Dr. Gary Pepper welcomes Julie Ruelle, RDN a representative of GoCoCo, a company developing cutting-edge tools to help people eat smarter. Their discussion centers on a rapidly escalating health hazard: ultra-processed food. From the dangers they pose to their pervasiveness in the modern diet, Julie and Dr. Pepper explore how GoCoCo’s AI-powered food scanner app can help consumers detect and avoid these dietary minefields.
Julie shares alarming statistics—unhealthy eating now causes more deaths annually than smoking. Despite widespread consumption, most people underestimate their intake of ultra-processed foods because of confusion around what qualifies. Using GoCoCo’s app, users can scan packaged foods or use the app to scan their meals to receive a "health score" and ultra-processed rating. The app doesn't stop there—it also tracks your habits, offers healthier alternatives, and provides personalized progress reports.
A live demonstration shows how the app analyzes meals instantly, recognizing ingredients, scoring nutritional quality, and suggesting improvements. With both free and premium features, GoCoCo empowers users to make better decisions in real time and build healthier habits over weeks and months.
This episode is an eye-opener for anyone trying to eat healthier, especially those struggling with misleading food marketing. Whether you're a parent, patient, or health-conscious consumer, this podcast delivers actionable solutions.

Listeners are offered 1 year free of the premium version of the GoCoCo app using the code DRPEPPER. This offer is made through the app owner COCO POSITIVO SL. All communications regarding the app should be made to gabriel@gococo.app

Apple: IOS users can obtain the free Premium version of the GoCoCo app from the Apple App Store using this link which already includes the exclusive DRPEPPER code: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=1446005742&code=DRPEPPER. The link provides the premium version for 1 year and can be cancelled at any time.

Android: Android users can download the GoCoCo app at the Google Play Store and by entering the code DRPEPPER when prompted, will receive 3 months of the Premium Version for free. The code can be used 4 times to provide a whole year of free Premium service.

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.

Can the Microbiome Replace Ozempic? Two Experts Weigh In on a Radical Theory
with Dr. Gary Pepper & Mary Gocke, RDN, CDN, CHT

Are we overlooking the natural power of the gut microbiome in managing weight and metabolism?

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Gary Pepper — a seasoned endocrinologist — teams up with renowned nutritionist and functional medicine expert Mary Gocke to explore whether the body’s own microbiome might one day rival pharmaceutical GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. From nutritional strategies to protect muscle and bone during weight loss, to the role of akkermansia and polyphenols in boosting natural GLP-1 production, this discussion offers a radically fresh perspective on sustainable metabolic health.

Topics covered in this episode include:

What GLP-1 medications like Ozempic actually do — and what they don’t

Why weight loss can lead to malnutrition, muscle loss, and even bone density decline

How the gut microbiome — especially Akkermansia muciniphila — may support natural GLP-1 production

The critical importance of dietary fiber, polyphenols, and prebiotics in metabolic health

How protein needs shift during rapid weight loss and how to calculate your target intake

Early evidence for and against the long-term use of GLP-1 drugs

The promising but controversial concept of microdosing and tapering off GLP-1s

Simple strategies to protect your body from the side effects of medical weight loss

Why resistant starches (like cooled potatoes and rice) might actually help your microbiome

The silent risk of osteoporosis from poorly managed weight loss

Whether you're currently on a GLP-1 medication, considering one, or exploring natural alternatives, this candid and science-based conversation will equip you with insights not found in mainstream media.

👉 Visit semagludiet.com to try the free Protein Intake Calculator tailored to your age, weight, activity level, and dietary needs.

📌 This podcast is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your medical or nutritional plan.

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.

Join Dr. Gary Pepper, noted endocrinologist as he explains the need for nutrient dense meals during weight loss and introduces you to the new, completely free high protein meal planner which can be found at semagludiet.com. Topics included in this episode:

🥗 Creating a High-Protein, Nutrient-Dense Meal Plan: How to automatically generate a week’s worth of easy-to-follow meals tailored to your needs.

🥣 Examples of Delicious, High-Protein Meals: Sneak peek at the kinds of satisfying, nutritious meals included in the free meal planner. Snack with protein powered smoothies using Wellious powder.

🛡️ Avoiding Malnutrition and Nutrient Deficiencies: Why it's critical to be strategic — and how a smart meal plan can save your health.

💻 How to Access Free Personalized Tools at semagludiet.com: Find out how to use powerful, free resources designed to support safe, sustainable weight loss.

📬 Need Help? Where to Get Personalized Support: Information on how to reach out for additional guidance and resources after the episode.

The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for healthcare provided to you personally by a qualified professional.

Gary Pepper, M.D., an associate professor at a prominent medical school and endocrinologist with 40 years of experience, brings clarity to numerous topics within the field of metabolic health. His view points are unhindered by corporate interests, unlike many other current "thought leaders" in medicine. Dr. Pepper, a dedicated educator, established his homebase website www.metabolism.com in 1996 and has blogged on important topics since then. Not one to be left behind by technology he began podcasting in 2020 with the onset of the pandemic and continues publishing vlogs on YouTube at his channel metabolism123. So whatever your choice in media, you will be gaining fresh insights by tuning in to his opinionated shows or reading his blogs on critical health topics.