Can Ozempic, Mounjaro, Zepbound and Wegovy calm inflammation — not just melt away weight? In this episode of Thriving with Arthritis, Dr. Diana Girnita, board-certified rheumatologist and PhD in immunology, sits down with Dr. Vishnuteja Devalla to unpack the fast-growing science of GLP-1 medications in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis.

They break down how GLP-1 drugs actually work, why the same receptor lives on your immune cells, and what the latest evidence really shows for autoimmune disease — separating real science from the headlines and hype.

In this episode:

• What GLP-1 medications are and how they work (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound explained)
• The key difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide — and why GIP matters for weight loss
• How GLP-1 receptors on macrophages, neutrophils, and T cells calm inflammation
• The surprising drop in TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6 — the exact targets of our biologics
• What the UCLA study and PASI data reveal for RA and psoriatic arthritis
• Why obesity fuels inflammation and drives worse treatment response
• Will GLP-1s ever replace methotrexate or biologics? (The honest answer)
• Microdosing GLP-1s for inflammation — lower cost, fewer side effects
• The compounded-medication warning every patient needs to hear
• How to safely reduce medication when you start feeling better
• Where GLP-1 therapy is heading in the next 5 years

⚠️ This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always talk with your own rheumatologist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

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More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: Contact@rheumatologistoncall.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200

Climbing Kilimanjaro with rheumatoid arthritis — off medication. Jon did it. And in this episode, his rheumatologist explains how.

Most people hear "rheumatoid arthritis" and brace for a life sentence.

Dr. Diana Girnita, a board-certified rheumatologist, sits down with Jon, a patient she guided from daily pain and methotrexate to drug-free remission — and, a few years later, to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Together, they walk through what that journey actually looked like, including the setbacks.

You'll hear how a personalized plan — nutrition, targeted supplements, sleep, stress, and exercise — worked alongside medication rather than instead of it, and why coming off methotrexate was a slow, carefully monitored process, never a sudden stop. Jon also opens up about why methotrexate is so often misunderstood, what the "chemo drug" fear gets wrong, and what it felt like to taper down while his blood work stayed clean.

This conversation is also about partnership.

Jon was in Florida; Dr. Girnita was in California.

They break down what made that telehealth relationship work, what to look for in a rheumatologist, and why the right doctor in your corner pays off not just this year, but over the next ten and fifteen.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why drug-free remission is possible for some people with RA — and what realistically has to be in place for it to happen
• How lifestyle changes (nutrition, supplements, sleep, stress, exercise) work with medication, not as a replacement for it
• Why tapering off methotrexate should always be slow, gradual, and guided by blood work — never a sudden stop
• What the common "chemo drug" fear about methotrexate gets wrong
• How to tell whether your treatment is actually working, and which markers your doctor should be monitoring
• What to look for in a rheumatologist — and the questions that signal a true partnership
• Why telehealth can work for chronic disease management, even across state lines

A note on hope and honesty: Jon's drug-free remission is real, but it isn't the outcome for everyone, and his results don't replace individualized care. What his story offers is a different question to bring to your own treatment — what's actually possible for you, with the right plan and the right monitoring.

If RA has ever left you feeling dismissed, overwhelmed, or resigned, this episode is a reset. Whether you were diagnosed last month or a decade ago, you'll leave with practical direction and a renewed sense of what thriving can look like.

Jon's story proves that with determination, education, and the right medical guidance, an active, vibrant life is possible. So — what's your summit?

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: Contact@rheumatologistoncall.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200

Most autoimmune diseases hide in plain sight — often dismissed as aging, stress, or minor aches. But what if you could spot the hidden signals before irreversible damage occurs?

Dr. Diana Girnita, a board-certified rheumatologist, reveals five silent yet telling signs your immune system may be quietly attacking your body — in ways most people overlook or misinterpret.

From fatigue that rest can't fix, to subtle joint stiffness, skin changes, persistent dry eyes, and the sudden color shifts in your fingers, these clues can help you catch autoimmune conditions early — saving years of suffering and unnecessary specialist visits.

In this eye-opening episode, we break down the science behind inflammatory fatigue, how to distinguish inflammatory joint pain from aging, and recognize skin and hair changes that often go unnoticed.

You’ll discover why persistent dry mouth or eyes could signal Sjogren’s disease, how to differentiate autoimmune symptoms from common ailments, and why a simple color change in your fingers might be an early warning sign of Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Dr. Girnita, shares her expertise on the importance of recognizing patterns, especially in women aged 30 to 65, and emphasizes that catching these signs early can preserve your joint and organ health.

