Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

When it comes to weight loss and health journeys, one thing is clear: the path is rarely a straight line. If you ask anyone who has tried to lose weight or manage their health, they’ll tell you that the body’s responses can be unpredictable. So when a patient recently shared their frustration at feeling hungrier after increasing their anti-obesity medication, it highlighted a common concern many people face.

In this episode, we’ll explore the realities of non-linear weight loss journeys and the importance of patience with medication adjustments. We'll discuss how factors like stress and sleep can impact hunger levels, and why emotional regulation is key to navigating these challenges. Join me as I share practical tips and personal strategies to help you stay grounded, and discover how regulating your nervous system can lead to long-term success on your health journey.


References

Join my email list here (see right-hand side) so you’re the first to find out about the next round of my 30/30 program, starting January 2025! (Spots are limited to just 20 people!)


Audio Stamps

00:43 - Discussing a patient's concern about increased hunger after a medication adjustment, Dr. Rentea highlights that health journeys are not linear and the body’s responses can be unpredictable.

01:53 - Dr. Rentea stresses patience with medication adjustments, as hunger can result from factors like stress or poor sleep.

04:39 - Understanding the non-linear nature of weight loss is ineffective without emotional regulation.

07:42 - Dr. Rentea highlights the need for personal strategies, like journaling or physical activity, to achieve emotional regulation.

10:40 - Weight loss is not a linear process. It requires patience and nervous system regulation to navigate the ups and downs effectively.


Quotes

“Our body is not a robot.” - Dr. Rentea

“We can think certain things rationally should happen, but that doesn't mean it's going to play out in that way.” - Dr. Rentea

“This path is not linear, and we can't be so quick to think things won't work out, because it increases our stress to think in that way.” - Dr. Rentea

“If you want to be successful on this journey, the thing you're going to have to get behind is how am I going to stay regulated?” - Dr. Rentea

“No one wants to embrace the journey, but everyone wants the result. And unfortunately, if you're not going to embrace the journey, that resistance makes it a lot harder.” - Dr. Rentea


“For you to continue to stay on your journey, to stay true to seeing if these things work or not, to really being creative and energetic in solving these problems, you have to regulate your nervous system.” - Dr. Rentea

“If people can wrap their mind around, this is not going to be a linear journey, they are a lot more calm. They stick with it. These are the patients that stick with me long term.” - Dr. Rentea

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Have you hit a wall in your weight loss journey or found yourself frustrated by rising hunger and stalled progress? This episode dives into the challenge of metabolic adaptation—the point where your body resists further fat loss, typically around the six-month mark or after losing 10% of your body weight.

While the journey can feel frustrating as your body pushes back, there is a way through: experimentation. By shaking up your routines, adjusting your strategy, and embracing change, you can break through these barriers and continue making progress.

Whether you're dealing with hunger, plateaus, or boredom, this episode offers practical tips for staying on track. Tune in to discover how to fight back against metabolic adaptation and become a strategic experimenter in your weight loss journey!


References:

Join my email list here (see right hand side)
Water Llama app
Ep. 61: 4 Tactical Moves to Manage Increased Hunger


Audio Stamps

01:00 - Dr. Rentea reflects on the success of the current 30/30 program, which has now evolved into a two-month course, and encourages early sign-ups for the next cohort in January.

07:08 - We learn how fat loss can trigger metabolic resistance, causing hunger increases and satiety decreases, leading to plateaus and requiring strategic adjustments.

09:44 - We hear the importance of experimentation and community support in overcoming metabolic adaptations and maintaining progress in health and weight management.

13:14 - Dr. Rentea encourages us to gamify our routine with apps like Waterllama to keep motivation high and make wellness tasks fun.

16:00 - To tackle weight loss plateaus, stabilizing your weight can allow hunger levels to normalize, and experimentation with different strategies is crucial for finding what works best for you.

21:03 - Dr. Rentea explains how experimentation with new strategies is particularly beneficial for managing weight changes caused by early menopause and associated metabolic shifts


Quotes

“Typically, when people are working on an intentional fat loss journey, they're having some level of success for however many months and then they hit a wall.” - Dr. Rentea

“Every day, you've got to make an investment into your health. Otherwise it runs dry.” - Dr. Rentea

“Experimentation is needed because this is your way around some of these metabolic adaptations, some of these things that are trying to fight you. You need to fight back.” - Dr. Rentea

“Instead of sitting there and thinking my body's against me and I'm hungry, there's always another way to think about it where it's not a challenge.” - Dr. Rentea

“Oftentimes, if we can stay at a certain weight long enough, ghrelin actually calms down, and you get to start to feel human again.

