Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Could a ketogenic diet and low-dose GLP-1 medications work better together? A new case series suggests they might, while highlighting a more personalized approach to metabolic health.
GLP-1 medications have transformed obesity treatment, but they aren't the only tool available. In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with physician assistant Bill Jensen about a newly published case series exploring the combination of a ketogenic diet and low-dose semaglutide. Together, they discuss how this approach may help preserve lean mass, improve insulin resistance, reduce side effects, and empower patients to take an active role in their health.
In this video:
- Why low-dose GLP-1s may complement a ketogenic diet
- The importance of preserving muscle during weight loss
- Which patients may benefit most from this approach
- Why this case series is hypothesis-generating, not definitive
- How lifestyle and medication can work together to improve metabolic health
This conversation examines how a more personalized approach to care could improve long-term health outcomes. Rather than asking whether medication or lifestyle is "better," it explores how combining the right tools for the right person may help improve body composition, support metabolic health, and empower patients to play an active role in their care.
š” Not all ketogenic diets are the same. If youāre interested in learning more about what a well-formulated ketogenic diet looks like, check out our blog: metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/well-formulated-ketogenic-diet
šĀ Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.
#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #GLP1
*Expert Featured:*
Bill Jenson PA-C, MMS
- summitfamilyhealth.org/dr-jensen
- linkedin.com/in/william-jensen-45027053
- instagram.com/summitmetabolichealth
*Resources Mentioned*
*Personalized Combination of a Ketogenic Diet and Low-Dose Semaglutide for Cardiometabolic Health: A Retrospective Case Series*
- doi.org/10.3390/jpm16060313
*Free CME Clinician Trainings:*
Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.
Our courses have been made *FREE* by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:
metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt
Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.
Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at metabolicmind.org
*About us:*
Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.
Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
*Timestamps:*
0:00 - Introduction: Can Low-Dose GLP-1 Medications & a Ketogenic Diet Work Better Together?
1:45 - Why Medicine Should Empower Healthy Choices, Not Replace Them
4:10 - The Research: Low-Dose Semaglutide Combined with a Ketogenic Diet
7:50 - Can You Lose Fat Without Losing Muscle? Rethinking Weight Loss & Body Composition
10:20 - Why Lower-Dose GLP-1 Medications May Reduce Side Effects & Preserve Muscle Mass
12:15 - Food Noise, Carb Cravings & How GLP-1 Medications Can Support Lasting Behavior Change
15:40 - Why Coaching, Nutrition & Accountability Matter More Than Medication Alone
18:38 - GLP-1 Medications, Keto & Cardiometabolic Health: Changes in Insulin, Triglycerides & HDL
22:03 - Who Benefits Most from Combining a Ketogenic Diet with Low-Dose GLP-1 Therapy?
23:20 - The Future of Personalized Weight Loss: Matching Treatments to Metabolic Health
25:00 - Key Takeaways: Using GLP-1 Medications & Ketogenic Therapy to Improve Long-Term Health
Could a ketogenic diet and low-dose GLP-1 medications work better together? A new case series suggests they might, while highlighting a more personalized approach to metabolic health.
GLP-1 medications have transformed obesity treatment, but they aren't the only tool available. In this interview, Dr. Bret Scher speaks with physician assistant Bill Jensen about a newly published case series exploring the combination of a ketogenic diet and low-dose semaglutide. Together, they discuss how this approach may help preserve lean mass, improve insulin resistance, reduce side effects, and empower patients to take an active role in their health.
In this video:
- Why low-dose GLP-1s may complement a ketogenic diet
- The importance of preserving muscle during weight loss
- Which patients may benefit most from this approach
- Why this case series is hypothesis-generating, not definitive
- How lifestyle and medication can work together to improve metabolic health
This conversation examines how a more personalized approach to care could improve long-term health outcomes. Rather than asking whether medication or lifestyle is "better," it explores how combining the right tools for the right person may help improve body composition, support metabolic health, and empower patients to play an active role in their care.
š” Not all ketogenic diets are the same. If youāre interested in learning more about what a well-formulated ketogenic diet looks like, check out our blog: metabolicmind.org/resources/library/blog/perspectives-in-metabolic-psychiatry/well-formulated-ketogenic-diet
šĀ Have questions about how to apply metabolic therapies effectively? Submit them at metabolicmind.org/questions to be featured in a future Metabolic Mailbag episode.
#MetabolicMind #KetogenicTherapy #GLP1
*Expert Featured:*
Bill Jenson PA-C, MMS
- summitfamilyhealth.org/dr-jensen
- linkedin.com/in/william-jensen-45027053
- instagram.com/summitmetabolichealth
*Resources Mentioned*
*Personalized Combination of a Ketogenic Diet and Low-Dose Semaglutide for Cardiometabolic Health: A Retrospective Case Series*
- doi.org/10.3390/jpm16060313
*Free CME Clinician Trainings:*
Are you a clinician who would like to learn more about the science behind these therapies and how to implement them in practice? Earn CME with our growing library of courses from some of the top experts in the field including Dr. Chris Palmer, Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Matthew Bernstein, Dr. Mariela Glandt, Dr. Deanna Kelly, Dr. Julie Milder, Dr. Zoltan Sarnyai, and Dr. Bret Scher with more coming soon.
Our courses have been made *FREE* by grants from Baszucki Group, so we can spread these powerful therapies as widely as possible. Earn CME/CNE credits:
metabolicmind.org/for-clinicians/trainings-courses/?utm_medium=organic-social&utm_source=youtube&utm_campaign=cme-yt
Follow our channel for more information and education from Bret Scher, MD, FACC, including interviews with leading experts in Metabolic Psychiatry.
Learn more about metabolic psychiatry and find helpful resources at metabolicmind.org
*About us:*
Metabolic Mind is a non-profit initiative of Baszucki Group working to transform the study and treatment of mental disorders by exploring the connection between metabolism and brain health. We leverage the science of metabolic psychiatry and personal stories to offer education, community, and hope to people struggling with mental health challenges and those who care for them.
Our channel is for informational purposes only. We are not providing individual or group medical or healthcare advice nor establishing a provider-patient relationship. Many of the interventions we discuss can have dramatic or potentially dangerous effects if done without proper supervision. Consult your healthcare provider before changing your lifestyle or medications.
*Timestamps:*
0:00 - Introduction: Can Low-Dose GLP-1 Medications & a Ketogenic Diet Work Better Together?
1:45 - Why Medicine Should Empower Healthy Choices, Not Replace Them
4:10 - The Research: Low-Dose Semaglutide Combined with a Ketogenic Diet
7:50 - Can You Lose Fat Without Losing Muscle? Rethinking Weight Loss & Body Composition
10:20 - Why Lower-Dose GLP-1 Medications May Reduce Side Effects & Preserve Muscle Mass
12:15 - Food Noise, Carb Cravings & How GLP-1 Medications Can Support Lasting Behavior Change
15:40 - Why Coaching, Nutrition & Accountability Matter More Than Medication Alone
18:38 - GLP-1 Medications, Keto & Cardiometabolic Health: Changes in Insulin, Triglycerides & HDL
22:03 - Who Benefits Most from Combining a Ketogenic Diet with Low-Dose GLP-1 Therapy?
23:20 - The Future of Personalized Weight Loss: Matching Treatments to Metabolic Health
25:00 - Key Takeaways: Using GLP-1 Medications & Ketogenic Therapy to Improve Long-Term Health
