The Heavy Truth

In this episode, Ben and Amy dive into the latest price drops for Wegovy and Zepbound—finally some relief for cash-paying patients without anti-obesity coverage! They’ll break down where these medications come from, how to access them, and what you need to know.Plus, they’ll discuss Medicare guidelines and the new $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for those with Medicare Part D coverage. This is another must-listen episode to help you advocate for yourself and take control of your health!

In this episode of The Heavy Truth, experts Ben and Amy debunk the myth that obesity is simply a matter of motivation. They discuss how obesity is a complex, multifaceted issue influenced by genetics, environment, mental health, and other factors. The focus of this episode is to challenge the idea of self-blame and criticism, encouraging listeners to recognize that obesity is not just a lack of willpower. Plus, a special shout-out to Ben for completing his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)—a major achievement that we’re all incredibly proud of! Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation on breaking down the stigma surrounding obesity.

THT- The Chronic Disease of Obesity. This episode will help you understand that obesity is a chronic, relapsing disease that needs to be treated long term. Why some clinicians address obesity with their patients and why others do not. Understanding the importance of making small changes that yield significant benefits is the key takeaway with this episode. This is one not to miss. Enjoy!

Ben & Amy discuss in their first episode how they got into weight loss medicine, how they met, and more... Ben Ramirez is a Nurse Practitioner with board certifications in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine. He has been in the field of nursing for more than 15 years, both at the bedside and clinic settings. As a strong patient advocate, he consistently provides evidence-based patient centered care. Currently, he practices in Wisconsin in the area of Medical Weight Management and Bariatrics. Having had bariatric surgery himself, He provides a unique perspective to his patients, not only as a provider, but as a patient with the history of chronic obesity. His direct light-hearted approach in his practice, keeps his patients active and engaged while creating the necessary lifestyle changes needed along their weight loss journey. While evidence-based practice is key, Ben believes in progress over perfection pertaining to weight loss. Amy Paulus is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a certification in obesity medicine.  She has been in the nursing field for over 20 years, working in many areas which has helped her gain knowledge and expertise to help her give the best possible care to her patients.  Currently, in Health Care in Illinois she works within the Weight Management Program, seeing both bariatric and medical weight management patients.  Amy’s empathetic, yet direct approach with her patients is the key to building excellent rapport and relationships with her patients.  When it comes to treating the disease of obesity, Amy continues to expand her knowledge in her area of expertise to ensure she is following the latest guidelines to ensure safety and to achieve positive outcomes.  

Everyone has that one spot where fat seems to move in, unpack its bags, and refuse to leave—and for most people, it’s the belly. In this episode of The Heavy Truth, Ben, and Amy dig into the science and the myths behind stubborn belly fat. Is it really just calories in and calories out, or are hormones, stress, sleep, alcohol, and aging secretly running the show?The crew breaks down why visceral fat around the abdomen is more than just a cosmetic issue—it’s tied to heart disease, diabetes, and inflammation. They talk about why crunches won’t magically flatten your stomach, what actually helps shrink belly fat (hint: it’s not a detox tea), and how things like protein intake, resistance training, and even GLP-1 medications can change the game.Expect plenty of laughs, some brutally honest truths, and a few “oh…that explains a lot” moments about why the belly is the last place fat seems to leave. Tune in, like and SHARE!

A pill instead of a shot sounds like a dream—but does it deliver? Ben and Amy unpack the oral Wegovy pill: absorption, dosing, effectiveness, side effects, and who should (and shouldn’t) be excited. If you think this is “Ozempic in a capsule,” pump the brakes (because remember, Ozempic is prescirbed for diabetes, and Wegovy is prescribed for obesity). This episode separates marketing from medicine and helps you decide if this is progress—or just convenience with fine print. Join Ben and Amy to unwrap the most up to date information regarding another option to treat the disease of chronic obesity. Oh.... and a special announcement!

On this episode of The Heavy Truth, Ben and Amy dive into the controversial (and wildly misunderstood) topic of leaky gut and its role in obesity. We break down what leaky gut actually is, what it isn’t, and how chronic inflammation in the intestinal lining can impact metabolism, insulin resistance, cravings, and weight gain.We’ll talk about how ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, poor sleep, stress, and certain medications can damage the gut barrier—triggering inflammation that makes weight loss harder no matter how “disciplined” you are. And yes, we’ll also cover how what you eat can either heal your gut… or keep it sick.This episode cuts through the wellness hype and focuses on what the science actually says—because if your gut is inflamed, your weight-loss plan may be fighting an uphill battle.