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Today, we’re shaking things up with a different kind of episode. We’ve received a listener question that hits on a challenge many face: how to balance the urge for rapid weight loss with the realities of using weight loss medications and making sustainable dietary changes.

Our listener tried Wegovy, turned to keto for quicker results, and is now using Zepbound while trying to figure out how to reintroduce healthy carbs. They’re seeing some success but are unsure how to manage these changes effectively. In this episode, we’ll tackle the challenges of chasing quick fixes and how this approach can complicate your weight loss journey. We’ll dig into practical ways to balance weight loss meds with dietary changes and offer advice on how to smoothly transition back to a more balanced diet. Tune in now to learn how to navigate these adjustments for long-term success without getting caught in the trap of instant results.

Note: All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being given on this podcast.


References:

Click here to book a non-clinical 60 minute consultation call with Dr. Rentea

Ep. 79: Think You're a GLP-1 Non-Responder? Address These Key Issues First


Audio Stamps

03:05 - Dr. Rentea addresses a listener’s question about weight loss with Wegovy and ZepBound, encouraging us to focus on monitoring weight loss as a percentage of total body weight rather than focusing on absolute numbers.

06:19 - Dr. Rentea cautions against the rush to lose weight quickly, noting that extreme diets like keto are often unsustainable and create unnecessary fear of certain foods.

07:58 - Find out the ‘smartest’ way to eat on Zepbound.

12:00 - Dr. Rentea advises the listener to slowly reintroduce carbs, knowing that temporary weight fluctuations are normal.

15:45 - We learn why moving away from an all-or-nothing mentality is key for long-term success.


Quotes

“When you look at body composition testing, people that are losing weight too quickly, they're usually losing a huge percentage of muscle.” - Dr. Rentea

“We don't want to exceed 1 percent body weight loss per week, or 4 percent in a month.” - Dr. Rentea

“When someone says, ‘I want to lose weight fast’, to me that's usually a massive red flag. Why? What's the urgency here? Most people have struggled with this for life.” - Dr. Rentea

“You have got to get out of the fallacy thinking that the scale number at that moment is always accurate and the only truth.” - Dr. Rentea

“What is going to work for you is going to declare itself with time. You're not going to get this answer overnight.” - Dr. Rentea

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Feeling stuck on your health journey? Maybe you don’t even believe it’s possible to achieve the outcomes you want? It’s easy to get bogged down by the numbers and let frustration and self-doubt take over. But here’s what all my long-term successful patients have in common: they believed it was possible from the very beginning.

When setbacks occur or results aren’t immediate, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and question if it’s really worth it. So how do you start believing that something else *is* possible, even if you’ve never achieved it before? In this episode, we dive into the power of self-belief and its impact on your health journey. You’ll learn why focusing on what you want to achieve, rather than what you’re trying to avoid, is the key to maintaining progress. Plus, we discover how shifting away from a scarcity mindset and into a more abundant outlook can unlock your potential and drive lasting success—even when past struggles have made belief seem out of reach.


References

Check out Dr. Ali Novitsky's Nutrition Training Program* for personalized, evidence-based strategies to optimize health and nutrition, featuring live Q&A sessions and bonus sessions with me!

Sign up for my email list here to stay updated on the latest content and be the first to know about the next round of The 30/30 Program.

*Note: This is an affiliate link. I may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase, which supports my work and helps me continue sharing valuable content.


Audio Stamps

00:52 - Dr. Rentea highlights that believing in the possibility of achieving health goals is crucial for long-term success.

05:43 - Dr. Rentea encourages us to focus on daily choices and continuous improvement, marrying the journey rather than fixating on specific goals like weight.

18:00 - Dr. Rentea walks us through an exercise to reflect on why we can achieve our goals, urging us to focus on our existing strengths and capabilities, and to believe in making small, daily progress.

20:15 - We learn about the next round of Dr. Rentea’s 30/30 Program and Dr. Ali Nowitzki’s Nutrition Training Program (starting Oct 7th) with live Q&A, open to both patients and healthcare professionals.


