The Better Living PA: GLP-1s, Metabolic Health & Midlife Hormones

Tiffany Bailey, PA-C
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GLP-1s, metabolic health, perimenopause and menopause, explained by a Board Certified Physician Assistant. On The Better Living PA, Tiffany Bailey PA-C breaks down what the research actually says and what real patients experience, so you can make informed decisions about your health. Expect myth-busting deep dives on GLP-1 medications, side effects, protein and muscle, hormones and midlife health, plus honest conversations with patients, experts and advocates. For education only, not medical advice. Watch on YouTube @thebetterlivingPA | Links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA

  1. 3d ago

    GLP-1s Before and After Surgery: When to Stop and When to Restart

    If you take a GLP-1 medication and have surgery or a procedure coming up, when should you stop it, and when is it safe to restart? In this episode, I explain why GLP-1 medications matter when you receive general anesthesia or deep sedation. The primary concern isn't bleeding or wound healing. It's delayed stomach emptying and the potential risk of aspiration during anesthesia. In this episode: Why GLP-1s can affect stomach emptying, and how anesthesia changes the riskWhy recommendations vary between providersWho may have a higher risk of delayed gastric emptyingWhether everyone needs to stop their medicationWhen you may be able to restart after surgeryWhy missing several doses could mean restarting at a lower doseWhat to tell your surgeon and anesthesia teamCurrent guidance doesn't automatically require every patient to stop GLP-1 therapy. Your plan may depend on your medication, dose, symptoms, recent dose changes, medical conditions and the type of procedure. Always tell your surgeon and anesthesia team that you take a GLP-1, including the date of your last dose. If you take it for diabetes, speak with your prescribing provider before holding it, because stopping could affect your blood sugar. Always follow the instructions from your surgeon, anesthesia professional and prescribing provider. Chapters 00:00 Why GLP-1s and surgery is such a confusing topic 00:48 It is not about bleeding or wound healing 01:14 Why every provider gives you a different answer 02:30 Aspiration: the real reason we hold GLP-1s 03:49 The recovery room is the riskiest window 04:25 Who is at higher risk 05:25 Do you actually have to stop? The newer guidance 06:44 Pre-op vs post-op: two different reasons 07:15 What changes if you take a GLP-1 for diabetes 08:12 When it is safe to restart after surgery 08:51 Narcotics plus GLP-1s: nausea and constipation 09:34 Abdominal surgery and post-op ileus 10:31 Do you need to restart at a lower dose? 11:56 Your pre-op appointment and your medication list 12:40 Do not forget to list your injections 13:14 The bottom line Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

  2. 4d ago

    Breast Cancer Screening: When to Start Mammograms & Are You High Risk? With Dr. Kristen Williams

    When should you start getting mammograms, and how do you know if you're at high risk for breast cancer? In this episode, Tiffany Bailey, PA-C, sits down with Dr. Kristen Williams, MD, a general surgeon whose practice focuses on breast health, to break down breast cancer screening and what every woman should know. In this episode: Why Dr. Williams recommends a yearly mammogram starting at age 40How a mammogram works, and how much radiation it really isWhy ultrasound isn't a screening tool, and when you need a breast MRIHigh-risk breast programs and the Tyrer-Cuzick risk score (the 20% threshold)Family history (including your dad's side), gene mutations like BRCA, CHEK2 and PALB2, and genetic testingWhy self-exams aren't enough and why catching breast cancer early mattersCheck your breast cancer risk with the Tyrer-Cuzick (IBIS) calculator we talked about: ibis-risk-calculator.magview.com Bring your results to your primary care provider or OB/GYN to talk about next steps. Follow Dr. Kristen Williams: TikTok: @thesurgeoninpink Instagram: @knwilliams01 Interested in women's health care, GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

