The Obesity Doctor Podcast

Dr. Sasha High
  • 5.0 (35)
  • Medicine

Weight, health, and metabolism — without extremes or oversimplification. Hosted by Internal Medicine and Obesity Physician Dr. Sasha High, this podcast explores the biology of weight, the reality of behaviour change, and the nuance often missing from mainstream conversations. From GLP1 medications to emotional eating, from metabolic health to mindset, you'll get practical, evidence-based insights without extremes or oversimplification. This podcast is for those who want to understand their bodies, make sustainable changes, and build health that lasts. FOLLOW Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/ WORK WITH ME Obesity Medicine Clinic in Ontario, Canada - https://www.highmetabolicclinic.com Best Weight for Women - https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight Recover Strong for Binge Eating - https://www.sashahighmd.com/bed

  1. 20h ago

    Episode 186. Wellness Peptides: Science, Hype, and the Wild West of the Internet with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple

    I’m joined by Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple to unpack the rapidly growing world of wellness peptides — from BPC-157 and CJC-1295 to Ipamorelin, Tesamorelin, NAD, and the so-called “fat-burning” and “healing” peptides taking over social media. We discuss what peptides actually are, why they’ve become so popular, and how legitimate medical therapies have blurred into a largely unregulated wellness industry.We also break down the claims being made about popular peptides marketed for fat loss, recovery, anti-aging, and performance enhancement, while taking a closer look at what evidence truly exists (and what doesn’t). Dr. Lauren shares important insight into the safety concerns, marketing tactics, and cultural obsession with optimization that are fueling this trend online.If you’ve been curious about peptides or wondering whether the internet hype matches the science, this episode will help you think more critically before jumping on the trend.Check out Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple’s work here: https://www.drlaurencs.com/

    29 min

  2. Jun 15

    185. How to Eat Well on GLP-1s – Part 2: Gut Health, Protein Strategy & Stopping GLP-1s

    In Part 2 of this series, we're diving into the practical nutrition strategies that can help you feel your best while taking medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.From constipation and digestive changes to hitting your protein goals with a low appetite, this episode focuses on the habits that support long-term success and help you maintain your results. We'll cover:• Why constipation is so common on GLP-1 medications and how to prevent it• How to reach your protein goals when you get full quickly• What to do when protein foods don't sound appealing• How GLP-1 medications change hunger and fullness cues• What to expect if you need to temporarily stop your medicationGLP-1 medications can be powerful tools, but they work best when paired with the right nutrition and lifestyle habits. Learning how to fuel your body, support digestion, and adapt to your changing appetite is key to protecting your health while achieving sustainable weight loss.WORK WITH US:O​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide

    25 min

  3. Jun 8

    184. The Obesity–Cancer Connection: What Every Patient Needs to Know with Dr. Neil Naik

    In this episode, Dr. Neil Naik and I unpack a foundational question—is obesity actually linked to cancer, and what’s really driving that connection? We explore the underlying biology, from chronic inflammation and insulin resistance to the hormonal activity of adipose tissue, and why visceral fat may matter more than we think.We then move beyond risk and into what happens after a diagnosis—how obesity can influence treatment response, toxicity, dosing, and outcomes across chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The conversation also highlights the often-overlooked phase of survivorship, including the role of metabolic health in recurrence risk and long-term prognosis.We close by discussing where emerging therapies like GLP-1 medications fit, how clinicians can move beyond BMI toward more individualized care, and how to talk about the obesity–cancer connection in a way that informs without adding shame.My Guest Dr. Neil NaikDr. Neil Naik, a family physician, educator, and innovator based in Waterloo, Ontario. Trained at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, he completed residencies in Newfoundland and Nunavut and holds an Executive MBA from Ivey, where he focused on technology-driven healthcare innovation. He runs a Family Practice and an obesity medicine clinic in Waterloo, along with an AI-enabled skin cancer screening program, while teaching medical students at both McMaster University and the University of Waterloo.Dr. Naik advises startups, leads regional primary care and cancer prevention initiatives, and champions universal healthcare, leveraging AI to make safe, high-quality care accessible to everyone, everywhere.LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-naik/

