The Dr. Francavilla Show

Dr. Francavilla
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Carolynn Francavilla, MD is Board Certified in Family Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She owns and operates Green Mountain Partners for Health and Colorado Weight Care. Dr. Francavilla is a nationally recognized obesity expert, lecturing on the topic obesity as well as through her own platform HelpYourPatientsLoseWeight.com. She serves on the Obesity Medicine Association Board of Trustees. She is an Assistant Professor at Rocky Vista University and Volunteer Faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is passionate about helping people lose weight to treat and prevent medical problems. Dr. Francavilla has learned that losing weight and keeping it off is complex and not a matter of will power, but biology, and seeks to help others finds healthy longterm solutions to their weight.

  1. 5D AGO

    GLP-1 Meals Made Easy with Dr. Aliza Olive

    Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today! Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com) Why do so many people on GLP-1 medications feel like they’re doing everything right but still feel lost when it comes to food and long-term success? This week, we’re diving into something many people on GLP-1 medications are navigating right now: how to build sustainable nutrition habits during treatment, and what it actually takes to set yourself up for long-term success—both while on the medication and beyond. We’re joined by Dr. Aliza Olive, a pediatric ICU physician, mom based in Cleveland, and co-founder of GLP-1 Enhanced, a company focused on providing practical, real-world nutrition guidance for people on GLP-1 medications and those transitioning off them. She’s also the author of GLP-1 Meals Made Easy, a cookbook designed to simplify eating and remove the guesswork during treatment. In this conversation, Dr. Olive shares insights from both clinical experience and real-world practice, highlighting the most common challenges people face—not just with weight loss itself, but with maintaining progress, managing side effects, and feeling confident in their everyday nutrition decisions. We also break down practical strategies that matter most on GLP-1s, including protein for muscle preservation, fiber for digestion and constipation support, and simple meal structure that actually works in real life. The discussion also touches on what long-term maintenance requires and why support during treatment matters just as much as after. Topics covered in this episode: What Happens After GLP-1 Medications: Why Guidance Still MattersWhat Makes the Transition Off GLP-1s So UncertainWhy Hunger Feels Different After GLP-1 TreatmentProtecting Muscle During Weight Loss: The Role of ProteinFiber on GLP-1s: The Simple Habit That Helps with Constipation and Keeps Digestion on TrackGLP-1 Meals Made Easy: What’s Inside the Book and Why It Was CreatedFor the full discussion and a more in-depth look at what it really takes to build sustainable habits on GLP-1s, tune in to GLP-1 Meals Made Easy with Dr. Aliza Olive. Connect with  Dr. Aliza : Website: GLP1 EnhancedInstagram: glp1enhancedTiktok: glp1enhancedFacebook: GLP1ENHANCEDConnect with me: Instagram: doctorfrancavillaFacebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. FrancavillaWebsite: Dr. Francavilla ShowYoutube: The Doctor Francavilla ShowGLP Strong: glpstrong.com

    24 min

  2. MAR 25

    3 Quick Ways to Reduce Stress with Dr. Anissa Cordova

    Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today! Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com) Have you ever wondered why stress can feel so overwhelming even when nothing “major” is happening—and why the exact same situation can feel energizing for one person and totally draining for another? Stress is something that shows up in everyone’s life, literally every single day, but the way we understand and respond to it can completely change how it actually feels in the body and mind. In this episode, we look at stress not just as an external pressure, but more as a nervous system response—something shaped by perception, emotion, energy, and capacity. To help unpack all of this, we’re joined by Dr. Anissa Cordova, PhD, a psychotherapist and resilience coach specializing in stress regulation and emotional wellbeing. She’s been a colleague in our clinic for the past year, and her work beautifully weaves together health psychology, HeartMath research, and nearly 30 years of meditation practice. Dr. Cordova’s approach centers on something really important—but often overlooked—the heart–brain connection, and how it influences resilience, clarity, and emotional regulation. And honestly, what makes her perspective so valuable is that it’s not just theoretical. It’s super practical, deeply compassionate, and focused on tools people can actually use in everyday life. In this episode, we explore: Stress: Understanding How the Nervous System RespondsResilience: Building Capacity and RecoveryHow to Stabilize Your Nervous System and Manage Stress in Everyday LifeSimple Daily Practices to Support Your Nervous System and Stay GroundedWhy Managing Your Energy Matters More Than Avoiding StressShe shares simple, grounded tools to help you understand stress and calm your nervous system in real time—because while stress is universal, how you respond to it can change how life feels from the inside out. If this resonates, keep listening to hear the full conversation and start applying these tools right away. Connect with  Dr. Anissa : Website: anissacordovaphd.comConnect with me: Instagram: doctorfrancavillaFacebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. FrancavillaWebsite: Dr. Francavilla ShowYoutube: The Doctor Francavilla ShowGLP Strong: glpstrong.com