  3. 6d ago

    Abbs' GLP-1 Story: When Working Out and Dieting Weren't Working

    Abbs is a registered nurse with a master's degree who spent much of her twenties slowly gaining weight without realizing how much it could eventually affect her health. Then the pandemic hit. Working in healthcare during such an overwhelming time took a toll, and her weight kept climbing. Determined to make a change, she joined CrossFit and showed up consistently. But despite years of effort, the scale barely moved. After learning about GLP-1 medications on social media, Abbs began exploring whether they could provide the support she needed. In this interview, she shares how GLP-1 therapy became part of her journey and helped her build an approach that finally felt sustainable. In this conversation: Shift work, sleep and next-day hungerWorking in the hospital during the pandemic yearsWeightlifting without losing weightNo PCP, insurance changes and choosing semaglutide or tirzepatideThe first two weeks and how fast the weight came offFiber, non-scale victories and judging progress by her PRsThis is an honest conversation about effort, biology, healthcare-worker burnout, and why needing medical support doesn't mean someone failed to work hard enough. Chapters 00:00 Meet Abbs 02:00 How long the struggle actually goes back 04:00 The denial phase 06:00 Shift work, sleep and next-day hunger 08:00 Working in the hospital during the crazy years 10:00 What she tried before GLP-1s 12:00 Weightlifting without losing weight 14:00 When she started thinking about GLP-1s 16:00 The year she realized her body could do it 18:00 No PCP, and insurance changes 20:00 Choosing semaglutide or tirzepatide 22:00 Wanting better nutrition and sleep 24:00 The first two weeks 26:00 How fast the weight came off 28:00 Inflammation, and not a slow responder 30:00 Fiber, and what her body tells her 32:00 Non-scale victories 34:00 Judging progress by her PRs Individual experiences and results vary. Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

  4. Oct 26

    Jalen Hurts' Blood Clots Explained: DVT, Pulmonary Embolism & Who's at Risk

    Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and blood clots in both lungs after what first looked like a routine calf injury and a superficial clot. As a board-certified physician assistant, I walk through the publicly reported timeline and explain, in plain language, how a clot in the leg can travel to the lungs, who is at higher risk, and the warning signs you should never brush off. In this episode: Superficial clot vs. DVT: what "superficial" and "deep" really meanHow a pulmonary embolism (PE) forms, and why clots often reach both lungsCommon risk factors: injury, long travel, surgery, pregnancy, cancer, and oral vs. transdermal hormonesWarning signs of a DVT or PEWhat blood thinners actually do, and why contact sports are off the tableTips for lowering clot risk on long flights and road tripsNote: I'm discussing only what has been publicly released by the Eagles and reported in the news. I don't have access to his medical records. One-sided leg swelling, new shortness of breath or chest pain deserve prompt medical attention. Chapters00:00 Jalen Hurts' blood clots: what we'll cover01:22 The timeline: calf injury, London flight and ultrasound03:22 Superficial clot vs. deep vein thrombosis04:48 What a DVT is and how it feels05:55 How a leg clot reaches the lungs07:03 What causes blood clots08:40 Who's at higher risk, including hormones10:23 Warning signs of a DVT or PE11:38 What blood thinner treatment really means12:37 Lowering clot risk on long trips13:41 Key takeaways Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here:link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15)You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPAAll my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPAInstagram: @betterliving_paTikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

    Jalen Hurts' Blood Clots Explained: DVT, Pulmonary Embolism & Who's at Risk

  5. Oct 23

    Answers to the Most Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1s

    Are GLP-1 medications cheating? Will you regain the weight if you stop? Are compounded GLP-1s safe? Can you get addicted to semaglutide or tirzepatide? In this episode, I break down the most frequently asked questions about GLP-1 medications in a simple, science-based way. If you're considering a GLP-1 for weight loss, insulin resistance, perimenopause weight gain or metabolic health, this will help you understand what's real and what's hype. In this episode: How GLP-1 medications work in the bodyWill you have to take it forever, and what maintenance looks likeHow much protein you needAre compounded GLP-1s safe and legal, and how the grey market is differentHow to find a vetted providerIs this addiction? Obesity as a chronic diseaseHair shedding, and why shampoos and supplements often aren't worth the moneyThe other benefits, from kidney disease and beyondChapters 00:00 Why there's so much GLP-1 misinformation 02:00 Where to find nutrition guides and community 03:00 Q1: How GLP-1s actually work in your body 05:00 Q2: Will I have to take this forever? 06:00 What maintenance actually looks like 07:00 How much protein you need 08:00 Why you can't compare your results to anyone else's 09:00 Q3: Are compounded GLP-1s safe and legal? 10:00 The grey market and why it's different 11:00 How to find a vetted provider 12:00 Q4: Is this addiction? Obesity as a chronic disease 13:00 Q5: Hair shedding - why it happens 15:00 Shampoos and supplements: don't waste your money 16:00 You are not broken 17:00 The other benefits: kidney disease and beyond Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

