Vitals & Values
Science Over Hype.
Values Over Virality.
Vitals & Values is where evidence-based health meets unapologetic truth. Hosted by Dr. Lara (@lbaat), a concierge MD reshaping modern medicine, and David Roden (@Fit_DRock), a transformation coach who lost over 200 pounds and lived to tell the tale, this podcast isn’t here to go viral—it’s here to tell the truth.
Every episode dives deep into:
- 🧬 Medicine & Metabolic Health
- 🥦 Nutrition & Sustainable Weight Loss
- 🏋️♂️ Fitness & Habit Formation
- ✝ Christian Faith & Spiritual Stewardship
- 💭 Mental Health & Lifestyle Resets
📅 Weekly Format:
- Vitals Check – Clinical clarity from Dr. Lara
- Values in Focus – Real-world forces behind health: mindset, faith, emotions, relationships, identity, and environment
- The Honest Table – Candid convos & unfiltered guests
- The Real Takeaway – A lifestyle or mindset challenge for the week
This isn’t wellness theater. It’s not guru culture. It’s a movement for people who want to think critically, live intentionally, and take their health personally.
🎧 New episodes every Friday
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💼 Brought to you by Concierge Medicine of West Michigan – @cmwestmichigan
The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your personal physician before making changes to your health routine.
Vitals & Values
Vitals & Values Ep. 01 – “Is Ozempic a Miracle or a Crutch?” What the Evidence Really Says
Summary
In this episode of Vitals and Values, Dr. Lara Battenberg and David Roden discuss the complexities surrounding weight loss medications, particularly Ozempic and its alternatives. They explore the science behind these medications, their effectiveness, potential side effects, and the ethical considerations of prescribing them. The conversation also touches on societal stigmas related to obesity, the role of compounding pharmacies, and the importance of understanding personal hunger cues and food noise. Ultimately, they emphasize that these medications are tools to aid in weight loss, not miraculous solutions, and encourage listeners to engage in open conversations with their healthcare providers.
Takeaways
Ozempic is often misrepresented as a weight loss medication, but it is primarily for diabetes.
Weight loss medications like semaglutide and terzepatide have shown significant results in clinical studies.
Insurance coverage for weight loss medications can be complicated and varies by plan.
The medications work by affecting hormones that regulate hunger and satiety.
Patients may experience gastrointestinal side effects, which can limit dosage.
There is a stigma surrounding obesity that affects how medications are perceived and prescribed.
Ethical considerations arise when prescribing weight loss medications to patients with a BMI below the recommended threshold.
Compounding pharmacies can provide alternatives but lack FDA approval and safety data.
Food noise refers to the constant thoughts about food that can affect eating behaviors.
Weight loss medications should be viewed as tools to assist in achieving health goals, not as crutches.
