in metabolic healthcare. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Ottawa and completed her medical degree and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Toronto.Since 2012, Dr. High has specialized in obesity medicine, with a focus on a compassionate, evidence-based approach to long-term weight management and metabolic health. She is the Founder of the High Metabolic Clinic, a multidisciplinary weight management practice serving patients across Ontario. Her clinical expertise lies in helping individuals overcome emotional and binge eating through emotional regulation strategies and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tools that support mindset transformation and sustainable lifestyle change.In this episode we discuss rates of obesity and its evolution over the past century, as well as its implications on health outcomes. We discuss why weight becomes more difficult to manage when the storm of perimenopause hits women, and evidence-based strategies to help. We also dive into medical obesity treatments, namely GLP-1 agonists, and their risks and benefits. You'll leave this episode with a wealth of information and empowerment!Find doctor High on Instagram @sashahighmd, learn more about her coaching program here, and Ontario patients can be referred to the High Metabolic Clinic here.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Parenting and Perimenopause Podcast05:31 Evolution of Food Culture and Sedentary Lifestyle11:05 Health Concerns and Risks Associated with Obesity19:23 Counseling Points for Weight Management26:37 GLP-1 Medications for Obesity Treatment32:20 Exploring GLP-1 Receptors in Different Disease States38:10 Treatment Continuation and Dose Adjustments56:26 Cautionary Note on Unregulated GLP-1 Receptor Treatments