Dr. Alexandra Sowa and the Ozempic Revolution
For many, weight management isn’t just a goal—it’s a lifelong challenge influenced by genetics, environment, and culture.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Alexandra Sowa, a dual board-certified physician in internal and obesity medicine. As the founder of SoWell, she’s committed to helping people achieve sustainable weight management, particularly those using GLP-1 medications. Together, we dive into the bigger picture—how medication, nutrition, and strength training all work together for long-term health.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Sowa is the author of The Ozempic Revolution, a comprehensive user guide to GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. In the book, she breaks down how these medications work, their potential side effects, and how they fit into a larger, sustainable weight management plan.
With her background in public health and a medical degree from NYU, Dr. Sowa combines scientific knowledge with a compassionate approach to help patients achieve long-term health goals.
Keep reading to discover more about how these medications are changing the conversation around obesity treatment.
More Than a Prescription
Managing weight isn’t just about taking medication—it’s about a full-picture approach to health. While anti-obesity meds can be game-changers, they’re not a magic fix. Real, lasting weight loss comes from building solid habits, understanding emotional connections to food, and recognizing that obesity is a long-term condition that needs ongoing care.
Nutrition and exercise are key players in the process. Learning how to eat more whole foods and focusing on strength training can make a huge difference. Muscles aren’t just for looks—they’re essential for longevity. Shifting the focus from just losing weight to getting stronger helps create a healthier, more balanced approach.
Doctor visits often don’t allow enough time to cover everything, which is why extra resources like books and educational materials are so helpful. Having information you can revisit makes it easier to absorb and apply new habits over time.
At the end of the day, real success in weight management comes from a mix of medication, lifestyle changes, and continuous learning. When habits, nutrition, and movement all come together, the goal isn’t just to be thinner—it’s to be healthier and stronger for the long run.
Why Your "Why" Matters in Long-Term Weight Management
When starting a weight loss journey, finding the right motivation is key. Many people begin with a goal rooted in vanity—wanting to look better in a swimsuit or fit into a smaller size. But that kind of motivation rarely lasts. Real, lasting change comes from deeper, health-driven reasons. In fact, it’s best to choose only one vanity-based reason, while the rest should be tied to overall well-being.
Health-focused motivations are powerful, but there’s a catch—once people improve their health, they sometimes forget why they started. This is where ongoing reflection becomes crucial. Weight management isn’t just about reaching a goal; it’s about maintaining the habits that got you there. Even with medications like GLP-1s that help keep weight off, the mental work never stops. It’s easy to lose sight of how far you’ve come unless you take time to revisit your progress.
A patient once told me about their recent vacation, where they played pickleball and went hiking—things they never imagined doing before. When I reminded them of their original goal—to climb subway steps without getting winded—it was a powerful moment. They had come so far that they almost forgot why they started. Reflecting on that progress brought them clarity, reinforcing that their journey wasn’t just necessary; it was life-changing.
This is why it’s important to regularly reassess personal motivations. Weight loss isn’t just about numbers on a scale—it’s about gaining strength, energy, and confidence. Revisiting the "why" can reignite the commitment to lifelong health, ensuring that progress isn’t just achieved but sustained.
GLP-1s and the Fight Against Diet Culture
GLP-1 medications are shaking up the conversation around weight loss, and in many ways, they’re dismantling the harmful cycle of diet culture. For decades, yo-yo dieting has trapped people in a frustrating loop of losing and regaining weight, often leaving them feeling defeated. But these medications offer something different—a sustainable approach that provides people with the ability to manage their health without relying on restrictive, short-term fixes.
Despite this, the conversation around GLP-1s is still stuck in outdated weight loss narratives. Even when framed as an anti-diet approach, these medications often get categorized under traditional weight loss solutions, reinforcing the very cycle they aim to break. Many still believe that weight loss must be a temporary effort, failing to recognize that obesity is a chronic condition requiring long-term management. This mindset makes it difficult for people to accept that GLP-1s aren’t just another diet—they’re a medical tool designed to support lifelong health.