On this episode of The Heavy Truth, Ben and Amy are calling out one of the biggest myths in weight management: that the number on the scale tells the whole story. Spoiler alert—it doesn’t. Weight alone can’t tell us what you’re losing… and that’s a problem.We dive into body composition and why preserving muscle mass while reducing fat is the real goal—not just “losing pounds.” Using InBody testing, we explain how assessing fat mass, muscle mass, and overall adiposity gives a far clearer picture of health and progress than the scale ever could.We break down how people can technically lose weight while actually losing muscle and gaining fat (yes, that happens—and no, it’s not good). InBody allows us to track what’s really changing inside the body, helping ensure patients are losing fat, maintaining or building muscle, and protecting their metabolism.Most importantly, we talk about how this data lets us tailor weight-management treatment plans—from nutrition to movement to medication—so they’re individualized, intentional, and actually effective. No guesswork. No one-size-fits-all plans. Just smarter care.If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the scale, confused by “progress,” or worried about losing muscle as you lose weight—this episode is for you. Because when it comes to long-term health, muscle matters, and body composition tells the truth the scale never will.

On this episode of The Heavy Truth, Ben and Amy will discuss the growing online buzz around the term “Ozempic vulva” — what people are reporting, what’s being misunderstood, and what science actually tells us.As GLP-1 medications drive significant and sometimes rapid weight loss, changes in fat distribution can occur anywhere the body stores adipose tissue — including the vulvar area. Ben and Amy break down the physiology behind these changes, why GLP-1s often get blamed for things that are really about fat loss, hormones, aging, and skin elasticity, and how social media has amplified confusion and fear.This episode covers:Why volume loss can happen in intimate areas during weight lossThe difference between cosmetic changes vs medical concernsSensitivity, skin laxity, and body awareness during weight lossWhen symptoms are normal — and when it’s time to talk to a clinicianNo scare tactics. No shame. Just straightforward education, clinical perspective, and honest conversation. Because if people are talking about it quietly, it’s probably time to talk about it accurately.

In this episode of The Heavy Truth, we wade into one of the most misunderstood conditions in obesity medicine: lipedema—the fat disorder that's not lymphedema, not “just weight gain,” and definitely not something your aunt on Facebook should be diagnosing.Ben, Amy, and Michael break down the hallmark signs, stages, and why so many women are misdiagnosed, all while sprinkling in our signature brand of science-backed sass. We cover how lipedema behaves differently than typical adiposity, why calorie restriction alone often fails, and how to identify patterns that point away from “obesity alone” and toward a complex connective tissue disorder.Because we’re obesity specialists, we dig into:Why lipedema fat doesn’t respond to typical weight-loss interventionsHow GLP-1s can help some symptoms but won’t cure structural fatThe overlap with metabolic health (and why it’s still crucial)Supportive treatments: compression, manual lymph drainage, exercise types that help—and ones that make patients feel like angry sealsWhen to refer patients for surgical management and resources to refer to.This episode gives you the tools to recognize lipedema early, treat patients compassionately, and stop telling people to “just lose weight” when biology is clearly playing a more complicated game and resources to assist.

This week on The Heavy Truth, we’re diving deep into the infamous “Ozempic Face” — that gaunt, saggy look the internet loves to panic about. We break down what actually causes it, who’s at risk, and the simple, science-backed ways to keep your face looking healthy, full, and decidedly not like you’ve been living off iced coffee and stress alone.We’ll talk collagen, resistance training, protein targets, smart weight-loss pacing, and why your face sometimes drops hints faster than your bathroom scale. If you want the results without the “I just survived a Victorian illness” aesthetic… this episode is your blueprint.And somewhere in the middle — or maybe the end, or maybe right when you least expect it — we drop a not-so-little announcement. Let’s just say one of your hosts has something very big (and very tiny) on the way. No spoilers… but crib assembly may soon become part of someone's step count.Tune in, learn a lot, laugh a little, and catch the hint. This one’s loaded.

Ever wonder what actually goes down during a weight management visit? In this episode, Ben and Amy pull back the curtain on what it’s like to sit down with our team at the Health Management Center. From health history and medication review to body composition scans and data tracking (yes, we can tell if you didn’t log your meals), we break it all down. We’ll explain how we use your story, your numbers, and your goals to build a realistic nutrition and exercise plan that fits your life—not some Pinterest fantasy. It’s honest, a little nerdy, and packed with takeaways to help you get the most out of your next visit.