    34 min

  3. MAR 16

    The Four Hunger Cues with Dr. Laure DeMattia

    Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today! Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com) Ever wonder why you literally can’t stop thinking about food? For a long time, weight management advice was basically “eat less, move more.” But honestly, it’s way more complicated than just willpower. Biology, hormones, metabolism, and your brain all totally play a role in why we eat and how our bodies handle weight. Family physician and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Laure DeMattia has decades of experience, both in the clinic and with her own weight journey. She’s also the author of The Four Food Cues: Why Your Brain Won’t Shut Up About Food and How to Fix It, which dives into the biological and behavioral signals that influence our eating habits—basically, why our brains are always nudging us toward snacks. Dr. DeMattia breaks down how understanding food cues, using frameworks like CHEF—Cravings, Hunger, Energy, Fullness—and knowing the role of medications like GLP-1s can make weight management way more doable, compassionate, and honestly less stressful. In This Episode, We Cover: Why This Book Was Written – The story behind Dr. Demattia’s book and why sharing real, science-based info is so needed right now.Why Food Is Always on Your Mind – Cravings, energy dips, delayed fullness… why your brain is basically obsessed with snacks.From Cravings to Fullness – Using the CHEF framework to notice your body’s signals without obsessing over every single calorie.Why Taking Care of Yourself Matters for Your Kids – Little self-care habits actually teach your kids that looking after yourself is normal.GLP-1s: Amazing for Some, Not Everyone – Medications that help curb hunger, but not a one-size-fits-all thing.Shifting the Goal: From Thinness to Health – Forget chasing the scale—focus on strength, energy, and just feeling good in your body.Understanding your food cues and all your options is about curiosity over blame, and science over shame. Whether it’s using CHEF, trying GLP-1s, or exploring other approaches, Dr. DeMattia gives patients ways to approach weight management that actually fit real life. Want all the deets and full insights? The conversation is totally laid out in the episode. Connect with Laure: Book: The 4 Food Cues: Why Your Brain Won't Shut Up About Food and How to Fix ItYoutube: Navigating Obesity with Dr. DConnect with me: Instagram: doctorfrancavillaFacebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. FrancavillaWebsite: Dr. Francavilla ShowYoutube: The Doctor Francavilla ShowGLP Strong: glpstrong.com

    28 min

  4. MAR 9

    Sleep Apnea and Zebpound, Insomnia, and Restless Legs with Dr. Usama

    Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today! Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com) Curious how sleep and weight might be more connected than you think? Not long ago, obesity wasn’t widely recognized as a medical condition. Treatments were limited, and many people assumed weight loss was all about willpower. But (thankfully!) research has shifted that understanding: obesity is a complex disease shaped by biology, environment, hormones, and metabolism. In this episode, sleep medicine specialist Dr. Usama discusses the connection between sleep, metabolic health, and obesity. Dr. Usama is triple board-certified in sleep and obesity medicine and practices with MultiCare Health System in the Seattle area. He also serves as an adjunct clinical assistant professor at A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine and as visiting foreign faculty at King Edward Medical University in Lahore. His work focuses on sleep apnea, obesity, and cardiometabolic health—conditions that often overlap. In this episode, we talk about how sleep, weight, and metabolic health are deeply connected—and why treating them together can make a real difference. In This Episode, We Cover: Zepbound and Sleep Apnea – Why weight loss alone isn’t enough, but Zepbound may help reduce apnea severity and improve adherence to CPAP therapy.How Zepbound Works Beyond Weight Loss – Potential effects on airway dynamics, brainstem breathing centers, metabolism, and even cravings.Why Treating Sleep Apnea Matters – Untreated sleep apnea affects your heart, brain, weight management, and long-term health. Combining therapies provides better outcomes than relying on one approach.Sleep Isn’t Optional – Sleep is when your brain consolidates memories, your muscles repair, and your metabolism resets. Learn strategies to reclaim restorative sleep, including CBT-I and practical sleep hygiene tips.Legs That Won’t Quit: Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) – Understand the signs, causes, and effective treatments including iron therapy, medications, and nerve stimulation technology.Improving sleep, weight, and metabolic health isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. When your daily habits support sleep, metabolism, brain function, and long-term health, the body responds in powerful ways. Even small, intentional changes can create momentum and meaningful results. Connect with Usama: LinkedIn: M. Usama, MD FACP DiplABOMSubstack: The Sleep Physician’s PlaybookFacebook: SleepwarriormdInstagram: usama_amanX: SleepwarriormdXConnect with me: Instagram: doctorfrancavillaFacebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. FrancavillaWebsite: Dr. Francavilla ShowYoutube: The Doctor Francavilla ShowGLP Strong: glpstrong.com

