The CenExel Podcast: GLP-1 Treatments and the Psychology of Weight Loss

The emotional and psychological impact of weight loss

Episode Overview

In this episode, we explore a less-discussed but critical aspect of weight loss: its emotional and psychological impact, especially following rapid changes—whether achieved through GLP-1 medications or otherwise. While GLP-1s are celebrated for their physical results, patients can experience unexpected mental health challenges—from grieving the loss of food as comfort, to feeling unrecognizable to loved ones, or facing body dysmorphia as their appearance transforms.

Sara Koeblin, Director of Corporate Marketing at CenExel, leads this discussion with Dr. Marlene Hart, a leading expert in obesity research and GLP-1 therapy at CenExel Tampa.


Tune in to learn:

  • How rapid weight loss can trigger identity shifts and emotional conflict

  • Why patients may experience a type of “mourning for food”

  • Ways to recognize and address body image challenges

  • The importance of supporting mental health through significant transformations

Meet the Expert

Marlene Hart, MD

Dr. Marlene Hart, MD, RD

Principal Investigator, CenExel Tampa

Dr. Marlene Hart is both a medical doctor, board-certified in Obesity Medicine and Psychiatry, and a registered dietitian, uniquely blending clinical expertise with nutrition science to deliver comprehensive care in obesity treatment. At CenExel Tampa, she plays a key role in advancing obesity-focused clinical trials, including pioneering work in GLP-1 research. With her dual training, Dr. Hart offers a rare and valuable perspective on how rapid weight loss affects both the body and the mind. In this episode, she shares her experience guiding patients through the complex emotional landscape that often accompanies dramatic physical transformations.

Why This Matters

Rapid weight loss isn’t just a physical journey—it’s a deeply emotional one, too. Patients, loved ones, and healthcare providers all benefit from recognizing and preparing for the psychological transitions that accompany significant change. This episode sheds light on that journey—and offers guidance on how to walk it with care.