Podcast Summary:

That Can’t Be True with Chelsea Clinton
Bonus Episode: Protein and Strength Training on GLP-1s
Host: Lemonada Media & The Clinton Foundation
Guest: Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, Obesity Medicine Physician and Scientist
Release Date: February 26, 2026

Episode Overview

This bonus episode dives into the science and practicalities of maintaining muscle mass and healthy weight loss while using GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic and Wegovy). Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, a leading expert in obesity medicine, discusses with Chelsea Clinton the importance of protein intake, strength training, and ditching the "competition mindset" in health journeys—especially as new medications change approaches to weight management.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Understanding Lean Mass Loss on GLP-1s

• Definition & Importance

  • Dr. Stanford clarifies that both lifestyle modifications and GLP-1 medications can result in losing lean mass (mainly muscle).
  • “When we lose weight from lifestyle modification, we lose lean mass also.” (Dr. Stanford, 00:21)
  • Typical weight loss from lifestyle changes alone can result in 15–20% lean mass reduction.

• Implications

  • It's normal and expected to lose some muscle alongside fat with weight loss, but preservation of muscle is essential, especially as we age.

2. Protein Intake Recommendations

• How Much Is Needed?

  • “So about one and a half times what you presume would be the level of protein that you would need. We need to emphasize the utilization of protein intake.” (Dr. Stanford, 00:54)
  • Not all protein needs to come from red meat; options include plant-based proteins, fish, protein shakes, nut butters, and Greek yogurt.

• Personalization Is Key

  • Dr. Stanford notes that protein choices should accommodate personal, dietary, and cultural preferences.

3. The Critical Role of Strength Training

• Beyond Cardio

  • Many patients focus on walking, jogging, or biking, but neglect strength exercises: “And I'm like, but where’s the strength training? And this is really, really important as we age, because as we age, we start losing muscle.” (Dr. Stanford, 01:52)
  • Advocates for increasing strength training ratio to cardio as patients get older.

• Target Areas

  • “The key thing that we really need to focus on is that quadricep hamstring strength, our core strength, which includes our abdomen and our back.” (Dr. Stanford, 02:16)
  • Strength training is necessary for basic mobility, balance, and quality of life over time.

4. Avoiding the Fitness Competition Mindset

• Distinguishing Evidence from Fads

  • Chelsea Clinton draws parallels to the "Maha movement," noting the overlap regarding the emphasis on protein and strength, but highlights the importance of differentiating scientifically supported practices from wellness trends.
  • “I think it is important to recognize when the parts of the Maha movement have real evidence and when there’s agreement with the broad base of scientific consensus and when there’s not.” (Chelsea Clinton, 02:25)

• Empathy and Personalization in Care

  • Dr. Stanford pushes back against the idea that health is a competitive space: “This isn’t, I’m going to make myself look better than you because I can do so many more pull ups than you.” (Dr. Stanford, 02:54)
  • She emphasizes supporting each patient’s unique journey, not comparing them to others—even within families—and ensuring care feels empowering and individualized.

5. The Lifelong Nature of Obesity Treatment

• Dr. Stanford underscores the chronic, lifelong nature of obesity and her role in ongoing support:
  • “Since they are going to be with me over the life course, because this is a chronic disease, I need to be with them and support them where they are to make sure that they’re getting the best care that they need over the lifespan.” (Dr. Stanford, 04:09)

6. The Insurance Challenge (Brief Mention)

• Chelsea Clinton and Dr. Stanford briefly joke about insurance coverage for these "tools," noting that insurance is a topic deserving its own dedicated episode.
  • “And hopefully that insurance will cover those tools.” (Chelsea Clinton, 04:59)
  • “Oh yes. Well, that’s a different… That’s an entirely different podcast.” (Dr. Stanford, 05:01-05:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "When we lose weight from lifestyle modification, we lose lean mass also." – Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford (00:21)
• “So about one and a half times what you presume would be the level of protein that you would need. We need to emphasize the utilization of protein intake.” – Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford (00:54)
• “People are like, ‘Oh, I did a walk or I did this or I did my jog or I did my bike.’ And I’m like, but where’s the strength training?” – Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford (01:52)
• “I want to meet my patients where they are... My goal wasn’t to compare them to each other, it was to meet them where they were, at the place that they are at that moment in time and recognize that the patient that’s coming after them may be in a very different place.” – Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford (03:10)
• “Since they are going to be with me over the life course, because this is a chronic disease, I need to be with them and support them where they are...” – Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford (04:09)
• “And hopefully that insurance will cover those tools.” – Chelsea Clinton (04:59)
• “That’s an entirely different podcast.” – Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford (05:01)

Key Timestamps

• 00:21: Defining lean mass and its loss during weight reduction
• 00:54: Guidelines for protein intake and diverse protein sources
• 01:52: Importance of strength training, especially with aging
• 02:25: Discussion of wellness movements and scientific consensus
• 02:54: Individualized care and avoiding the competition mentality
• 04:09: Lifelong treatment and support for patients
• 04:59: Insurance mention and comedic outro

Takeaways

• Weight loss—whether through medication or lifestyle—often involves some muscle loss; intentional strength training and increased protein intake are necessary to minimize this effect.
• Recommendations should be tailored; patient journeys are individual, not competitive.
• A supportive, ongoing relationship between patient, family, and provider is crucial for success in treating obesity.
• Strength training and adequate protein are not just “wellness trends”—they are medically important, scientifically supported, and worth prioritizing, especially for those taking GLP-1 medications.