    40 min

  5. MAR 2

    Seven Reasons to Cut Back on Alcohol

    Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today! Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com) Thinking about cutting back on alcohol—but not sure if it’s really necessary?  For years, we were told that moderate drinking, especially red wine, might support heart health. A nightly glass felt harmless—maybe even beneficial. But the research has shifted. We now know alcohol doesn’t improve longevity or heart outcomes and may increase the risk of cancer, liver disease, sleep disruption, weight gain, cognitive decline, and hormonal imbalance. In this episode, we break down what the science actually shows—clearly, calmly, and without guilt. If you’ve been wondering whether alcohol is affecting your sleep, metabolism, brain health, or long-term risk, this conversation will give you clarity. In this episode, we cover: Alcohol and Cancer Risk – Why alcohol is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen and what “no safe level” really means.Heart Health: The Red Wine Myth – What newer data shows about blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, stroke risk, and why alcohol is not recommended for cardiovascular protection.Brain Health and Cognitive Function – How even moderate drinking impacts gray matter, cognitive decline risk, and daily mental clarity.Sleep Disruption – Why alcohol may help you fall asleep faster but quietly damages REM sleep and restorative rest.Fat Loss and Metabolism – How alcohol adds hidden calories, pauses fat burning, increases cravings, and shifts key hormones.The Silent Liver Risk – How alcohol compounds fatty liver disease and accelerates long-term liver damage.Hormonal Effects – The impact on cortisol, insulin sensitivity, testosterone, estrogen, fertility, and immune resilience.Cutting Back Without Missing Out – Realistic strategies for social settings, simple swaps, and how to reduce alcohol without isolation.Reducing alcohol isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment. When daily habits support long-term health goals, the body responds in powerful ways. Even small, intentional changes can make a meaningful difference. Connect with me: Instagram: doctorfrancavillaFacebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. FrancavillaWebsite: Dr. Francavilla ShowYoutube: The Doctor Francavilla ShowGLP Strong: glpstrong.com

    17 min

  6. FEB 23

    Muscle Mass and GLPs with Dr. Ali Novitsky

    Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today! Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com) Ever worry that losing weight with GLP-1 medications will mean losing strength too? You’re not alone. Many people want to see the scale go down—but they also want to stay strong, protect their metabolism, and feel capable in everyday life. That’s exactly what this week’s episode explores. I’m joined by Dr. Ali Novitsky, CEO and founder of The Fit Collective. She combines expertise in obesity medicine with practical strength training strategies, focusing on building a healthier, more functional body—not just a smaller one. With both personal experience and clinical insight, she shares realistic ways to maintain muscle while losing weight on GLP-1 medications. In this episode, we cover: GLP-1s and Muscle Loss: The Facts – Why the fear is often overstated and what actually causes muscle loss.Strength Training Made Simple – How resistance work can fit any lifestyle, from bands to bodyweight moves to everyday activities.Exercise That Actually Sticks – Why focusing on how movement makes you feel is the key to long-term consistency.Plateaus Are Normal – How to handle them without frustration and see progress beyond the scale.Whether it’s intentional protein intake, simple resistance exercises, or reframing exercise for enjoyment, Dr. Novitsky’s approach gives practical strategies that work. Ready to protect your strength, support your metabolism, and feel capable in your body while losing weight? Discover all of her insights in this episode. Connect with Ali: Instagram: alinovitskymdFacebook: Ali Novitsky MDLinkedIn: Ali Novitsky, MDWebsite: www.thefitcollective.com Connect with me: Instagram: doctorfrancavillaFacebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. FrancavillaWebsite: Dr. Francavilla ShowYoutube: The Doctor Francavilla ShowGLP Strong: glpstrong.com

    36 min

  7. FEB 16

    Zepbound, Wegovy, Phentermine....Which Weight Loss Medication is Right for You?

    Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today! Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com Have you ever wondered which weight loss medication is actually right for you? With so many options out there—new GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, oral versions hitting the market, and older prescriptions—it can feel totally overwhelming. In this episode, we break it all down: how much weight you might realistically lose, how other health conditions factor in, cost considerations, who should avoid certain medications, and even how combination therapy can sometimes make sense. Over the years, I’ve covered these topics in different ways. One of my favorite episodes was with Dr. Angela Fitch, where we explored all the available medications at that time. Since then, new therapies like Zepbound and oral Wegovy have emerged, changing the landscape even more. This episode isn’t meant to replace a one-on-one conversation with an obesity expert—that’s still the gold standard—but it gives the information you need to start thinking about what might fit your goals, your body, and your lifestyle. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of how these medications work, who they help most, and how to approach the decision thoughtfully and safely. Obesity is a medical condition, and like any condition, it deserves expert care—so let’s dive into your options. Topics Covered: How Much Weight Can You Really Lose on GLP-1 Medications?The Other Medications That Still Play a Role in Weight LossWegovy vs. Zepbound: How Much Weight Loss Do You Actually Need?Why Weight Loss Is a Struggle—and How the Right Medication Makes the DifferenceResults Matter—But So Does the Price TagWho Should Avoid Certain Weight Loss MedicationsChoosing the Right Weight Loss Medication: Pills, Injections, and Personalized ApproachesDo You Really Need More Weight Loss? By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear understanding of the different weight loss medications, how they work, who they help most, and what to consider when choosing the right approach for your goals and health. For a deeper dive into each medication, real-world results, and expert insights on tailoring a plan that’s safe, sustainable, and effective, the full episode is ready for you—it’s packed with everything you need to make an informed decision about your weight loss journey. Referenced Episodes: Can a test tell me if Wegovy or Zepbound will work for me? With Dr.Andres Acosta of PhenomixMedications for Weight Loss with guest, Dr. Angela Fitch,Phentermine and Qsymia - What You Need to Know About These Weight LossOral Wegovy: All You Need to Know About This New Medication, with Joseph ZucchiConnect with me: Instagram: doctorfrancavillaFacebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. FrancavillaWebsite: Dr. Francavilla ShowYoutube: The Doctor Francavilla ShowGLP Strong: glpstrong.com

    34 min

  8. FEB 9

    Tips for Binge Eating from “I Blew My Diet Now What” Author Connie Benett

    Claim your complimentary gift of my exclusive mini weight care guide today! Link: Weight Care Guide — Dr. Francavilla Show (thedrfrancavillashow.com) Have you ever found yourself mindlessly reaching for chips, popcorn, or sweets and wondered, “Why do I keep doing this even when I know better? You’re not alone—and that’s exactly what this week’s episode dives into. I’m joined by Connie Bennett, a self-described former sugar and carb addict who has transformed her struggles into a mission to help others. Connie is a transformational speaker, TEDx presenter, journalist, and bestselling author of Sugar Shock and I Blew My Diet. Now What? She’s also a certified health coach, DreamBuilder coach, life coach, and Bounce Back Boldly coach, and the creator of National Bounce Back Month. For more than seven years, Connie has researched why people eat the way they do—and which practical strategies actually work to regain control without relying on willpower alone. She’s seen it all, from emotional triggers like grief, breakups, or trauma, to the constant temptations of what she calls the “junk food jungle.” In this episode, we cover: National Bounce Back Month: Giving yourself a guilt-free reset.Why We Really Overeat: Understanding emotional and environmental triggers.Sugar, Processed Carbs, and the Truth About Feeling Good: How they affect the brain and cravings.Stop Relying on Willpower: Using goal-driven strategies to eat intentionally.The FAST Technique: Quick strategies to interrupt cravings and take back control.Whether it’s sugar, processed carbs, or emotional eating, Connie’s approach gives practical, guilt-free strategies that actually work. Ready to understand your triggers, bounce back boldly, and take control of your food choices? Find all of Connie’s insights and actionable tips in this episode. Connect with Connie: Instagram: conniebennettauthorFacebook: Connie BennettBook link: I Blew My Diet! Now What? The Easy, Proven 21-Day Plan to Drop Pounds & Bounce Back BoldlyLinkedIn: Connie Bennett Website: www.connieb.comConnect with me: Instagram: doctorfrancavillaFacebook: Help Your Patients Lose Weight with Dr. FrancavillaWebsite: Dr. Francavilla ShowYoutube: The Doctor Francavilla ShowGLP Strong: glpstrong.com

    35 min
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4.9
out of 5
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About

Carolynn Francavilla, MD is Board Certified in Family Medicine and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. She owns and operates Green Mountain Partners for Health and Colorado Weight Care. Dr. Francavilla is a nationally recognized obesity expert, lecturing on the topic obesity as well as through her own platform HelpYourPatientsLoseWeight.com. She serves on the Obesity Medicine Association Board of Trustees. She is an Assistant Professor at Rocky Vista University and Volunteer Faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She is passionate about helping people lose weight to treat and prevent medical problems. Dr. Francavilla has learned that losing weight and keeping it off is complex and not a matter of will power, but biology, and seeks to help others finds healthy longterm solutions to their weight.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Francavilla
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    178
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Dr. Francavilla Show
  • Show Website
    The Dr. Francavilla Show

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