Weightless. Rocio Salas-Whalen, MD.

Weightless.   Rocio Salas-Whalen, MD. 

A Doctor’s Guide to GLP-1 Medications, Sustainable Weight Loss, and the Health You Deserve. 

The blog takes a brief turn away from the typical non-fiction sports stories and pivots to a book that became easily available to me recently by the name of Weightless written by author Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen.     There are no shortages of medical sources and literature pertaining to the topic of obesity and weight-loss.    With the advent of science and medicine new forms of treatment are developed perpetually.    One such treatment is called GLP-1 and has become a popular medication pushed in numerous media advertisements these days but more importantly an accepted treatment for patients diagnosed with diabetes and obesity.  Dr. Salas-Whalen, an endocrinologist, has published a guidebook explaining the product, how it works and what to expect once undergoing treatments.

This paperback contains a warm, engaging, inviting welcome to all readers.    The author even goes as far to offer an apology for the suffering that many patients have endured throughout their lives while struggling with obesity, weight loss and the ramifications and stigmas that inevitably go with it.    The author writes from a perspective that all readers are likely current or future patients OR somebody that presumably could be using a GLP-1 type of product in their near future.   While this is likely to be true for most readers, the impetus to read/review this publication is attributable to a relative now using a related product and furthermore the book topic appeals to me as a health instructor presiding over several wellness courses populated by secondary school students.

The book, of course, explains what GLP-1 (Glucagon-like Peptides 1) is along with a history and timeline of the medication and its development into the product we see ubiquitously every day in advertisements. In addition, the author generously breaks down the different types of products delineating which are to be used for diabetes and which are better suited for weight loss including notable brand products such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound and Wegovy among others.   The doctor provides a formula in the second part of the book with an easy acronym to remember GPS (GLP-1, protein, strength training).     She touts the use of carefully and responsibly administered and monitored use of GLP-1, the adequate consumption of protein sources every day and the habit of building muscle regularly to help sustain a working metabolism as the keys to making this medical treatment work.  

Another section of the book wisely cautions patients to not to go too fast, too soon.   In fact, Dr. Whalen’s motto is to start with the lowest dose of GLP-1.   Ideally this is where the patient not only begins the weight loss journey but would remain at the lower dosages as well.    However, since patients’ reactions may vary, one may experience differing and variable results thus necessitating a need for higher doses.   The book notes side effects such as nausea and loss of appetite.   The lack of appetite can make it difficult for some to consume enough ounces of suggested daily quantities of protein sources.    This drawback along with losing too much muscle (rather than body fat) and not building new muscle can contribute to stagnation pertaining to the products success and effectiveness.      

The author’s take on the use of GLP-1 is very propitious as one might expect since the book was ultimately written to not only inform readers about the treatment but to promote the consumption of this therapy as well.    While there are sections that address side-effects and ineffectiveness of the products while being used, the book does not seem to articulate any possible long-term effects that could result in the enduring use of GLP-1 types of medicine. One key assertion for readers to note is that the use of GLP-1 should not be viewed as a cure but a treatment that many might use for the rest of their lives to manage a desired body composition.  

Weightless is a book containing about two hundred and thirty pages but is easy to read.   Dr. Salas-Whalen is passionate and knowledgeable about the topic and seems to fully endorse the use of the products at least for those that fall in the suggested parameters for which there seem to be few restrictions.   It is written with a supportive and encouraging tone motivating and informing the reader as well as endorsing the use of GLP-1 products.   For readers that are considering the use of this type of weight loss therapy, the book could be an auspicious resource.    This would also be true for those that simply want to better understand the science behind some of the new, popular medicines that may ultimately revolutionize the way doctors and society help to curb a raging global epidemic. 

 

Some examples of discussion questions.

How do we know if using a GLP-1 product is right for me?   

What makes the GLP-1 product effective?

What are some of the concerns heading into this treatment?

What are examples of issues that patients may experience when using this product?

What is the general tone that the author projects in this book?   How might that be helpful to the reader?

Explain what sustainable weight loss means to you.

Describe what defines the health we deserve.  

How does the author reframe the notion of obesity?

 

You might like to read this book if you want to know more about Glucagon-like Peptide 1- agonists and therapeutic use.

You might like to read this book if you desire to learn more about appetite depressants.

You might like to read this book if you seek information about obesity and treatment options.

You might like to read this book if you need to read more about reducing diet topics.

You might like to read this book if you request self-help publications.  

Follow the author on X:   https://x.com/WhalenDr5896 ; https://www.nyendocrinology.com/dr-salas-whalen