Quotes

“You don't even need to do anything differently today other than believing that you can do it.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“Every day you get to decide what you want to be.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“Whenever I focus on the scale, I get zero traction.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“If you're not honoring your wins and the next steps you're taking, and believing it's possible, you're always in a place of scarcity, lack, and shame." - Matthea Rentea MD

“It's so much more empowering when I think about what I do want versus what I don't want.” - Matthea Rentea MD

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

With almost one-third of Americans struggling with obesity, most of us recognize just how serious the issue is. What often gets overlooked, though, is the lesser-known connection between ADHD and obesity. In my practice, where about 60% of patients have ADD or ADHD, I see firsthand how ADHD complicates weight management. Impulsivity and erratic eating habits mean that people with ADHD may skip meals due to distraction, only to overeat later in the day, often reaching for high-calorie, quick fixes.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh, who has navigated her own ADHD journey and now helps others thrive with the condition. Together, we dive into how ADHD affects eating behaviors and weight management, sharing practical strategies for managing weight effectively and exploring the impact of ADHD medication on appetite. While we focus on ADHD, the insights and strategies we cover are valuable for anyone looking to enhance their relationship with food and improve weight management.


References

ADHD Live Coach Website

Follow Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh on LinkedIn

Beyond ADHD: A Physician’s Perspective Podcast

Michell Clark's Instagram


Audio Stamps

01:40 - Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh and Dr. Rentea discuss how embracing personal challenges—ADHD for Mercado-Marmarosh and weight struggles for Dr. Rentea—has empowered them in their medical careers.

13:38 - Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh digs into three practical strategies for managing ADHD: effective planning, using timers, and tools for emotional regulation.

42:00 - Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh and Dr. Rentea discuss how ADHD medications can affect appetite and eating patterns and how GLP-1 medications can be effective in reducing urges and cravings.

50:11 - Dr. Rentea shares her top three tips on managing weight with ADHD.


Quotes

“Embracing my ADHD was actually the best thing that I could have done for myself and for those around me because it gets you to realize that you're not broken, you just think a little bit differently.” - Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh

“About 60% of my patients have either ADD or ADHD.” - Dr. Rentea

“A lot of people have this misconception that ADHD equals dumb or ADHD equals not smart or ADHD equals lazy.” - Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh

“A timer is your best friend, whether it's to initiate a task, whether it's to try to complete a task, or whether it's just to give you awareness.” Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh

“Do what works for you because in the end, a lot of us don't ask or advocate for what we need because we're worried about what other people are doing in our clinic. Let them do them and you do you.” - Dr. Mercado-Marmarosh

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Are you giving yourself too long to achieve your metabolic health goals?

Many people believe that giving yourself more time will make the process easier, but this often leads to procrastination and frustration. Your timeframe is likely longer than it needs to be, and it’s time to collapse it. To be clear, I’m *not* suggesting we rush fat loss itself. Instead, we’ll learn how setting shorter, focused deadlines can accelerate progress and improve results.

In this episode, I’ll show you how collapsing your timeline can energize you, push you out of your comfort zone, and help you achieve more in less time. Join me to explore strategies for collapsing your timeline and making the most of each day. Plus, we’ll cover key questions to shift you into a get-it-done-today mentality!


References

Stacey Boehman’s Make Money as a Life Coach® Podcast


Audio Stamps

01:08 - Dr. Rentea introduces the concept of "collapsing your timeline," which involves shortening the duration of the initial, challenging phase of a project to speed up progress and achieve faster results.

03:50 - Dr. Rentea advises that to achieve faster progress, you should sometimes speed up your timeline rather than taking a slow, extended approach.

05:30 - Dr. Rentea shares an example of how a patient improved by collapsing their timeline to meet dietary goals and address cravings.

07:42 - Dr. Rentea encourages collapsing your timeline by setting tighter deadlines and cutting out excuses to achieve results more efficiently.


Quotes

“The beginning of most processes are very painful. And so when you allow endless time, this pain is just prolonged and protracted. And sometimes it never gets better.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“We take as much time as we give ourselves.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“Sometimes it's not the most loving thing to say, ‘Well, I'm just going to see what's possible.’” - Matthea Rentea MD

“What if you stopped giving yourself all the time in the world and success was the only option, but you had to do it in less time? How would you troubleshoot it?” - Matthea Rentea MD

“We need to get more focused on what is actually going to move the needle for me.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“You don't allow for all that extra noise because you're collapsing down your timeline.” - Matthea Rentea MD

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Staying committed to your health goals can be tough when life is constantly throwing curveballs. Whether it’s a birthday party, a vacation, or a work event, there will always be something ready to challenge the habits you’ve worked so hard to build. So how do you give yourself a fighting chance to stay on track with your health goals when your routine is disrupted?

