Can Medicare patients get GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound for $50 per month through the new Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program?

In this episode, Zoe is joined by Dr. Matthew Weiner and Deidre, FNP, to break down what Medicare patients need to know about the CMS Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program. They explain who may qualify, why Medicare Part D coverage matters, and why the process is more complicated than simply getting a prescription.

Deidre walks through the eligibility requirements, including BMI, prediabetes, cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, sleep apnea, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. She also explains why some patients may not be able to use the Bridge Program if their GLP-1 medication can already be covered through their regular Medicare Part D benefits.

They also discuss the two-step prior authorization process, the $50 monthly copay, why that copay may not count toward a deductible, and why documentation for a structured nutrition and lifestyle program is required.

Most importantly, the team explains what patients should realistically expect as the program rolls out, why delays and confusion are likely at first, and how Pound of Cure is preparing to help eligible Arizona patients navigate access to GLP-1 medications.

What is GLP-1 microdosing, and can smaller doses of medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound lead to better long-term weight loss results?

In this episode, registered dietitian Zoe is joined by Deidre, FNP, to break down one of the biggest conversations in obesity medicine right now: GLP-1 microdosing. They explain how microdosing differs from standard manufacturer dosing, why FDA-approved dosing schedules are designed for clinical trials, and why a one-size-fits-all approach may not work for every patient.

Deidre explains how slower, smaller dose increases may help reduce side effects like nausea and abdominal discomfort, while still supporting hunger control, fewer cravings, less food noise, and gradual weight loss. They also discuss super responders, non-responders, compounded medications, and why personalized GLP-1 dosing can make a major difference in long-term maintenance.

They also unpack the debate around GLP-1 microdose marketing, including the recent dispute involving Eli Lilly, Noom, and tirzepatide, and what it means for patients navigating telehealth weight loss programs.

Most importantly, Zoe and Deidre explain why medications are only one part of obesity treatment. Sustainable weight loss still depends on nutrition, whole foods, protein, fiber, lifestyle changes, and long-term support.

What happens to bariatric surgery when GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound change the entire weight loss landscape?

In this episode, Dr. Matthew Weiner and registered dietitian Zoe unpack what they saw at the 2026 ASMBS annual conference - a meeting that felt very different from prior years. Surgical volumes are down, many bariatric surgeons are wrestling with what GLP-1s mean for their practices, and patients are left trying to figure out whether medication, nutrition, surgery, or some combination makes the most sense.

Dr. Weiner explains why bariatric surgery still matters, but no longer belongs in the same place in the treatment sequence. For many patients, a GLP-1 trial should come first. For others, especially non-responders, patients with severe diabetes, or people losing mobility, surgery may be the safest and most effective next step.

They also discuss why low-dose GLP-1s may be more sustainable than high-dose treatment, how to recognize a medication non-response, and why the best obesity care in 2026 combines nutrition, medication, surgery, and long-term support instead of forcing patients into one silo.