Premier Cardiovascular Health and Performance Podcast - #22: Why Weight Loss Stalls—Discussing the Role of Hormones, Metabolic Health, and GLP-1 Mimetics with Dr. Marguerite Weston

#22: Why Weight Loss Stalls—Discussing the Role of Hormones, Metabolic Health, and GLP-1 Mimetics with Dr. Marguerite Weston

02/20/25 • 71 min

Premier Cardiovascular Health and Performance Podcast

Many people follow all the right steps—eating a healthy diet, exercising consistently, and achieving a caloric deficit—yet the scale refuses to budge. Why? The answer often lies in hormonal imbalance, metabolic dysfunction, and food noise.

Weight loss isn’t just about "eating less and moving more." Underlying issues like insulin resistance, low testosterone, thyroid dysfunction, and even gut health can dramatically impact results. The body's metabolic adaptation to weight loss can slow progress, and factors like sleep, stress, and cortisol play a bigger role than many realize.

Additionally, new therapies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide) are transforming weight management, not just by reducing appetite but also reducing food addiction.

In this episode, Dr. Huff and Dr. Weston take a deep dive into:

The common hormonal roadblocks to weight loss
The importance of metabolic health and how to assess it
The truth about GLP-1 medications—who they help, how they work, and their long-term impact

If you've ever felt stuck in your weight loss journey despite doing everything “right,” this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned & Links

Continuous Glucose Monitoring – https://www.levelshealth.com
Precision Hormone Testing – https://www.dutchtest.com
Pendulum Probiotics (Akkermansia for Gut Health) – https://www.pendulumlife.com
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers—Book by Robert Sapolsky: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Zebras-Dont-Ulcers-Third/dp/0805073698

BIO - Marguerite Weston, MD - Director of Functional Medicine, Donaldson Plastic Surgery and Wellness

Dr. Marguerite Weston combines a robust foundation of conventional medicine experience with the best contemporary functional medicine practices for a fresh and effective approach to optimizing health. She addresses discomfort at its root cause and provides long-term solutions that allow you to take control of your life again.

As a functional medicine patient herself, Dr. Weston believes that your discomfort, pain and anxieties are valid. She uses your personal input and diagnostic testing results to finally deliver the answers about your health you’ve been looking for.

With more than 17 years of experience in sports medicine and family practice, Dr. Weston has spent her entire career uncovering medical mysteries for her patients. As the Director of Functional Medicine at Donaldson, she integrates the strengths of both modern medicine and more holistic, natural methods to create hyper-personalized treatment plans for each patient. This combination unlocks a world of therapeutic potential — a reality that results in elevated well-being and an improvement in your overall health.

Links & Resources:

🔹 Follow Dr. Weston: @functionalmed
🔹 Learn more: Donaldson Plastic Surgery & Wellness

Top 3 Actionable Takeaways

✔ Test, Don’t Guess – If you’re struggling with weight loss despite doing “all the right things”, an in depth hormonal assessment is warranted.

✔ Metabolic Health Matters – Assess for insulin resistance using the HOMA-IR calculator. When combined with expert interpretation, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can be insightful.

✔ Consider GLP-1 Medications If Indicated – For certain individuals struggling to lose weight, GLP-1 receptor agonists can be a game-changer, but should not replace appropriate nutrition and exercise.

Let’s Connect:

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.

Additionally, new therapies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide) are transforming weight management, not just by reducing appetite but also reducing food addiction.

In this episode, Dr. Huff and Dr. Weston take a deep dive into:

The common hormonal roadblocks to weight loss
The importance of metabolic health and how to assess it
The truth about GLP-1 medications—who they help, how they work, and their long-term impact

If you've ever felt stuck in your weight loss journey despite doing everything “right,” this episode is for you.

Resources Mentioned & Links

Continuous Glucose Monitoring – https://www.levelshealth.com
Precision Hormone Testing – https://www.dutchtest.com
Pendulum Probiotics (Akkermansia for Gut Health) – https://www.pendulumlife.com
Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers—Book by Robert Sapolsky: https://www.amazon.com/Why-Zebras-Dont-Ulcers-Third/dp/0805073698

BIO - Marguerite Weston, MD - Director of Functional Medicine, Donaldson Plastic Surgery and Wellness

Links & Resources:

🔹 Follow Dr. Weston: @functionalmed
🔹 Learn more: Donaldson Plastic Surgery & Wellness

Top 3 Actionable Takeaways

✔ Test, Don’t Guess – If you’re struggling with weight loss despite doing “all the right things”, an in depth hormonal assessment is warranted.

✔ Metabolic Health Matters – Assess for insulin resistance using the HOMA-IR calculator. When combined with expert interpretation, a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can be insightful.

Let’s Connect:

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Previous Episode

#21: Advanced Biomarker Testing and the Future of Preventive Cardiology with Cassandra Isley

Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death worldwide, yet its prevalence remains unchanged despite a 38% drop in heart attack fatalities over the past two decades. The culprit? Rising obesity, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction. Standard testing can miss nearly 50% of at-risk patients, leaving millions vulnerable.

