160 | Inside an Obesity Clinic: GLP-1 Dosing, Plateaus, and Prior Auths

What Really Happens Inside an Obesity Clinic  GLP-1 medications are everywhere right now. Patients are asking about Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, compounded medications, muscle loss, “Ozempic face,” insurance denials, and what happens when the weight loss slows down. But what does obesity medicine actually look like inside the clinic? In this episode, I’m joined by Joseph Zucchi, PA-C, clinical supervisor and physician associate at Transition Medical Weight Loss in Salem, New Hampshire.  This is not your typical GLP-1 conversation. We’re going beyond protein goals, nausea tips, and constipation management to talk about what clinicians are really facing in practice: how to dose these medications, when to switch, and how to support patients when insurance coverage disappears. In this episode, you’ll learn: • What to assess when a patient hits a weight loss plateau beyond simply increasing the dose  •  How to talk with patients about GLP-1 concerns like muscle loss, thyroid cancer warnings, GI side effects, and “Ozempic face”  •  Why obesity medications are tools, not “cheating,” and how to address weight stigma in the exam room  •  What clinicians should know about compounded GLP-1 medications and why FDA-approval matters  •  How to document for prior authorizations and what insurance companies are often looking for  •  What happens when patients lose GLP-1 coverage and how to discuss alternative medication options  •  What Joe is most excited about in the future of obesity medicine, including new medications and expanding coverage  If you prescribe GLP-1 medications, counsel patients on weight management, or feel overwhelmed by the insurance and documentation side of obesity medicine, this episode will give you a practical, behind-the-scenes look at what comprehensive obesity care can look like. Connect with Joe (  / josephzucchi  ) Resources mentioned: Obesity Medicine Nutrition Course (https://www.examroomnutrition.com/cou...) (with a 2026 medication update) Use code POD15 for 15% off! 155 | Unstuck: Strategies for Sustainable Weight Los (https://www.examroomnutritionpodcast....) s 151 | Are GLP-1s Masking Undiagnosed Eating Disorders? (https://www.examroomnutritionpodcast....) Obesity Medication Infographic (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/joseph...) Any Questions? Send Me a Message (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2201560/fa...) Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/examroom...) Connect with Colleen: Instagram (  / examroomnutrition  ) LinkedIn (  / examroomnutrition  ) Sign up for my FREE Newsletter (https://www.examroomnutrition.com/signup) - Nutrition hot-topics delivered to your inbox each week. Disclaimer: This podcast is a collection of ideas, strategies, and opinions of the author(s). Its goal is to provide useful information on each of the topics shared within. It is not intended to provide medical, health, or professional consultation or to diagnosis-specific weight or feeding challenges. The author(s) advises the reader to always consult with appropriate health, medical, and professional consultants for support for individual children and family situations. The author(s) do not take responsibility for the personal or other risks, loss, or liability incurred as a direct or indirect consequence of the application or use of information provided. All opinions stated in this podcast are my own and do not reflect the opinions of my employer.