Beyond Willpower: The Science of Weight, Hormones & Women’s Health
Listen to this Podcast:
Why does weight management become more challenging for women in midlife—and why is it about so much more than willpower?
In this episode of Her Time, Her Health, Dr. Jila is joined by Dr. Cagney Cristancho, MD, ABOM—Instructor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, adult endocrinologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and obesity medicine specialist—to explore the science behind obesity, metabolism, and women’s health.
Dr. Cristancho explains why obesity should be understood as a chronic disease rather than a failure of willpower, how cultural traditions can influence our relationship with food and body image, and why women may experience muscle loss and increased visceral fat during the perimenopausal and menopausal transition. She also shares what women should understand about GLP-1 medications, who may benefit from them, why medical supervision is important, and the risks associated with unregulated medications.
Together, Dr. Jila and Dr. Cristancho also explore why preserving muscle should be a priority during weight loss, how protein and strength training can support healthy body composition, why some patients may need longer-term treatment, and how women can separate evidence-based guidance from the misinformation often found on social media.
Connect & Resources Mentioned:
Follow Dr. Cristancho on social media for evidence-based education on obesity medicine, endocrinology, metabolism, weight management, and women’s health.
Instagram: @drcagneycristancho
Youtube: @drcagneycristancho
TikTok: @drcagneycristancho