In this episode, I’m sharing real-life examples of how I’ve navigated disruptions to my schedule, from work conferences to family vacations. Tune in now to hear practical tips on incorporating protein and fiber, staying hydrated, and adapting to new situations. If you want to ensure you keep your health on track no matter what life throws at you, this one’s for you!


References

Ep. 64 - Breaking the Silence: Redefining Menopausal Care for Women with Obesity with Dr. Komal Patil-Sisodia

My Doctor Started Me on a GLP-1: Now What? Podcast Playlist


Audio Stamps

04:40 - We hear about Dr. Rentea's shock at a recent conference's fat phobia and male-dominated, outdated views, strengthening her commitment to advocating for compassionate care.

15:30 - We learn the importance of planning ahead for protein and fiber intake to maintain healthy habits during unpredictable situations like conferences, vacations, or social events.

21:37 - Dr. Rentea shares her tips for maintaining healthy habits during activities like beach days or water parks.

24:00 - Planning ahead, focusing on protein, fiber, and hydration, while staying flexible to maintain balance in any situation, will help you manage your health effectively, even during busy or unpredictable times.

27:40 - Dr. Rentea shares a story about how different eating patterns affect people differently, underscoring the importance of finding what works best for you.


Quotes

“No matter what the scenario looks like, we can always find our belonging. We can always find the community. We can always find the people that are going to support us.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“At the Rentea Metabolic Clinic, we do not judge you. We do not shame you. We understand this is a chronic medical condition. Probably everyone that is helping you either has or currently does struggle with weight themselves.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“If we don't learn some healthy boundaries, some ways of giving yourself a shot at it, you always get derailed.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“If you are committed to your health, then you know that protein and fiber is going to be a big part of it.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“Give yourself a fighting chance at it. Be willing to be flexible. Bring some backup options with you if you need to, but be willing to be flexible with the fiber and protein.” - Mat

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com

Send a Text Message. Please include your name and email so we can answer you! Please note, this does not subscribe you to our email list, it's just to answer if you have a questions for us.

Are you frustrated because your GLP-1 medication isn’t delivering the rapid results other people seem to achieve? It’s common to feel disappointed when your progress falls short of expectations. I know all too well the desire for that “magic” solution where all the challenges of obesity disappear overnight and you can achieve your goals effortlessly. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for most people.

In this episode, I’ll dive into why some people experience slower results than others and clarify why terms like "non-responders" or "hypo-responders" might not be helpful if you haven't first addressed key lifestyle factors like hydration, protein intake, and sleep. Join me as I break down the numbers for successful weight loss with GLP-1 medications, share real-life insights into medication effectiveness, and offer practical advice on how to make the most out of your GLP-1 medication.

References

The Top 5 Mistakes That People Make When Starting a GLP-1

Ep. 69 - BMI: Proof it Falls Short as a Measure of Health

My Doctor Started Me on a GLP-1: Now What? Spotify Playlist

Audio Stamps

01:44 - Patients often feel frustrated with slow responses to anti-obesity medications because they aren't given clear expectations at the start.

04:00 - When starting GLP-1 medications, aiming for a 5% weight loss in 12 weeks ensures continued insurance coverage and effective results.

08:28 - Dr. Rentea shares the maximum percentage of total body weight to lose per week when starting GLP-1 medications like Wegovy or Ozempic.

10:45 - If you're not losing at least 5% of your body weight in the first 12 weeks on GLP-1 medications, Dr. Rentea advises you to evaluate key areas of your lifestyle and habits to improve results.

14:13 - Dr. Rentea shares an example of how convenient options can help maintain nutritional goals.

Quotes

“A lot of people think that they're going to start and it's just like fireworks and everything's going to be amazing.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“From a weight loss standpoint, on average we're going to look for at least 5 percent total body weight reduction within the first 12 weeks.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“The max percentage that we want you to lose total body weight per week would be 1%.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“We don't need to wait for week 12 to know that there's an alarm going.” - Matthea Rentea MD

“We cannot say that you're a hypo-responder if you're having a bunch of processed food, if you're not hydrating, if you're not moving, if you're not taking your sleep seriously. These things matter.” - Matthea Rentea MD

All of the information on this podcast is for general informational purposes only. Please talk to your physician and medical team about what is right for you. No medical advice is being on this podcast.

If you live in Indiana or Illinois and want to work with doctor Matthea Rentea, you can find out more on www.RenteaClinic.com