122: Dr. Tyna, ND, DC: GLP-1, Muscle, and the Real Drivers of Midlife Weight Gain
GLP-1, Muscle Loss, and Why Midlife Weight Gain Isn't About Willpower
Discover why midlife weight gain isn't a willpower problem and learn the truth about GLP-1 medications, muscle preservation, and metabolic changes in women over 40.
If you've been doing everything "right" but still watching the scale creep up in midlife, you're not broken. You're not lazy. And you definitely don't lack willpower. The truth is way more complex than the oversimplified weight loss narratives we've all been fed, and it's about time we talked about it.
In this episode of Broads, Tara sits down with Dr. Tyna Moore, a Licensed Naturopathic Physician and Chiropractor with over 30 years in the medical field, to unpack the real drivers behind midlife weight gain, the controversial world of GLP-1 medications, and why strength training is your non-negotiable ticket to long-term independence.
The GLP-1 Conversation Nobody Wanted to Have
Dr. Tyna was early to the GLP-1 conversation, and paid the price for it. Being one of the first healthcare providers to discuss these medications openly led to backlash, burnout, and a whole lot of misunderstanding about what these drugs actually do and who they're really for.
Here's the thing: GLP-1 medications were never meant to be vanity weight loss tools. They weren't designed for someone who wants to drop 10 pounds for a vacation. These are serious medications that address neurological signaling issues and metabolic dysfunction. But thanks to telemedicine companies and influencer culture, the conversation got distorted fast.
The real issue? GLP-1 medications have been repackaged and marketed as quick fixes, with "microdosing" strategies being pushed as safe alternatives. Spoiler alert: microdosing isn't what most people think it is, and it's definitely not a legitimate long-term weight loss strategy.
Midlife Weight Gain Is a Neurological Shift, Not a Character Flaw
Let's get one thing straight: if you're gaining weight in midlife despite maintaining the same habits that worked for years, it's not because you suddenly lost discipline. Your body is experiencing a neurological shift that affects how your brain communicates with your metabolism.
Dr. Tyna introduces the concept of "functional deficiency", the idea that modern stress, hormone changes, and lifestyle factors break down the signaling pathways between your brain and body. Your metabolism isn't just about calories in versus calories out anymore. It's about whether your brain can effectively tell your body what to do with those calories.
Think about it: you're dealing with stress, possibly hormonal changes from perimenopause or menopause, sleep disruptions, and a body that's literally fighting against you. The old rules don't apply because the game has changed.
How GLP-1 Affects Your Brain (And Your Hormones)
One of the most fascinating aspects of GLP-1 medications is how they work on brain plasticity. These drugs can actually increase your motivation to move by affecting neurological pathways, not just by suppressing your appetite.
But here's the catch for women: GLP-1 can magnify existing hormonal deficiencies. If you're already dealing with low estrogen, thyroid issues, or other hormonal imbalances, GLP-1 can make those problems more apparent. This is why working with a knowledgeable healthcare provider who understands women's health is crucial if you're considering these medications.
Movement Is Medicine (Especially for Your Gut)
Here's something that doesn't get talked about enough: movement is essential for gut health and metabolic signaling. Your gut microbiome doesn't just affect digestion, it's intimately connected to your metabolic health, hormone balance, and even your mood.
When you move your body, you're not just burning calories. You're supporting the communication systems that keep your metabolism functioning properly. This is why sedentary behavior is so detrimental, and why finding ways to stay active matters more than ever in midlife.
Strength Training: Your Non-Negotiable Midlife Must-Have
If there's one message Dr. Tyna and Tara want to drill home, it's this: strength training is non-negotiable for women in midlife. Not optional. Not a nice-to-have. Essential.
Why? Because the real risks of aging aren't just about aesthetics. They're about frailty, hip fractures, and loss of independence. Picture yourself at 75 or 80. Do you want to be someone who can pick up grandkids, carry groceries, and live independently? Or do you want to be confined to assisted living because you can't get up off the floor on your own?
Hip fractures in older adults have staggering mortality rates. The loss of muscle mass that happens naturally with aging (and accelerates if you're not actively fighting it) directly impacts your quality of life. Strength equals long-term freedom, and the work you do now determines what your life looks like decades from now.
The Bottom Line
Midlife weight changes are complicated, multifaceted, and deeply personal. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, and anyone selling you a simple answer is lying. Whether you're exploring GLP-1 medications or focusing on lifestyle changes, the key is understanding what's actually happening in your body and working with healthcare providers who see the full picture.
What's non-negotiable? Building and maintaining muscle. Moving your body consistently. Understanding that this isn't about willpower, it's about working with your biology instead of against it.
Your midlife body deserves better than shame, quick fixes, and oversimplified solutions. It deserves strength, resilience, and the freedom to live life on your terms for decades to come.
What's your biggest challenge with midlife weight and fitness? Share this episode with a friend who needs to hear this message.
