Getting Better with Jonathan Van Ness Do I Need to Stay on a GLP-1 Forever? w/ Dr. Liz Kazarian
Apr 1, 2026
Dr. Liz Kazarian, a board-certified family medicine physician who specializes in obesity medicine and preventive care, joins to talk GLP-1 medications. They explain how these drugs work, compare types and side effects, and discuss dosing strategies. Conversations cover food tracking, nutrition basics like protein and fiber, and whether long-term or short-term use makes sense for different people.
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Medication Reduces Compulsive Reward Not Pleasure
- GLP-1s change food-related dopamine signaling so dangerous binge behavior often shrinks to controlled portions, not elimination of food pleasure.
- Jonathan described moving from compulsive binges to being able to have two cookies or one cinnamon roll without loss-of-control binges.
Combine GLP-1s With Lifestyle Pillars
- Use GLP-1s alongside movement, nutrition, and stress management rather than as a stand-alone quick fix to avoid excessive muscle loss during rapid weight loss.
- Dr. Kazarian emphasized building lifestyle pillars and using medication to treat obesity as a chronic relapsing disease.
Focus Protein Targets Not Compulsive Tracking
- Prioritize protein without obsessive tracking: aim roughly 1.2–1.6 g protein per kilogram of body weight when losing weight and building muscle.
- Dr. Kazarian suggested focusing on protein- and fiber-rich foods and using fiber supplements if vegetables aren't regularly eaten.