    34 min

  4. Jun 1

    183. How to Eat Well on GLP-1s - Part 1: Preserving Muscle & Managing Side Effects

    GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are changing the conversation around obesity and weight loss — but there’s one major problem: most people are starting these medications with little to no guidance on how to properly nourish their body while taking them.And that matters.Because while GLP-1s can be incredibly effective tools for weight loss, they can also lead to muscle loss, under-eating, fatigue, nausea, hair loss, and long-term metabolic issues when nutrition is neglected.In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the biggest nutrition mistakes people make on GLP-1 medications — and exactly how to protect your metabolism, preserve muscle, maintain energy, and build sustainable habits while losing weight.We’ll cover:- Why protein becomes non-negotiable on GLP-1 medications- How much protein you actually need- The hidden dangers of under-eating- Why rapid weight loss can harm your metabolism- How to preserve muscle while losing fat- The critical role of strength training- What to do if you have no appetite- Tips for nausea and food aversions- How to create sustainable eating habits while on GLP-1s- Rebuilding a healthier relationship with foodThis episode is especially important if you’ve ever thought:“I’m barely eating… so why do I feel exhausted?”“Why am I losing muscle instead of just fat?”“How do I hit my protein goals when I’m never hungry?”GLP-1 medications are not magic — but when combined with proper nutrition and lifestyle support, they can become powerful tools for long-term health.If you’re currently taking a GLP-1 medication, considering one, or supporting someone who is, this episode is a must-listen.And if you’re looking for support along your journey, Dr. Sasha High and I would love to welcome you into our women’s coaching program, Best Weight, where we openly discuss treatment options like GLP-1 medications and help women build sustainable, healthy weight loss habits together. WORK WITH US:O​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guideFOLLOW SASHAInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:BMI CalculatorBasal Metabolic Rate Calculator(BMR) REFERENCES:Carbone, J. W., & Pasiakos, S. M. (2019). Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit. Nutrients, 11(5), 1136. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051136 McCarthy, D., & Berg, A. (2021). Weight Loss Strategies and the Risk of Skeletal Muscle Mass Loss. Nutrients, 13(7), 2473. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072473 Scott Butsch, W., Sulo, S., Chang, A. T., Kim, J. A., Kerr, K. W., Williams, D. R., Hegazi, R., Panchalingam, T., Goates, S., & Heymsfield, S. B. (2025). Nutritional deficiencies and muscle loss in adults with type 2 diabetes using GLP-1 receptor agonists: A retrospective observational study. Obesity pillars, 15, 100186. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.obpill.2025.100186

    23 min

  5. May 25

    182. Dismantling Diet Culture with Psychotherapist Brian Baumal

    Brian Baumal lost 100 pounds, and more importantly, he’s kept it off for over 14 years.But what he really understands is this: it’s not a lack of knowledge that keeps people stuck, it’s the psychology. The urgency that drives all-or-nothing thinking.Brian works as a Toronto-based psychotherapist and is the guest on today’s episode of THE OBESITY DOCTOR PODCAST. We break down why urgency isn’t discipline, and what actually works if you want change to last.Work with Brian:https://alivapsychotherapy.com/WORK WITH MEO​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comJoin my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guideFOLLOW SASHAInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/

    41 min

  6. May 19

    181. Balancing Social Eating & Weight Loss This Summer

    In today’s episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest challenges during a weight loss journey — balancing social eating while still making progress.With summer approaching, there are naturally more opportunities for eating out, patio dinners, vacations, parties, and weekend plans. Many people feel confident and consistent during the week, but struggle when social events come up and feel like their progress gets completely derailed.In this episode, Tedi Glik, RD will cover:- Why there is no such thing as a “cheat meal”- How to build balanced meals even when eating out- The importance of protein and veggies at social meals- Why skipping meals before dinner outings backfires- How restriction leads to overeating Letting go of the “good” vs. “bad” food mentality- How scarcity around food increases cravings and binge eating- Tips for navigating pizza nights, desserts, restaurant meals, and alcohol- How to enjoy flexibility without guilt while still supporting your goalsThe goal is learning how to make healthy eating sustainable in real life — not just during perfect weeks at home.WORK WITH US:Join my Weight Loss Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweightRecover Strong for Binge Eatinghttps://www.sashahighmd.com/bedO​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.comTaking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guideFOLLOW SASHAInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/

