About the Episode:

In this episode of The Modern Mommy Doc Podcast, Dr. Whitney Casares sits down with Dr. Krista Gonzalez, a triple-board-certified endocrinologist and obesity medicine specialist, to discuss the complex intersection of weight-loss medications like Ozempic and body positivity. Together, they explore societal pressures, the stigma surrounding weight-loss treatments, and if moms can reconcile personal health goals with fostering a body-positive environment for their children.

Key Topics Include:

How weight-loss medications work and their role in appetite regulation.

Navigating the stigma around weight-loss medications as a parent.

Shifting from a focus on weight to overall health and well-being.

Lessons from Fat Talk by Virginia Sole-Smith and how they apply to conscious parenting.

Practical strategies for parents to approach nutrition and body image with their kids.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Krista Gonzalez is a triple-board-certified physician specializing in endocrinology, obesity medicine, and internal medicine. With years of expertise in treating complex metabolic conditions, Dr. Gonzalez is passionate about helping individuals reclaim their health through personalized care.

As a dedicated advocate for women and moms, she understands the unique challenges they face when balancing personal wellness with family responsibilities. Dr. Gonzalez’s compassionate, whole-person approach empowers her patients to set and achieve realistic health goals while fostering a deeper connection with their bodies.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Gonzalez is a mom of two and a champion for working mothers. She is currently organizing the Pausing to Thrive retreat in 2025, designed to help busy moms create space for self-care and growth. You can connect with her on Instagram and LinkedIn. @DrKristaGonzalez.

Key Discussion Points:

Understanding Weight-Loss Medications

• Dr. Krista Gonzalez explains how medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound work. These GLP-1 medications regulate appetite by slowing gastric emptying and reducing food noise. While these treatments have gained popularity, Dr. Gonzalez emphasizes the importance of working with qualified healthcare providers to ensure they are used safely and effectively.

The Intersection of Body Positivity and Weight-Loss Treatments

• Dr. Whitney and Dr. Gonzalez explore the tension between promoting body positivity and choosing to use weight-loss medications. They discuss how these decisions can coexist, emphasizing that health goals, such as reducing pain or increasing energy, don’t contradict self-love or acceptance.

The Role of Stigma in Weight-Loss and Parenting

• The stigma surrounding weight-loss medications often leads people to feel they’ve taken the “easy way out.” Dr. Gonzalez challenges this notion, pointing out the biological and environmental factors that can make weight regulation difficult, especially for moms. She argues that using all available tools to improve quality of life should be seen as a responsible choice, not a weakness.

How Stress, Hormones, and Parenting Impact Body Image

• Moms face unique challenges in maintaining their health due to stress, hormonal changes, and sleep deprivation. These factors, combined with societal expectations, often lead to feelings of being out of control with their bodies. The episode highlights the importance of giving yourself grace while navigating these challenges.

Practical Strategies for Raising Body-Positive Kids

• Dr. Casares and Dr. Gonzalez discuss ways to create a body-positive environment at home, including avoiding labels like “good” or “bad” foods; involving kids in meal preparation to empower them and build healthier habits; and focusing on balanced nutrition without making food a source of guilt or shame.

Choosing the Right Provider for Weight-Loss Medications

• Dr. Gonzalez stresses the importance of working with qualified professionals, such as those certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM). She also highlights the risks of using mail-order or unregulated providers, which can lead to improper guidance and harmful outcomes.

Addressing Emotional Eating and Food Noise

• Dr. Gonzalez highlights how medications can quiet food noise, helping patients shift their focus to other areas of their lives. The conversation also delves into how emotional eating patterns often stem from childhood and societal conditioning, urging parents to be mindful of the messages they send to their children about food.

Resources:

Body Love: 5 Ways Modern Moms Can Raise More Body-Confident Kids

American Board of Obesity Medicine

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