Can the Microbiome Replace Ozempic? Two Experts Weigh In on a Radical Theory
with Dr. Gary Pepper & Mary Gocke, RDN, CDN, CHT

Are we overlooking the natural power of the gut microbiome in managing weight and metabolism?

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Gary Pepper — a seasoned endocrinologist — teams up with renowned nutritionist and functional medicine expert Mary Gocke to explore whether the body’s own microbiome might one day rival pharmaceutical GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. From nutritional strategies to protect muscle and bone during weight loss, to the role of akkermansia and polyphenols in boosting natural GLP-1 production, this discussion offers a radically fresh perspective on sustainable metabolic health.

Topics covered in this episode include:

What GLP-1 medications like Ozempic actually do — and what they don’t

Why weight loss can lead to malnutrition, muscle loss, and even bone density decline

How the gut microbiome — especially Akkermansia muciniphila — may support natural GLP-1 production

The critical importance of dietary fiber, polyphenols, and prebiotics in metabolic health

How protein needs shift during rapid weight loss and how to calculate your target intake

Early evidence for and against the long-term use of GLP-1 drugs

The promising but controversial concept of microdosing and tapering off GLP-1s

Simple strategies to protect your body from the side effects of medical weight loss

Why resistant starches (like cooled potatoes and rice) might actually help your microbiome

The silent risk of osteoporosis from poorly managed weight loss

Whether you're currently on a GLP-1 medication, considering one, or exploring natural alternatives, this candid and science-based conversation will equip you with insights not found in mainstream media.

👉 Visit semagludiet.com to try the free Protein Intake Calculator tailored to your age, weight, activity level, and dietary needs.

📌 This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medical or nutritional plan.

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.

Join Dr. Gary Pepper, noted endocrinologist as he explains the need for nutrient dense meals during weight loss and introduces you to the new, completely free high protein meal planner which can be found at semagludiet.com. Topics included in this episode:

🥗 Creating a High-Protein, Nutrient-Dense Meal Plan: How to automatically generate a week’s worth of easy-to-follow meals tailored to your needs.

🥣 Examples of Delicious, High-Protein Meals: Sneak peek at the kinds of satisfying, nutritious meals included in the free meal planner. Snack with protein powered smoothies using Wellious powder.

🛡️ Avoiding Malnutrition and Nutrient Deficiencies: Why it's critical to be strategic — and how a smart meal plan can save your health.

💻 How to Access Free Personalized Tools at semagludiet.com: Find out how to use powerful, free resources designed to support safe, sustainable weight loss.

📬 Need Help? Where to Get Personalized Support: Information on how to reach out for additional guidance and resources after the episode.

The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for healthcare provided to you personally by a qualified professional.

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.

💪 Unlock Your Optimal Protein Intake with Our Advanced Protein Calculator! 🍽️

Are you getting enough protein in your diet? Whether you're on a weight loss journey, building muscle, or simply maintaining a healthy lifestyle, your protein needs are more complex than most generic calculators suggest! That’s why we’ve developed an advanced dietary protein calculator that takes into account your age, weight, activity level, and weight loss status to provide a more accurate protein recommendation.

⚡ Unlike other online tools, our calculator doesn’t rely on oversimplified formulas. Instead, it considers key factors that truly impact your protein needs—helping you preserve muscle, boost energy, and optimize your health as you reach your goals.

🌟 Why This Calculator Stands Out: ✅ Personalizes recommendations based on multiple vital factors
✅ Helps prevents muscle loss during weight loss (avoid the "Ozempic face" effect!)
✅ Helps athletes and active individuals fine-tune their protein intake
✅ Supports older adults with increased protein needs to maintain strength
✅ Quick & Easy – Get your daily protein target in seconds!

🔗 Try it now at:
🌍 CSSDiet.com
🌍 SemagluDiet.com

💡 BONUS! Free 7-Day Meal Plan 💡
Once you have your daily protein recommendation, let us do the work for you! Our website also offers a FREE service to generate a 7-day high-protein meal plan tailored to your needs. Simply enter your details, select your food preferences, and receive a customized meal plan straight to your inbox!

🚨 Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary guidance particularly if you have heart or kidney disease.

🔔 Subscribe for More! Stay tuned for more podcasts, videos, and expert insights on metabolism, nutrition, and weight management. Visit us at Metabolism.com to keep up with our latest updates!

🎧 Tune in now and take control of your nutrition! 💪✨

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.

Podcast Description:
Explore the fascinating psychology of the eating environment in this engaging episode of Dr. Pepper…Really? Learn how subtle factors like plate size, color, and shape can unconsciously influence your eating habits, from how much you serve yourself to how satisfied you feel after a meal. Drawing on groundbreaking research, including studies on the Delboeuf illusion and the psychological impact of color, we break down how these environmental cues can lead to overeating or help curb your appetite.

Our host, noted endocrinologist Gary Pepper, M.D., provides practical tips, such as choosing smaller plates or experimenting with blue dinnerware, to help listeners take control of their eating behaviors in simple yet effective ways. This episode also introduces the innovative Color Shapes and Sizes (CSS) system, a thoughtfully designed eating tool that combines aesthetic appeal with scientific insights to encourage healthier habits.

