>>Join our FREE monthly Gut Health Webinar, so you can begin your Healing Journey. https://modernendocrinewellness.com/join-gut-health What if peptides and GLP-1s are not the problem, but the internet hype is making it impossible to know what is actually safe, effective, and worth your money? In this episode of Hormones, Metabolism, and You, Dr. Cassie Smith sits down with Greg Jones, NMD to cut through the confusion around peptides, GLP-1s, microdosing, stacking, and the next wave of weight loss medications. Dr. Jones explains why lifestyle is the foundation (there is no magic shot), outlines red flags for online prescribing and questionable sourcing, and compares newer multi-agonists like retatrutide with semaglutide and tirzepatide. You will also learn how to manage common issues like nausea, reflux, constipation, fatigue, and plateaus, and why safety-first, individualized care with proper monitoring matters most. Key Takeaways Healing and body composition start with the foundation: nutrition, hydration, sleep, and resistance training Peptides fall into different categories: some affect feedback loops and require more monitoring, others are used more directly by the body GLP-1 dosing should be individualized; aggressive titration increases side effects and long-term risks Retatrutide is a triple agonist (GLP-1, GIP, glucagon) and may increase energy expenditure, but appetite and food noise can vary by person Side effects often improve when diet, alcohol intake, and hydration are addressed Weight loss should be gradual to help preserve lean mass and reduce skin laxity issues Exit strategies should be personalized: taper dose, extend dosing intervals, and keep the habits in place When the shots go away, the habits need to stay Episode Highlights Why the foundation matters: “trash in, trash out” and why sleep plus strength training drive long-term results Red flag checklist for online prescribing: no labs, no check-ins, “not for human use” labeling, and three-month scripts with no monitoring What to monitor with GLP-1s and related therapies, including why baseline labs matter Retatrutide vs tirzepatide vs semaglutide: what is different, what is promising, and what is still evolving Real-world GLP-1 troubleshooting: reflux, constipation, fatigue, nausea, and why microdosing can change tolerance Why plateaus happen and how to adjust safely without overcorrecting Who is at highest risk for muscle loss during fat loss and how to protect lean mass in midlife Growth-hormone-related peptides explained: CJC-1295, ipamorelin, tesamorelin, and what realistic goals look like Why “stacks” can be risky, when combinations may be acceptable, and why dosing flexibility matters Lightning round: the biggest plateau driver, perimenopause myths, and the single best habit for preserving muscle Connect with Greg Jones, NMD🌐 Website: https://enovativewellness.com/dr-greg-jones/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgregjones/ 📲 Follow Dr. Cassie Smith & Modern Endocrine 💻 Website: https://www.modern-endocrine.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernendocrine_/ 🌟 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ModernEndocrine 📽️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@modernendocrine 🕹️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@modernendocrine?lang=en 📰 Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/modernendocrine ➡️ Disclaimer: https://www.modernendocrineokc.com/disclaimer-6353