The challenge lies in shifting public perception. Society is quick to place weight loss into neat, temporary categories—whether it’s shedding a few holiday pounds or bouncing back after pregnancy. But for those living with obesity, the struggle is ongoing. Medications like GLP-1s, much like bariatric surgery, aren’t quick fixes; they’re tools that require continued effort, including proper nutrition and movement. Understanding fat as a complex organ that impacts hormones, metabolism, and overall health is key to moving past the idea that weight management is purely about willpower.
Reframing the conversation starts with education and a shift in focus. Rather than seeing GLP-1s as another diet tool, they should be viewed as part of a broader strategy for health, longevity, and disease prevention. If it takes tapping into the biohacking trend to change perspectives, so be it. What matters most is ensuring the discussion remains grounded in science, helping people see these medications not as a temporary fix, but as a long-term solution for real, sustainable health.
Inside The Ozempic Revolution
Dr. Sowa’s book, The Ozempic Revolution, breaks down the science of GLP-1 medications in a way that’s easy to understand while offering a practical approach to weight loss. Drawing from years of experience, she shares a proven framework that helps readers navigate the ins and outs of these medications and how they fit into the bigger picture of health. The book tackles some of the most common questions—Are GLP-1s safe? Do they have long-term side effects? Will they need to be taken forever?—giving thoughtful, well-rounded answers that help readers feel more informed and confident in their choices.
But what really makes this book stand out is its holistic approach. It’s not just about the science behind the meds—it’s about the habits, food choices, and mindset shifts that play a huge role in weight loss. Dr. Sowa walks readers through building sustainable habits, making smarter food decisions, and changing the way they think about weight. It’s packed with practical tips on exercise, nutrition, and the mental side of the journey, making it feel like a supportive guide rather than just another weight loss book.
Readers have called it an “informative, warm hug,” and it’s easy to see why. Whether someone is already on GLP-1s, just curious about them, or still weighing their options, this book cuts through all the noise and misinformation to provide clear, science-backed insights.
With more and more people turning to GLP-1 medications, The Ozempic Revolution is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand how they fit into a long-term weight loss plan. It’s not just for patients—it’s a helpful resource for clinicians too, offering a science-based, compassionate perspective on obesity and weight management. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your understanding, this book lays out a clear, confident path forward.
Specialized Supplements and Support for GLP-1 Users
Dr. Sowa saw a gap in the market for GLP-1 users who needed better nutritional support—so she created SoWell. As a physician, she noticed that many of her patients struggled with side effects from their medications and needed essentials like fiber, electrolytes, protein, and key nutrients to feel their best. Since nothing out there fully met these needs, she developed SoWell—the first supplement line designed specifically for GLP-1 users.
Launched in August, SoWell took off fast and is now available in retail stores. The focus? Gut health, high-quality ingredients, and great taste—all in convenient, easy-to-use products. Plus, as a woman-owned business, it’s quickly built trust among users looking for real solutions.
The Future of GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications are gaining attention for their potential beyond weight loss, with growing interest in their effects on brain health and longevity. Research is gradually uncovering new uses for these drugs, and in the next 10 years, there could be additional indications for their use.
However, it’s important to be cautious as these medications become more widely discussed. There’s a risk of misuse, particularly among younger generations, where the focus may shift from health benefits to chasing thinness. It's essential to ensure these medications are used appropriately and prescribed to those who truly benefit.
As more products claim to boost GLP-1 levels, consumers should be cautious. Just like the keto and paleo trends, products marketed as “GLP-1 friendly” may not always live up to the hype or maintain quality standards.
Overall, while the future of GLP-1s is promising, it’s crucial to stay informed and make sure they’re used responsibly.
Dr. Alexandra Sowa shares what GLP-1 users really need—beyond just the medication. From nutrition and strength training to breaking free from diet culture, this conversation gets into the details that often go overlooked. Listen to the full episode now!
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