This week I’m joined by my lovely friend and community member Jenny Costelloe, alongside oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, to talk about something I know so many of you will relate to: weight changes after cancer treatment, the struggle to lose weight during ongoing treatment, and the growing conversation around GLP-1 medications.
But this episode is really about much more than weight.
It’s about what happens when cancer treatment, menopause, joint pain, changes to your body and quality of life all collide – and how we begin to work out what might actually help.
Jenny shares her breast cancer story and talks very honestly about the impact surgical menopause and endocrine therapy have had on her body and her life. At one point, she describes feeling almost physically broken – dealing with weight gained through chemotherapy and treatment, reduced mobility and persistent pain that was making everyday life increasingly difficult.
We also hear from board-certified oncologist Dr Eleonora Teplinsky, who helps us understand the emerging evidence around GLP-1 medications after cancer, what we know and still don’t know, and why conversations about weight, metabolic health, symptoms and being able to stay on cancer treatment really matter.
And I love something Jenny says during our conversation:
“This is just about finding the path that works for you individually.”
I couldn’t agree more.
Episode Highlights:
00:00 Intro
05:35 Navigating menopause during cancer treatment
08:09 Considering GLP-1s and BMI thresholds
12:12 Dr Eleonora Teplinsky’s perspective on menopausal concerns
17:06 Impact of endocrine therapy on weight
17:55 Challenges in weight management and sleep
21:00 Exploring GLP-1s and cancer risk
24:17 Concerns with GLP-1 and lifestyle changes
27:36 Discussing weight loss medication options
32:26 Starting GLP-1s with no side effects
35:43 Reduced alcohol craving on GLP-1
40:17 Struggles with post-treatment life
41:36 Starting strength training journey
44:46 Evaluating cancer treatment effects
You can find Dr Teplinsky here:
https://www.instagram.com/drteplinsky/?hl=en
Dr Teplinsky’s book: Beyond the Pink: Navigating Life, Health, and Breast Cancer
Is here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/beyond-the-pink/eleonora-teplinsky/9781538777145?sv1=affiliate&sv_campaign_id=57434&awc=3787_1787842057_ae304a0903d89dccf48ecd30b2f05367&sn=1&utm_source=57434&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Easyfundraising
And here is the article on GLP1’s Dani mentions in the podcast: https://www.oncnursingnews.com/view/glp-1-receptor-agonists-show-promise-in-asco-2026-research
A note on GLP-1 microdosing: The term microdosing does not currently have a universally accepted scientific definition. It can refer to different approaches to dosing GLP-1 medications, and the evidence supporting these approaches varies. Listeners should not assume that microdosing is an established or clinically recommended practice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to prescribed medication.
