Review of 'Weightless' by Dr Rocio Salas-Whalen

Review of 'Weightless' by Dr Rocio Salas-Whalen

Release date: December 30th, 2025

Publisher: Rodale Books

🌻

REVIEW

The subtitle describes this book exactly: A Doctor’s Guide to GLP-1 Medications, Sustainable Weight Loss, and the Health You Deserve. She discusses the various weight loss medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound and their effects on the body and how used properly can be life savers for those who desperately need them. But not without proper guidance, care and maintenance. Which is what she offers in this information packed book.

Although I have read a number of health books due to a strong interest in self-care, I don’t usually choose to review them. This one, though, caught my attention on Netgalley as there has been a fair bit of discussion about weight loss medications. And although I have no experience with them personally, I do know people who do and thought if this was a good book I could recommend it to them. Little did I realise how much this manual covers and how fascinating I would find its contents.

Weightless begins with an interesting Forward from a colleague who cracks open the truth about obesity: that it has been misunderstood and mistreated. She states that ‘Weightless reframes obesity as the chronic, complex condition it truly is—not a willpower problem but a medical one.’

Author Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen then begins with an Introduction that is very humbling and powerful by issuing first an apology on behalf of the medical community ‘to anyone who has struggled with weight’. To see such accountability is inspiring. For years patients have been sent home with ‘oversimplified advice’. Drs treated the symptoms (often unsuccessfully) without treating the disease. They ‘did not fully understand it as a medical condition’. But today weight management is seen in a new and positive light thanks to ‘increased aid, research and treatment.’ Although this is great news, the rapid adoption of new drug therapies are being administered without proper training and advice. As Dr Rocio Salas-Whalen states ‘although GLP-1s are revolutionary, they’re just one piece of the complex puzzle.’ She wrote this book to put all the factors together so it works. It includes nutritional and mental health support, too. This comprehensive health journey provides a firm foundation and redefines obesity from being a personal failing or defining trait— to confirming the medical condition it is. And to remove the blame and stigma attached to it in the past.

The book is then broken into Part I, II and III.

Part I - The Road Ahead: Rethinking obesity, Enter GLP-1, Are GLP-1’s Right for you. The Road Starts here. (Within these sections are honest discussions, evaluations and how to find the right provider to assist you on your journey.)

Part II – Your Life Changing Journey Begins: Your GLP-1 Journey and what to expect, Staying on Course: Your GPS for progress, Titration and Troubleshooting

Part III: Life After GLP-1s: Maintaining your weight: strategies for Sustained Success, After the Transformation: Facing Yourself and the World.

This powerful and informative guide delivers the information to patients and their friends and families in a very readable form. Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen explains the history, misinformation, terminology and how these drugs work and what tools you need to be successful in their use. There are food Cheat Sheets, appointment Checklists and a wealth of excellent advice to those who could really appreciate it. I found that although the guide expands our knowledge of the treatment of weight issues, it covers so much more. Why is obesity a bigger problem today than in the past? The obvious reasons such as less physical activity and more processed foods to consume are mentioned. But also how our radically altered environment has affected us, too. As a result, there have been some subtle changes in our body chemistry. Chemicals in and on foods and those genetically modified surely have added fuel to the fires of destruction. And even when the body manages at some level to adapt or deal with all these negative things, there are still consequences. One area that I found fascinating is how our ancestors’ living conditions changed their DNA. This in turn has been passed down to us in the current age. I actually never thought extensively before about this aspect of our make-up but it certainly makes sense. Those who lived through various famines and the Great Depression, etc. were not only affected psychologically but also at deep physiological levels which we have reaped today. As distressing as that can be, the wonder of it all is how our bodies have tried to adapt and continue to do so if given proper tools. Proper nutrition, vitamins, exercise and appropriate medicines can assist with the healing process. Yes, the extent of the long term damage must be noted but it is encouraging to know people still stand a fighting chance.

It is obvious from reading this book that Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen MD board-certified endocrinologist, obesity medicine specialist, is passionate about helping those who need it. ‘Weightless’ definitely provides a bounty of ‘science, clarity and confidence’ to explore weight loss options. I totally recommend this eye-opening, compassionate and empowering guidebook to doctors and patients (current and upcoming) alike. It certainly delivers an uplifting and positive path to wellness and will surely help those who need answers and guidance. 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thanks to Rodale Books and Netgalley for a review copy.