This episode is essential listening for anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, joint pain, skin issues, or color changes in their extremities — because early detection can mean the difference between lifelong damage and a chance to regain control.

If you or someone you care about has been brushed off or misdiagnosed, these insights could change everything.
With over four million Americans affected, autoimmune diseases are more common than you think — and they’re often misunderstood. Let Dr. Girnita guide you through the signs that matter most, so you can advocate for your health before it’s too late.

Timestamps

• 0:00 - Introduction to autoimmune signs
• 0:46 - Sign 1: Fatigue that sleep doesn't fix
• 2:36 - Sign 2: Morning joint stiffness
• 4:37 - Sign 3: Skin and hair changes
• 6:53 - Sign 4: Persistent dry eyes and mouth
• 8:49 - Sign 5: Raynaud's phenomenon
• 10:33 - Importance of recognizing patterns

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: Contact@rheumatologistoncall.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200

Most autoimmune testing is being used entirely backwards — leading to unnecessary anxiety, misdiagnoses, and wasted treatments. Dr. Diana Girnita exposes the six most overrated tests that do more harm than good when misused and teaches you the crucial questions every patient should ask before testing

.Imagine relying on a single lab result to determine your health, only to realize it’s often misunderstood or completely irrelevant without clinical context.

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Girnita reveals how tests like the ANA, broad autoimmune panels, thyroid antibodies, and even gut microbiome analyses can mislead, especially when ordered without proper guidance.

You’ll discover why a positive result isn’t always a sign of disease, and how some tests do more damage in the absence of symptoms than they do support diagnosis.We break down:

• The true nature of the ANA test—it's a screening, not a diagnosis.
• Why broad autoimmune panels often cause false alarms and unnecessary worry.
• The pitfalls of misinterpreting inflammation markers like CRP and sed rate.
• When thyroid antibodies truly matter—and when they don't.
• The realities of gut microbiome testing and why it often leads to more food anxiety.
• How genetic testing can create fear without clarification, and when it’s actually useful.

An understanding of these misused tests isn’t just medical trivia—it’s a game-changer for how you approach autoimmune health. Many patients chase false leads because labs and practitioners overlook the importance of clinical context. But knowing what to ask, and when to question, empowers you to avoid years of unnecessary worry, treatments, and costly tests.If you're tired of feeling confused by conflicting results or overwhelmed by the complicated world of autoimmune testing, this episode is your essential guide

. Whether you're battling symptoms, supporting a loved one, or simply want to be better prepared, you'll learn how to navigate testing smarter—and advocate for your health with confidence.

Dr. Diana Girnita is a double-board certified rheumatologist who daily untangles the noise from the real signals—helping patients find clarity in complex autoimmune diagnoses. This episode will transform your understanding of lab tests, saving you time, stress, and unnecessary interventions. Tune in now and start seeing through the hype—your health depends on it.

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: Contact@rheumatologistoncall.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200

If you're a woman over 40 with joint pain, unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or an autoimmune diagnosis — this episode connects dots that most doctors never connect.

Dr. Diana Girnita, double board-certified rheumatologist and founder of Rheumatologist OnCall, sits down with Dr. Mirela Titianu, menopause and lifestyle specialist, for a frank conversation about what actually happens to women's bodies during perimenopause and menopause — and what the latest science says about treating it.

They cover the real risk profile of HRT in 2025, why the decade-old fear of hormone replacement no longer holds up, how estrogen loss raises the risk of autoimmune flares, and why GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro may be doing far more than helping women lose weight.

IN THIS EPISODE:
— Why joint pain, brain fog, and fatigue cluster together at menopause
— How estrogen protects the immune system — and what happens when it drops
— The updated 2025 evidence on HRT and autoimmune disease
— Transdermal vs. oral estrogen: why route of delivery changes the risk
— The FDA's 2025 removal of the black box warning on vaginal estrogen
— GLP-1 medications as an anti-inflammatory tool, not just weight loss
— Microdosing GLP-1 in autoimmune patients already on biologics
— Myth-busting: HRT and cancer risk, aging and weight, Ozempic as "cheating"
— What to do right now if you can't access a specialist

This episode is essential listening for any woman navigating menopause with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, or any other autoimmune condition — and for anyone who cares for them.