Heart disease isn’t just about cholesterol—it’s a process fueled by inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic dysfunction. An emphasis on prevention requires advanced risk assessment—markers like hs-CRP, MPO, ApoB, and Lp(a) can allow targeted preventive strategies for those at risk. Cutting-edge AI driven imaging has the ability to reveal hidden coronary artery plaque that other tests overlook.

By combining early testing, personalized lifestyle interventions, and targeted therapy, we can prevent heart disease before it starts. The challenge is great, but the opportunity to save lives is even greater.

In this episode, Dr. Christopher Huff and Cassandra Isley discuss groundbreaking tools for early detection, the role of metabolic health in heart disease, and how both patients and physicians can use science-backed strategies to stay ahead of cardiovascular disease.

Resources Mentioned & Links

Clearly Health AI Imaging – https://www.clearlyhealth.com
Cleveland HeartLab (Advanced Blood Testing) – https://www.clevelandheartlab.com
Boston Heart Diagnostics – https://www.bostonheartdiagnostics.com
Genova Diagnostics (Microbiome & Cardiometabolic Testing) – https://www.gdx.net
Microbiome Disease Prevention Alliance – https://microbiomedp.org

BIO - Cassandra Isley – CEO, Microbiome Alliance for Disease Prevention

Cassandra Isley served in her early career as a clinical laboratory scientist in various hospitals. She became Executive Director overseeing multiple hospital divisions, as well as serving as a Clinical Education Liaison. For over 25 years, Cassandra has led strategic initiatives with global leaders in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, and life science industries. Cassandra is a proud Virginia Tech Hokie earning her undergraduate degree in biology and clinical microbiology, a master’s in clinical laboratory science, and is certified in nutrition and cancer from the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

Microbiome Alliance for Disease Prevention (MADP) is a U.S. based, 501(c)(3) public health non-profit dedicated to advancing early detection and prevention of chronic disease. MADP focuses on precision medicine, the microbiome, and precision nutrition providing clinical education, testing, and supportive resources for patients and providers.

Precision Medicine is an essential component of early detection, and targeted interventions. It takes into account individual differences in patients’ genes, environmental conditions, lifestyles, and the microbiome. Leveraging clinical lab testing and screening diagnostics detects diseases at their earliest and most treatable stages.

For patients, navigating this complex and cutting-edge field can be overwhelming. Understanding the testing and benefits of precision medicine is crucial for informed decision-making and active participation in one’s own medical care.

MADP is unwavering in their commitment to patients and providers relentlessly pursuing the latest clinical advancements. MADP ensures everyone benefits from the promise of precision healthcare.

Top 3 Actionable Takeaways

Know Your Numbers Beyond Cholesterol – Request ApoB, Lp(a), hs-CRP at your next check-up. These offer far more insight into cardiovascular risk than a standard lipid panel.
Consider Advanced Imaging – If you have risk factors, coronary artery calcium scoring or the Clearly AI scan can detect coronary artery disease before symptoms appear.
Focus on Metabolic Health – Prioritize whole-food nutrition and exercise to prevent metabolic dysfunction, which drives heart disease.

Let’s Connect:

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Next Episode

#23: Building the Ultimate Hybrid Athlete—Strength, Endurance, and Tactical Performance with Drew Hammond

Hybrid training is gaining popularity, but what does it really mean to be a hybrid athlete?

Many assume it’s simply about adding aerobic exercise to your current strength routine or vice versa, but the reality is more nuanced. Whether you're a tactical operator, mountain climber, or recreational athlete, balancing strength and aerobic fitness requires a strategic approach.

Drew Hammond, an experienced coach working with military special forces and civilian athletes, shares his unconventional journey into strength and conditioning. He challenges traditional periodization models and explains why flexibility and adaptability are key in training.

They also cover:

How to balance strength and endurance for long-term success
The importance of auto-regulation and how to use it in your training
Tactical performance training: lessons from the military that apply to everyday athletes
How mental resilience and recovery impact performance
Training tools and methods to build strength, endurance, and durability

Resources Mentioned & Links

🔹 MOPs & MOEs Podcast – Drew’s podcast on tactical performance: https://www.mopsandmoes.com
🔹 Uphill Athlete – Strength & endurance training for alpinism and tactical athletes: https://www.uphillathlete.com
🔹 Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) Training Guide
🔹 Zone 2 Training Explained

BIO – Drew Hammond

Drew Hammond is a true expert on human performance. With over a decade training elite military forces, he’s spent his career optimizing endurance, resilience, and peak conditioning in the toughest environments.

Armed with a graduate degree in Strength and Conditioning from Edinburgh, he’s worked with top athletes worldwide, blending science with real-world experience.

As co-host of his own podcast MOPs and MOEs, he’s pushing the conversation forward—challenging what we know about health, tactical fitness, and human potential.

And when he’s not coaching? He’s putting his own limits to the test as a hybrid athlete, combining powerlifting and ironman training, just to see if it can be done.

Top 3 Actionable Takeaways

✔ Prioritize Zone 2 Training – Aerobic endurance is the foundation of hybrid performance. Most people underutilize low-intensity, long-duration training.

✔ Use Auto-Regulation – Train according to perceived effort rather than rigid percentages to avoid injury and optimize gains.

✔ Focus on Durability, Not Just Strength – Hybrid athletes need to be strong AND injury-resistant. Don’t neglect recovery, flexibility, and functional movements.