Perfect for anyone curious about the hidden factors that shape our eating experiences, this podcast delivers actionable advice to transform mealtime and support your wellness goals. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the science of mindful eating and turn your plate into a powerful tool for positive change.

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.

Dr. Gary Pepper, noted metabolic specialist, discusses how and why to make a "precision smoothie" for weight loss, and muscle preservation. (A companion video can be viewed at this link on YouTube) .

Dr. Pepper introduces the concept of a precision smoothie:

• It provides all the necessary nutrients - protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamins - to prevent muscle loss during weight loss or aging.
• It only contains essential ingredients, avoiding unnecessary additives and chemicals.

He emphasizes the importance of a high-protein, high-fiber base for the smoothie and recommends using low-fat, lactose-free milk.

Next, Dr. Pepper highlights the importance of protein powder and recommends (this in not a sponsored presentation), a plant-based protein powder made from chickpea and almond protein. He explains that:

• The product Wellious is easy to digest, unlike whey protein, which can cause indigestion and bloating.
• Enjoyment and sustainability are key to sticking with a weight loss program, and Wellious is both delicious and nutritious.
• Wellious is highly digestible and contains 15-17 grams of protein and 7 grams of fiber per scoop, along with essential micronutrients like potassium, iron, and calcium.
• The purity of Wellious, with only four organic ingredients: chickpea powder, almond powder, organic vanilla or chocolate flavoring, and monk fruit, makes it a superior choice.

Dr. Pepper then discusses the benefits of adding fresh fruit to the smoothie, such as strawberries and blueberries.

After adding almond milk creamer for taste and thickness, he blends the ingredients for about a minute, resulting in a vibrantly colored, nutrient-packed smoothie.

Finally, Dr. Pepper addresses the protein requirements for muscle preservation:

• The general recommendation is one gram of protein per kilogram of body weight (2.2 pounds) per day.
• He recommends approximately 100 grams of protein per day for muscle preservation, which can be increased to 1.6 grams per kilogram (120-130 grams per day) during aggressive weight loss.
• Strenuous exercise may require even higher protein intake.

The podcast concludes with Dr. Pepper encouraging viewers to ask questions in the comments and subscribe to his channel for more informative content. He also provides contact information for the Wellious protein powder in the description.

This presentation is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or treatment. We recommend consulting with a qualified health professional for personalized nutritional recommendations.

Use this link for more information about Wellious Powder

Use this link to access a protein intake calculator:

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.

Join Dr. Gary Pepper, board certified endocrinologist, who, with the help of two chatty chat bot assistants, focuses on how rapid weight loss or gain can alter levels of vital hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.In a pleasant conversational style the trio makes sense of hormone imbalance accompanying rapid weight changes, often overlooked when thinking about using weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. These chemical changes are critical to your health, mood and energy when on these medications. And please stick around until the end of this podcast to hear some simple steps to help avoid the surprisingly harmful Refeeding Syndrome, the unwanted effects of regaining weight too rapidly once the medication has stopped. So as Doja Cat says, let’s get into it…ya!

Visit our website at Metabolism.com and our YouTube channel metabolism123

#Ozempic # Wegovy #Tirzepatide #rapidweightloss #Refeedingsyndrome

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or treatment. Consult with your own qualified healthcare professional before embarking on any new medications or diet programs.

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.

In this episode of *Dr. Pepper...Really?*, we explore the intriguing world of anti-aging research and the unexpected star—metformin. A mainstay of treatment for Type 2 diabetes, metformin is now showing potential as a powerful tool in extending healthspan and combating the effects of aging. Could a simple pill that costs less than a dollar actually hold the key to preserving youth?

Recent groundbreaking research on monkeys reveals that metformin might slow age-related decline in the brain and organs, effectively "dialing back" biological age. The study shows improved cognitive function, reduced inflammation, and even the restoration of youthful health in multiple organs. This new chapter in metformin’s story is drawing attention from scientists and the general public alike, sparking new hopes for enhancing healthy aging.

Join us as we discuss the science behind these promising findings and dive deep into how metformin might redefine our future. We also introduce a new conversational dialogue format enhanced by AI, designed to make the experience more engaging and enjoyable for you. Don’t miss this captivating journey through the latest in longevity science, where the old becomes new, and the future of aging may now be within our grasp.

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.

Along with the amazing weight loss results with medications such as #Ozempic #Wegovy #Mounjaro and #Zepbound, comes the unwanted complication of malnutrition. Join Dr. Gary Pepper in an insightful discussion of this "in the news" metabolic health issue. Malnutrition associated with rapid weight loss can take the form of muscle wasting, generalized weakness, sagging skin and hair loss. Learn what a major consumer products company is planning in order to help aggressive dieters in their quest to stay healthy and lose weight at the same time. Can you DIY this type of nutrient rich approach? Dr. Pepper offers some thoughtful suggestions for you.
His accompanying YouTube video on this subject can be found at https://youtu.be/ka8OHHEOWVE

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.