Episode 2: A Safer Path to GLP-1s

Beyond prescriptions: A primary care-led path to long-term weight loss

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Episode Description:

GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, have seen a surge in popularity for weight loss, but behind the hype lies a growing concern: are we trading safety for convenience? With more and more programs offering prescriptions without proper evaluation or follow-up, many patients are left navigating powerful medications on their own.

In this episode, we dig into what GLP-1s are, why they work, and what’s being missed in today’s one-size-fits-all approach. Host and Vitable CEO Joe Kitonga is joined by Dr. Kate Baron and Dr. Michael Ash Shaub of Vitable Health to talk about the risks of low-touch prescribing, the importance of primary care oversight, and how long-term success depends on more than just a shot.

We cover:

💉 How GLP-1s work and why they’re so effective for weight loss

⚠️ The dangers of unsupervised use—from thyroid risk to nutritional deficiencies

🧠 Why behavioral support and lifestyle changes matter just as much as medication

🏥 The role of primary care in creating safer, more sustainable outcomes

📉 What happens when patients stop GLP-1s without a plan—and how to avoid it

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About our guests:

Dr. Kate Baron is Head of Medical at Vitable Health, where she oversees medical operations, ensures clinical excellence, and drives innovation in virtual care delivery. As a Board Certified Family Physician with experience scaling early-stage digital health companies, Dr. Baron’s work centers on expanding access to primary care, improving chronic disease management, and delivering patient-centered, high-quality care.

Dr. Michael Ash Shaub is the Chief Clinical Officer at Vitable Health, where he oversees clinical strategy and clinical operations. With a background in both medicine and business, he’s passionate about building care models that improve access, outcomes, and the patient experience, especially for working adults often left behind by traditional healthcare.

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