SEASON FINALE!What if every weight loss trend showed up on a dating app? From keto with a flashy profile pic, to intermittent fasting playing hard to get, to GLP-1s sliding in with slick promises—would you swipe right or left? In this episode, we play matchmaker (and heartbreaker) with today’s hottest diet and wellness fads. You’ll hear the red flags, green flags, and those “it’s complicated” vibes that make some trends appealing but maybe not marriage material. By the end, you’ll know which ones deserve a first date, which should be ghosted, and which might just be The One (for now).BEN AND AMY will take a short break to research topics and content. Stay tuned for an exciting Season 3 in October 2025.

In this episode of The Heavy Truth, we’re digging into more than just the scale. If you're on a GLP-1 medication like Wegovy/Ozempic, or Mounjaro/Zepbound, you've probably heard all about the weight loss—but what about the fatigue, nausea, or that weird relationship with food now?

On today’s episode of The Heavy Truth, Ben and Amy open up about the often-overlooked emotional aftermath of weight loss—body dysmorphia.You'd think the number on the scale dropping would bring nothing but celebration—but for many, especially those who’ve carried extra weight for years, the mental baggage sticks around long after the pounds are gone. Ben and Amy share raw personal stories and tough truths about what it feels like to look in the mirror and still see your “before” self, to hear compliments that don’t feel true, and to wrestle with an identity that’s shifting faster than your body can keep up.They’ll also explore the silent grief, unexpected shame, and the strange guilt that can follow weight loss, as well as how to begin healing and learning to trust your reflection again.This episode is for anyone who’s ever felt like their outsides changed, but their insides didn’t get the memo. Tender, honest, and deeply relatable—this is The Heavy Truth.

This week on The Heavy Truth, Ben and Amy take a gentle detour—nothing too wild, just a little reflective stroll down memory lane. They’re opening up about the messages they picked up about weight while growing up—things their parents said, what they heard from family, friends, maybe even that one nosy neighbor. You know the type.It’s not all sunshine—some moments might tug at old memories or stir feelings you haven’t visited in a while. But hey, that’s part of the journey, right? Whether it hits home or just makes you go “Hmm,” one thing’s for sure: you’re not alone here.So, cozy in, maybe grab a snack (no judgment here), and stay with Ben and Amy as they keep it honest, a little messy, and always real.

Hey friends—welcome back to The Heavy Truth with your favorite duo, Ben and Amy! This episode? Oh, it’s a fun one. We’re diving headfirst into the world of AI—yep, Artificial Intelligence—and how it's not just for robots and sci-fi movies anymore. Turns out, it can actually be super helpful when it comes to your health and wellness journey.We’re talking apps that can build your workout plan, suggest meals based on your preferences, whip up grocery lists, and even keep you on track with your weight loss goals (without the guilt trips). It’s kind of like having a digital cheerleader-slash-nutritionist-slash-personal-trainer in your pocket.We’ll waffle a bit, we’ll laugh a lot, and by the end, you’ll probably want to open your phone and start exploring what AI can do for you. So pour your coffee, get comfy, and let’s unpack this techy twist on getting healthier!

In this episode of The Heavy Truth, Ben and Amy break down the buzz around intermittent fasting (IF) versus traditional calorie and macro counting.They’ll explore the pros, the pitfalls, and the real-life sustainability of both approaches. Is a 16:8 fasting window right for you? Or does tracking protein, fats, and carbs fit your lifestyle better?The key takeaway? There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nutrition. It's all about finding what works for you—and what you can maintain long-term. Because at the end of the day, it's not about a "diet"... it's about creating a lifestyle that fuels you, supports your goals, and feels good. Tune in for practical insights, a few laughs, and encouragement to make choices that honor your journey.

Welcome back to another episode of The Heavy Truth! Today, Ben and Amy dive into the frustration of insurance plans changing or eliminating coverage for anti-obesity medications. What are your options when it comes to securing coverage?Dealing with insurance and completing prior authorizations is an entirely different beast—one that providers and their staff spend countless hours navigating, often without compensation. That’s why understanding the limitations ahead of time is crucial.Let’s get into it!

On this episode of The Heavy Truth, Ben and Amy dive into Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS)—a chronic and often painful skin condition that causes boils, lesions, and scarring. HS can lead to isolation and emotional distress for those who suffer from it. Join Ben and Amy as they explore the what, when, why, and where of this condition, shedding light on its impact and available options for managing it.