You’ve tried it all—clean eating, cutting carbs, logging hours at the gym…
And still, you’re left wondering: “Why can’t I figure this out?”
You’re smart. Disciplined. Accomplished.
And yet the hunger, the fatigue, the scale that won’t budge—it’s enough to make you question everything.
In this episode, I’m sitting down with Dr. Christle Guevarra—physician, chemistry whiz, and fitness insider—for a no-BS conversation on GLP-1 medications, sustainable fat loss, and what’s really missing in the weight loss conversation (spoiler: it’s not willpower).
We’re unpacking the personal and professional truth behind what these meds do, who they’re actually for, and how the current quick-fix culture is setting people up to fail—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
If you’ve tried meds like Ozempic or thought about it, feel stuck despite “doing everything right,” or you’re exhausted by diets, hunger, and mixed advice—this episode is for you. It’s time for a plan that works with your life, not against it.
Here’s what we cover:
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What GLP-1 medications do in your body (in simple, non-robotic terms)
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Why so many doctors are prescribing them without any lifestyle support
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The connection between hunger, hormone shifts, and your metabolism
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The silent side effects: muscle loss, mindset traps, and why “feeling full” isn’t enough
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How to know if you’re a good candidate, or if something deeper needs to be addressed
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Why emotional support and mental health care are non-negotiables on any fat loss journey
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And how to stop outsourcing your confidence to a number on the scale (or a prescription)
Whether you're on medication, considering it, or simply trying to understand how to fuel your body and feel better again, this episode is your roadmap.
It’s science. It’s heart. It’s everything the highlight reels don’t show.
And most importantly, it’s a reminder that your body deserves support, not shame.
You’re not broken. You’ve just been sold solutions that skip the hard part, your humanity. – Nathalia
Let’s go.
Connect with me on Instagram (@nathaliamelofit) and learn more about how the Powerhouse Academy helps women build lasting, feel-good routines without burning out, starting over, or chasing trends that leave you feeling emptier than before.
Mentioned Links/Resources
Connect with Dr. Guevara
Connect with Nathalia
Apply for the Powerhouse Academy
Get my favorite pre-workout HERE
More about the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast
Ever wish you had a fit and straightforward BFF with over 15 years of experience to help you filter through all the information regarding fitness, nutrition, and life?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you listen to the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
Join Former Bikini Olympia Champion, mom of 2, and fitness coach Nathalia Melo each week as she shares fitness, nutrition, and life tips to help busy working moms simplify their fitness journey so they can learn easy and simple strategies on how to lose weight and feel sexy AF.
After helping over 5000 busy working moms, Nathalia has found the blueprint to fitness, nutrition, and life success, which she will be sharing in this podcast: actionable tips that will help busy working moms be more present at work and at home.
This show is for you if you realize that nothing good comes from your comfort zone and are ready to challenge yourself to achieve great things. Follow Unfiltered Fit Life wherever you are listening to join us each week for a splash of sass, humor, and a whole lotta truth.
The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
Dr. Christle Guevarra’s Journey: From Chemistry to Physician & Sports Medicine
Nathalia [00:00:00]
Nathalia introduces Dr. Christle Guevarra, highlighting her role as a Powerhouse Summit speaker and invites her to share her unique career path. Dr. Christle Guevarra discusses growing up in California, overcoming a challenging high school experience, nearly failing to graduate, and her awakening during college when she decided to commit to education. She then details her transition from struggling undergrad student to excelling in chemistry, her unhealthy habits developed along the way, and how these experiences influenced her shift to medicine and ultimately to sports medicine.
Academic Success vs. Real-Life Health Struggles
Nathalia [00:07:16]
Despite excelling academically, Dr. Christle Guevarra admits she did not understand proper nutrition or health—an issue compounded even as she became a physician. Both she and Nathalia critique the lack of nutrition education in medical school and discuss common misconceptions in the medical and fitness communities around diet, protein sources, and the basics of energy balance.
Why Doctors and Coaches Clash on Nutrition Advice
Nathalia [00:11:54]
Dr. Christle Guevarra discusses frustrations with how physicians prescribe medications like GLP-1 agonists (e.g., Ozempic, Mounjaro) with little lifestyle guidance. Nathalia and Dr. Christle Guevarra agree many clinicians aren’t prepared to tackle lifestyle change, often prescribing quick fixes without foundational support, leading to patient confusion and negative outcomes.
GLP-1 Agonists Explained: What They Are & How They Work
Nathalia [00:18:27]
Dr. Christle Guevarra breaks down GLP-1s in plain English: how they regulate insulin, slow digestion, and influence appetite—a process short-circuited in the native hormone but prolonged with medication. She compares GLP-1s to older appetite suppressants like phentermine and explains why GLP-1 agonists feel uniquely effective for those with relentless hunger.
Debunking the Quick Fix: Risks of GLP-1 Misuse & Why Lifestyle Still Matters
Nathalia [00:24:18]
Dr. Christle Guevarra and Nathalia discuss the surge in GLP-1 prescriptions—even among those who don’t need them. They highlight the dangers of overusing, underfueling, and bypassing foundational calorie and nutrition education. Dr. Christle Guevarra stresses the need for real, individualized guidance, regular lifestyle check-ins, and the integration of behavior change, especially to prevent issues like excessive weight loss, hair loss, metabolic slowdowns, and loss of muscle mass (especially in perimenopausal women).
Who Really Benefits from GLP-1s? Candidacy, Ethics, and the Lifestyle Equation
Nathalia [00:41:06]
The show explores who should—and shouldn’t—be prescribed GLP-1 agonists. Dr. Christle Guevarra outlines FDA guidelines (BMI-based), but emphasizes the need to examine medical history, failed diets, true hunger vs. emotional eating, and intent. They discuss ethical prescription practices, mental health, and how GLP-1s must be paired with lifestyle and mental health support for long-term results.
Long-Term Safety and New Research on GLP-1s
Nathalia [00:37:52]
Dr. Christle Guevarra reviews the state of long-term research on GLP-1s, addressing safety, side effects (including the debated cancer risk), and emerging benefits in areas like fatty liver disease, cardiovascular health, and even addiction. She cautions that, while safe for most, these drugs still require a nuanced risk-benefit assessment—not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Fat Loss, Body Positivity & Plastic Surgery: Real Talk on Why Honesty Matters
Nathalia [00:51:43]
Dr. Christle Guevarra and Nathalia delve into the societal discomfort talking about fat loss, the overlap with self-image, and the need to normalize wanting to improve appearance alongside health. They touch on Dr. Christle Guevarra’s choice to get plastic surgery after careful, sustainable changes, and how these decisions—like weight loss—deserve support rather than shame.
Where to Learn More: Connect with Dr. Christle Guevarra
Nathalia [01:02:50]
Dr. Christle Guevarra invites listeners to connect with her on Instagram (@dr.Christle Guevarra), and Nathalia promises all links will be in the show notes. They wrap with thanks and excitement for Dr. Christle Guevarra’s upcoming talk at the Powerhouse Summit, which will dive deeper into GLP-1s and practical, science-based weight loss.
