Every year, achieving a healthy weight tops the list of resolutions, but is Ozempic the answer, or does it come with risks you need to understand? With so much buzz and conflicting information, it’s essential to be fully informed before deciding if it’s right for you. America’s obesity crisis has left many searching for solutions in a sea of confusion. GoldCare’s experts are here to provide clarity. Watch this exclusive webinar to get the facts about Ozempic, explore strategies for sustainable weight management, and step confidently into 2025 with a plan built on informed choices.

Read about this Medical Townhall:

This GoldCare Medical Townhall brought together experts to discuss the increasingly popular but controversial medication Ozempic. With a focus on informed decision-making and patient-centered care, this event tackled the risks, benefits, and alternatives surrounding this trending drug. Here is an easy-to-understand breakdown of the key takeaways from this insightful discussion.

Introduction: A Public Forum for Open Dialogue

Drew Kachuric, Vice President of Business Development at GoldCare, set the stage by reminding attendees that the session was an open forum meant for education and conversation—not medical advice. The goal? To provide honest insights about Ozempic and explore different viewpoints without pushing an agenda.

Dr. Simone Gold: Reclaiming the Doctor-Patient Relationship

Dr. Simone Gold opened the discussion by highlighting the broken state of the current healthcare system, where finding reliable information has become increasingly difficult—even for those with significant financial resources. She emphasized the importance of restoring the sacred doctor-patient relationship, allowing individuals to seek advice from experts who understand their specific needs.

Dr. Gold also addressed the challenges of maintaining a healthy weight in modern society, with processed foods, busy lifestyles, and limited opportunities for physical movement making it harder than ever. GoldCare, she explained, aims to offer straightforward medical information and personalized care.

Dr. Richard Amerling: Understanding How Ozempic Works

Dr. Richard Amerling provided an in-depth scientific explanation of Ozempic and similar GLP-1 receptor agonists. Originally developed for managing type 2 diabetes, these drugs mimic a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and promote feelings of fullness. However, while they can lead to significant weight loss, the side effects and long-term consequences raise serious concerns:

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting.
• Severe Complications: Gastroparesis (paralysis of the stomach), bowel obstruction, muscle wasting (leading to conditions like "Ozempic face"), and potential thyroid cancer.
• Short-Lived Benefits: Weight loss often reverses quickly after stopping the medication.

Dr. Amerling questioned whether the minimal reduction in cardiovascular risk justifies the significant side effects and lifelong dependency on the drug. He emphasized that a better solution lies in addressing the root cause—poor diet and lack of exercise—rather than relying on pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Simone Gold’s Balanced Perspective

While Dr. Amerling leaned heavily toward caution, Dr. Gold offered a more balanced view. She acknowledged that, for some individuals, medications like Ozempic could act as a temporary aid—a "crutch" to help initiate lifestyle changes. However, she firmly stated that the use of these drugs should be short-term, with the lowest effective dose, and paired with meaningful lifestyle changes like healthier eating and increased physical activity.

Above all, she emphasized the importance of medical freedom—the right of individuals to make their own healthcare choices after being fully informed of the risks and benefits.

Dr. Jana Schmidt: Natural Ways to Balance Weight

Dr. Jana Schmidt, GoldCare’s Naturopathic Director, introduced natural alternatives to support metabolic health and weight loss without pharmaceuticals. She highlighted:

• Dietary Interventions: Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, probiotics (like kombucha and kimchi), and high-protein foods.
• Herbal Boosters: Cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and green tea—all known for their natural ability to stimulate GLP-1 production.
• Hormetic Stress: Techniques such as cold plunges or saunas can help reset metabolism and improve fat burning.

Dr. Schmidt stressed that weight issues often stem from imbalances in diet, lifestyle, and stress levels—not from a deficiency in medication like Ozempic.

Christy Morell: Nutrition Strategies for Sustainable Change

GoldCare’s lead dietitian, Christy Morell, emphasized education as the foundation for long-term weight management. She shared insights into her eight-week weight loss class that covers:

• Meal preparation and grocery shopping tips
• Understanding food labels and eliminating harmful seed oils
• Increasing protein and healthy fats for satiety

Morell highlighted that sustainable weight loss requires practical, step-by-step changes—not restrictive crash diets.

Tiffany Ritter: Behavioral Coaching for Lasting Results

Health coach Tiffany Ritter explained the importance of behavioral support during the weight loss journey. Many people know what changes they need to make but struggle to implement them. Health coaching helps individuals tackle emotional and behavioral barriers, making sustainable change more achievable.

Tina Spera and Christopher Wharton: Movement as Medicine

Physical therapists Tina Spera and Christopher Wharton introduced GoldCare’s fitness offerings:

• Tina’s Intermediate Class: Focuses on posture, spinal alignment, and functional movement for everyday life.
• Christopher’s Beginner Class: Emphasizes mobility, body awareness, and gentle movement as the foundation for fitness.

Both highlighted how consistent, mindful movement supports overall health and helps maintain weight loss.

Key Takeaways: Weighing the Risks and Benefits of Ozempic

The panelists agreed on several crucial points:

1. Informed Decision-Making: Every patient deserves full transparency about the risks and benefits of medications like Ozempic.
2. Lifestyle Changes Are Essential: Medications alone are not the answer; sustainable health comes from dietary changes, movement, and behavioral support.
3. Natural Alternatives Exist: There are many non-pharmaceutical ways to improve metabolism and support weight loss.
4. Medical Freedom Matters: Individuals should have the freedom to choose their healthcare path, fully informed by the facts.

Final Thoughts: A New Way Forward with GoldCare

This webinar showcased GoldCare’s commitment to patient-centered care, where informed choice and holistic health solutions come first. Whether considering medication, natural remedies, or lifestyle changes, GoldCare offers the resources and support needed for every step of the health journey.