  6. Oct 21

    How to Talk to Your Daughter About Her Period: When to Start & What to Say with Educator Janet Throgmorton

    Not sure how to talk to your daughter about her period, or when to start? I'm Tiffany Bailey, a board certified physician assistant, and in this episode I sit down with educator Janet Throgmorton (Mrs. Janet), who spent 31 years in schools as a teacher, elementary principal and high school principal. We talk about why girls are starting their periods earlier, the right age to begin the conversation, how to frame periods and puberty as a normal, healthy part of growing up, and why boys need to hear it too. We also talk about period poverty: how many students rely on their school for pads and tampons, why the right-size products matter for young girls, and how educators and communities are stepping in. In this episode: Why girls are starting their periods earlier (some as young as 8 or 9)Why so many of us grew up with no "period talk" at homeWhat age to start talking to your daughter about periodsHow to start the conversation at home without shameWhy boys should learn about periods and puberty tooPeriod poverty and why girls miss school without period productsChoosing the right period products for a young girlChapters:0:00 Meet Mrs. Janet: 31 years in education1:51 Girls are starting their periods earlier3:32 When schools teach about periods4:35 Our own first period talks growing up7:03 What age to start talking about periods8:31 Why how you talk about periods matters9:48 Should we talk to boys about periods too?12:31 How many kids get no guidance at home13:32 How to start the conversation at home16:02 Period poverty: girls missing school17:31 Why the right period products matter18:27 How schools and communities help20:24 Period poverty and lack of education21:32 Final thoughts: we can't ignore women's health Interested in learning more about GLP-1s, peptides, hormones, and metabolic health? START HERE:https://link.joinbelle.com/betterlivingCoupon code: BELLE15 Join our FREE community for GLP-1 support and nutrition tips: https://the-belle-community.circle.so Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_MnkZX_hy0Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterliving_paTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterlivingforeveryone Follow the show so you don't miss new episodes on women's health, GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Listening does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult your own qualified healthcare provider with questions about your or your child's health.

  7. Oct 21

    GLP-1 Maintenance: Plateau vs. Maintenance & 4 Ways to Keep the Weight Off

    Your weight has stopped moving on your GLP-1. Are you in maintenance, or are you in a plateau? I'm Tiffany Bailey, a board certified physician assistant, and in this episode I break down the difference between a weight loss plateau and planned GLP-1 maintenance, what the research shows about stopping semaglutide or tirzepatide cold turkey, and 4 maintenance strategies to discuss with your provider so you can keep the weight off long term. In this episode: Plateau vs. maintenance, and why the real difference is your intentionWhy a maintenance weight range works better than one number on the scaleWhat the STEP 1 extension and SURMOUNT-4 trials showed about stopping GLP-1sWhy "60% of people regain all their weight" is misleadingObesity as a chronic disease, and why food noise can come back4 maintenance strategies: staying on your dose, carefully adjusting it, extending time between doses, and stopping with a planIs microdosing a maintenance strategy?How your care team personalizes maintenance, plus nutrition, strength training, cost and accessThe emotional side of maintenance, and why needing ongoing treatment is not a failureDMR (duodenal mucosal resurfacing), an investigational procedure being studied for weight maintenanceChapters:0:00 Plateau or maintenance?0:22 Intro: what we'll cover0:54 Plateau vs. maintenance: what's the difference2:54 Why you need a maintenance weight range3:40 When the scale stalls before your goal4:04 What happens if you stop a GLP-1 cold turkey4:20 STEP 1 extension trial (semaglutide)5:15 SURMOUNT-4 trial (tirzepatide)5:44 The "60% regain all their weight" myth6:29 Obesity is a chronic disease7:28 Strategy 1: Stay on the dose that worked8:40 Strategy 2: Carefully adjust your dose10:44 Strategy 3: Extend the time between doses11:43 Strategy 4: Stop with a plan and close monitoring13:13 Is microdosing a maintenance strategy?13:53 Your dose is not a willpower test14:36 How your care team personalizes maintenance15:54 Health conditions that favor staying on your dose16:46 Nutrition and strength training18:03 Cost, access and insurance18:35 The emotional side of maintenance19:45 DMR: an investigational procedure for maintenance21:12 Key takeaways Interested in learning more about GLP-1s, peptides, hormones, and metabolic health? START HERE:https://link.joinbelle.com/betterlivingCoupon code: BELLE15 Join our FREE community for GLP-1 support and nutrition tips: https://the-belle-community.circle.so Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYGqXvP9578Linktree: https://linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPAInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/betterliving_paTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@betterlivingforeveryone Follow the show so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Listening does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, or treatment plan.