BOOK WITH DR. Titianu (telehealth — CA, FL, OR):
https://rheumatologistoncall.com/womens-hormone/

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: Contact@rheumatologistoncall.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200

What is the power of GLP-1 medications in managing arthritis and autoimmune diseases, without the need for dramatic weight loss?

In this episode, Dr. Diana Girnita, a double board-certified rheumatologist and founder of Rheumatologist OnCall, explores how microdosing Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zepbound can revolutionize treatment plans for those battling persistent inflammation, pain, and flare-ups.

While everyone is talking about these medications, few discuss their potential for arthritis and autoimmune conditions.

Dr. Girnita delves into the research, explaining the differences between semaglutide and tirzepatide, the five mechanisms that combat inflammation independently of weight loss, and the latest insights from 2025 data on conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus, Sjogren's, osteoarthritis, and gout.

You'll discover:

• How metabolic inflammation affects biologics and the importance of addressing fat tissue’s inflammatory signals.
• The groundbreaking 2025 research showing GLP-1 drugs' ability to reduce disease activity and pain without weight loss.
• The potential of microdosing these medications for patients with uncontrolled autoimmune diseases.
• The benefits of combining metabolic modulation with conventional therapies to reduce flare-ups and cardiovascular risk.
• How these findings are reshaping rheumatology practice and future treatment options.

Topics Covered:

• Differences between Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.
• The role of fat cells in fueling arthritis.
• Five mechanisms GLP-1 medications use to fight inflammation.
• The concept and effectiveness of GLP-1 microdosing for arthritis.
• Insights from 2025 research on various autoimmune conditions and cardiovascular risk.
• How GLP-1 complements DMARDs and biologics without replacing them.

This episode is ideal for those tired of hitting a plateau, exhausted by constant flare-ups, or healthcare professionals eager to integrate cutting-edge science into patient care. Ignoring this emerging science risks leaving persistent inflammation untreated—missed opportunities that could transform your health.

Join Dr. Girnita in exploring how small changes in medication strategy, driven by the latest science, can unlock significant improvements—beyond weight loss—offering hope, control, and relief from autoimmune chaos.

Are you ready to rethink what’s possible in your autoimmune journey? This isn’t just another episode—it's a paradigm shift in managing inflammation at its core.

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: Contact@rheumatologistoncall.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200

This episode features a heartfelt discussion with Ms. Dorothy, a patient diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), shedding light on the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and importance of awareness for this often misunderstood disease. If you or a loved one experiences sudden muscle pain or stiffness after age 50, this conversation offers vital insights into timely intervention.

Key topics:

• The early signs and symptoms of polymyalgia rheumatica and related conditions
• The personal journey from misdiagnosis to effective treatment
• How prednisone and proper medical guidance can restore functionality
• The importance of recognizing giant cell arteritis symptoms
• Telemedicine as a viable and preferred approach for managing chronic conditions
• Practical advice for patients suspecting they have PMR or similar symptoms

Timestamps:

00:06 - Introduction to arthritis misconceptions and PMR overview
00:23 - The sudden onset of severe muscle pain and confusion
01:12 - Ms. Dorothy's experience with initial symptoms and delayed diagnosis
02:02 - Possible vaccine influence on symptoms
03:01 - Ignored symptoms and escalation of pain
04:13 - The critical moment: awakening unable to move and emergency room visit
05:00 - Blood tests reveal inflammation markers (CRP and sed rate)
05:58 - Initial treatment with steroids and subsequent improvement
07:44 - Challenges in getting timely specialist care and internet research discovery
08:40 - The role of telemedicine and remote diagnosis
10:05 - The impact of treatment: regained mobility and function
11:34 - Side effects of steroids and managing dosage
12:04 - Recognizing signs of giant cell arteritis and importance of quick action
14:23 - Benefits of virtual consultations versus traditional visits
16:17 - Advice for listeners experiencing sudden weakness or stiffness after age 50
17:12 - Encouragement to seek medical attention early and not dismiss symptoms as aging
17:39 - Final words of reassurance and importance of proper treatment

Resources & Links:

https://rheumatologistoncall.com/2022/11/24/five-common-signs-of-polymyalgica-rheumatica/

Support the show

More info about Dr. Diana Girnita, MD PhD

• Website: https://rheumatologistoncall.com/
• Email: Contact@rheumatologistoncall.com
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rheumatologistoncall
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-girnita-md-phd-07b57810/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatologistoncall/
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/RheumatologistOncall/
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3685130571554200