    14 min

  7. May 11

    180. The Realities of Bariatric Surgery: Risks, Benefits, and Options with Dr. Laz Klein

    Bariatric surgery is one of the most effective tools we have in obesity medicine—and also one of the most misunderstood.In this episode, I’m diving into where surgery truly fits in the treatment of obesity and metabolic health. While we often focus on medical therapies like GLP-1s, it’s important to understand the role bariatric surgery can play—and why it continues to be underutilized or dismissed by many patients.I’m joined by Toronto-based bariatric surgeon Dr. Lazar Klein, who shares his expertise on what bariatric surgery actually involves, who it’s for, and how it fits into a comprehensive, long-term approach to care. We walk through the most common procedures available — including gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, and duodenal switch variations — and clarify why older procedures like gastric banding are no longer recommended.Dr. Klein addresses common fears around surgery, including concerns about surgical complications, dumping syndrome and lifelong changes, while offering a realistic and balanced perspective on risk.We explore the long-term outcomes as well—how surgery impacts conditions like type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and cancer and even mortality, and what the evidence shows about weight maintenance years down the road.If bariatric surgery has ever felt confusing, intimidating, or “not for you,” this episode will help bring clarity to the conversation.Resources & LinksOntario Bariatric Networkhttps://www.ontariobariatricnetwork.ca/High Metabolic Clinichttps://www.highmetabolicclinic.com/

    35 min

  8. May 4

    179. Generic Semaglutide — What We Know, What We Don’t, and What Matters as of May 2026

    In this episode, I walk through what’s actually happening with generic semaglutide right now—and what it means for you in real life, not just in headlines. I explain where semaglutide fits in the bigger picture, how it compares to tirzepatide, and why generics are entering the market now. I also break down what “bioequivalence” really means—and why that nuance matters when it comes to effectiveness and side effects. I talk about early pricing estimates, what we might see happen with brand-name costs, and how pharmacy-level substitution could impact what patients are actually given. We get into the practical questions I’m already hearing: what the devices will look like, whether dosing will feel the same, and how switching between products might affect different patients. I also share how I’m thinking about this clinically—who will likely transition easily, and who may need a more cautious, individualized approach. And importantly, I address a growing issue: access to medication is not the same as access to care. Obesity treatment is more than a prescription—it’s ongoing, structured medical care. Bottom line: I’m genuinely encouraged by the potential for improved access—but your treatment should still be guided by your individual response, not just what’s available. This is an evolving space, and I’ll keep you updated as we learn more. WORK WITH ME O​​ntario-Wide Virtual Obesity Management Clinic https://www.highmetabolicclinic.com Join my Healthy Lifestyle Coaching Program for women, Best Weight https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight Binge Eating Disorder Treatment - https://www.sashahighmd.com/bed Taking the first step toward weight loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. I’ve created a curated list of my podcast episodes to gently guide you as you begin your journey. https://www.sashahighmd.com/podcast-guide FOLLOW ME on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/

    24 min
See All (191)

Trailer

5
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

Weight, health, and metabolism — without extremes or oversimplification. Hosted by Internal Medicine and Obesity Physician Dr. Sasha High, this podcast explores the biology of weight, the reality of behaviour change, and the nuance often missing from mainstream conversations. From GLP1 medications to emotional eating, from metabolic health to mindset, you'll get practical, evidence-based insights without extremes or oversimplification. This podcast is for those who want to understand their bodies, make sustainable changes, and build health that lasts. FOLLOW Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sashahighmd/ WORK WITH ME Obesity Medicine Clinic in Ontario, Canada - https://www.highmetabolicclinic.com Best Weight for Women - https://www.sashahighmd.com/bestweight Recover Strong for Binge Eating - https://www.sashahighmd.com/bed

Information

You Might Also Like