
27. Dr Harriet Treacy: The Truth About Obesity, GLP-1s & Why Willpower Isn’t the Problem
The Wellness ScriptShow Notes
In this episode of The Wellness Script, host & pharmacist Lauren O’Reilly sits down with Dr Harriet Treacy, medical doctor and founder of BeyondBMI, for an honest, evidence-led conversation about obesity, GLP-1 medicines and the future of weight management. After witnessing the downstream effects of unmanaged chronic disease while working in emergency medicine, Harriet became determined to build a better model of obesity care: one that combines medical treatment with nutrition, psychology, health coaching and compassionate long-term support. Harriet explains why obesity is a complex, chronic and relapsing disease, not a failure of willpower, and why the advice to simply “eat less and move more” leaves so many people feeling blamed and defeated. She breaks down weight set point, hunger hormones, why the body can resist weight loss and what can happen when GLP-1 medicines are stopped. Lauren and Harriet also explore the limitations of BMI, the rise of oral GLP-1 treatments, cost and access in Ireland, and why medication should form part of personalised care rather than become another quick fix. This is a nuanced, stigma-free conversation about moving the focus away from weight alone and towards health, quality of life and care that treats the whole person. “Blame, shame and guilt never made anybody weigh less. It never made anybody healthier. It certainly never made anybody happier.” - Dr Harriet Treacy
Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for general information and education only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information discussed may not be appropriate for your individual circumstances. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any medicine or treatment. References to specific medicines or brands do not constitute an endorsement.
Our Sponsor & Exclusive Discount: This episode is brought to you in partnership with Elave Skincare - gentle, fragrance-free skincare developed for sensitive skin, made in Ireland by the Gardiner Family Apothecary. Discover the full range at www.elaveskincare.com and use code WELLNESS for 20% off your order.
🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 🩺 How working in emergency medicine changed Harriet’s view of chronic disease and obesity care 🧠 Why obesity is a complex, chronic and relapsing disease - not simply a matter of willpower ⚖️ The biology of weight set point and why the body can fight attempts to lose weight 🍽️ Why restrictive diets can increase hunger and become difficult to sustain 💉 How GLP-1 medicines work and why medication alone is not a complete treatment plan ⏳ Why obesity medicines may need to be considered as long-term treatment 💊 What new oral GLP-1 options could mean for access, acceptance and inappropriate use 🚫 Why these medicines should not be treated as casual or cosmetic weight-loss tools 💶 The cost of treatment, reimbursement challenges and the wider economic impact of obesity 📏 The limitations of BMI and why weight alone does not tell the full story 🌙 How sleep, sleep apnoea, mental health, life stages and social connection influence health 🤝 The importance of multidisciplinary care involving doctors, dietitians, nurses and health coaches 💬 How weight stigma - including internalised stigma - can stop people seeking support ❤️ Why compassionate, personalised care creates a very different patient experience
Links and resources BeyondBMI — doctor-led, multidisciplinary weight-management care in Ireland Dr Harriet Treacy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drharriettreacy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-harriet-treacy-36580695/ HSE: Obesity overview — information on causes, diagnosis, treatment and support HSE: Medicines used to treat obesity — information on prescription treatments, eligibility and common side effects
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