  8. Oct 20

    Carolina's Story: Gastric Bypass, Weight Regain & Finding GLP-1s

    Carolina struggled with obesity from childhood and spent years searching for a sustainable way to manage her health and weight. Eventually she traveled to Mexico for gastric bypass surgery, and went from 320 to 165 pounds. But she discovered surgery wasn't a permanent fix for the biological and emotional challenges she'd faced her whole life, and when maintaining her results became difficult, she started looking for another option. In this conversation, Carolina shares her experience with weight-loss surgery, weight regain and discovering GLP-1 therapy, and how it helped her better understand her body and finally build an approach that feels sustainable. In this conversation: Growing up with obesityTraveling to Mexico for gastric bypass surgeryWhy weight regain can happen after bariatric surgeryPregnancy, a new baby and no family nearbyWhat she can and can't eat after bypassWhy surgery doesn't change obesity hormonallyDiscovering GLP-1 therapy and building a sustainable approachCarolina's story is an important reminder that obesity is a complex, chronic condition. Needing additional support after bariatric surgery does not mean someone failed. Chapters 00:00 Meet Carolina 02:30 Starting a new job, and starting a GLP-1 05:00 Being loved for who she was 07:30 Moving away and grieving 10:00 Getting back into the swing of things 12:30 Flying out for gastric bypass surgery 15:00 Throwing away the old X-rays 17:30 Getting down to 165 from 320 20:00 How desperate people get, and a broken system 22:30 Pregnancy and gaining weight 25:00 A new baby with no family nearby 27:30 Her son starting kindergarten 30:00 A torn foot and what the X-ray showed 32:30 Getting back on the bike for herself 35:00 What she can and can't eat after bypass 37:30 Why surgery doesn't change obesity hormonally 40:00 Why compounded lets you inch your dose up This episode shares one patient's personal experience. Individual results vary. Interested in GLP-1s, peptides, hormones and metabolic health? Start here: link.joinbelle.com/betterliving (coupon code BELLE15) You'll find information on eligibility, available programs and next steps. Follow The Better Living PA so you don't miss new episodes on GLP-1 medications, peptides, perimenopause and menopause, weight loss, metabolic health and healthy aging. Watch on YouTube: @thebetterlivingPA All my links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA Instagram: @betterliving_pa TikTok: @betterlivingforeveryone Medical disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Listening to or watching these episodes does not create a provider-patient relationship. Always consult with your own qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, peptide, treatment plan, or healthcare regimen.

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GLP-1s, metabolic health, perimenopause and menopause, explained by a Board Certified Physician Assistant. On The Better Living PA, Tiffany Bailey PA-C breaks down what the research actually says and what real patients experience, so you can make informed decisions about your health. Expect myth-busting deep dives on GLP-1 medications, side effects, protein and muscle, hormones and midlife health, plus honest conversations with patients, experts and advocates. For education only, not medical advice. Watch on YouTube @thebetterlivingPA | Links: linktr.ee/TiffanyBaileyPA

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