Hormones & Hope with Dr. Chhaya

Statins, Calcium Score & Cholesterol: What You Need to Know About Preventing Heart Disease

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with preventive cardiologist Dr. Sourbha S. Dani to discuss how we can identify and prevent heart disease before it becomes a life-changing event. Together, they break down the screening tests, lab markers, and imaging studies that can help uncover cardiovascular risk years before symptoms develop. From ApoB and Lipoprotein(a) to coronary calcium scores, insulin resistance, statins, and lifestyle interventions, this episode provides a practical roadmap for anyone looking to take a proactive approach to heart health. Dr. Chhaya also shares her perspective as a preventive endocrinologist, highlighting the metabolic factors that often drive cardiovascular disease and why early intervention matters. If you have a family history of heart disease, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, or simply want to optimize your long-term health, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Download the Free Guide 'Your Health on GLP-1' Here: https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2503047/%20https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1] Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ [https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/]https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine [https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine] https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ [https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/]https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd [https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd] https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/] Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com [connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com] Follow Dr. Dani here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sourbhadani/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sourbhadani/] https://physicians.lahey.org/details/4012 [https://physicians.lahey.org/details/4012] Dr. Dani is a non-invasive cardiologist with a special focus on prevention and premature heart disease at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts. He serves as the Program Director for the Cardiovascular Fellowship, Director of Inpatient Cardiac Services, Director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, and Co-Director of the region's first South Asian Metabolic Program. He is also an Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Tufts University. In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Dani is a cardiovascular outcomes and healthcare economics researcher, collaborating with the Smith Center for Outcomes Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and the Center for Cardiovascular Research (CVER) at Tufts University. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon!

From Ethnicity to Lifestyle: Understanding Heart Disease Risk in South East Asians

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with preventive cardiologist Dr. Sourbha Dani to discuss the growing epidemic of premature heart disease in South Asian communities around the world. Dr. Dani explains why many South Asians develop diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease at younger ages, why BMI can be misleading, and why being "healthy on paper" doesn't always tell the full story. He also shares how lifestyle choices can dramatically influence long-term risk—even in individuals with a strong family history of cardiovascular disease. The discussion covers the concept of the "thin-fat phenotype," where individuals may appear lean while carrying excess visceral fat and significant metabolic risk.  Next week, Part 2 dives into advanced testing, cholesterol markers, risk assessment tools, statins, and the evolving role of GLP-1 medications in cardiovascular prevention. If you're interested in optimizing your metabolic health, understanding your cardiovascular risk, or learning how to prevent disease before it starts, this episode is a must-listen. Download the Free Guide 'Your Health on GLP-1' Here: https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2503047/%20https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1] Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ [https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/]https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine [https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine] https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ [https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/]https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd [https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd] https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/] Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com [connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com] Follow Dr. Dani here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sourbhadani/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sourbhadani/] https://physicians.lahey.org/details/4012 [https://physicians.lahey.org/details/4012] Dr. Dani is a non-invasive cardiologist with a special focus on prevention and premature heart disease at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center in Burlington, Massachusetts. He serves as the Program Director for the Cardiovascular Fellowship, Director of Inpatient Cardiac Services, Director of the Adult Congenital Heart Disease Center, and Co-Director of the region's first South Asian Metabolic Program. He is also an Associate Professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Tufts University. In addition to his clinical and academic roles, Dr. Dani is a cardiovascular outcomes and healthcare economics researcher, collaborating with the Smith Center for Outcomes Research at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and the Center for Cardiovascular Research (CVER) at Tufts University. Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon!

Triple Agonists: The Next Big Thing in GLP-1 & Metabolic Medicine?

In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija breaks down one of the most rapidly evolving areas of modern medicine: GLP-1 receptor agonists. With new medications, expanding FDA approvals, and growing conversations about weight loss, diabetes, longevity, and metabolic health, it can be difficult to separate evidence-based science from social media hype. Dr. Makhija explains the differences between semaglutide, tirzepatide, and the highly anticipated triple agonist retatrutide while helping listeners understand what we know today—and what remains under investigation. She also discusses why personalized care matters when prescribing GLP-1 medications, how these therapies may impact long-term health beyond weight loss, and why patients should be cautious about compounded or unapproved versions of emerging drugs. Whether you're currently taking a GLP-1 medication, considering one, or simply curious about the future of metabolic medicine, this episode provides a practical, science-backed overview of where the field stands in 2026. Sign Up for The M3 Masterclass with Dr.  Makhija: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/llQXKQSGRCKVpZBMHoqb2A#/ [https://zoom.us/meeting/register/llQXKQSGRCKVpZBMHoqb2A#/] Download the Free Guide 'Your Health on GLP-1' Here: https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2503047/%20https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1] Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ [https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/]https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine [https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine] https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ [https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/]https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd [https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd] https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/] Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com [connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com] Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon!

Starting GLP-1 Medications: How to Dose, Up-Titrate & Reduce Side Effects of GLP-1

Starting a GLP-1 medication can feel overwhelming, especially with so much misinformation online about dosing, side effects, and “maximum” doses. In this episode, Dr. Chhaya Makhija explains how GLP-1 dose titration actually works and why more medication is not always better. From semaglutide medications like Ozempic and Wegovy to tirzepatide options like Mounjaro and Zepbound, she shares how she approaches dosing with her own patients, what signs she monitors, and why individualized care matters so much in metabolic health. She also discusses body composition, inflammation, side effect management, oral GLP-1 medications, and the importance of ongoing communication with your healthcare provider throughout your journey. Whether you’re considering starting a GLP-1 medication, currently adjusting your dose, or simply trying to better understand how these medications work, this episode offers a realistic approach to metabolic health and weight management. Sign Up for The M3 Masterclass with Dr.  Makhija: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/llQXKQSGRCKVpZBMHoqb2A#/ [https://zoom.us/meeting/register/llQXKQSGRCKVpZBMHoqb2A#/] Download the Free Guide 'Your Health on GLP-1' Here: https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1 [ https://dr-chhaya.myflodesk.com/glp1] Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ [https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/]https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine [https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine] https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ [https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/]https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd [https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd] https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/] Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com [connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com] Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon!

Walking Isn’t Enough: The Best Exercises to Increase Bone Density

In this episode of Hormones and Hope, Dr. Chhaya Makhija sits down with physical therapist and Onero-certified specialist Dr. Robert Pauline to discuss one of the most common concerns among women and aging adults: low bone density. From osteopenia and osteoporosis to muscle loss, falls, fractures, and strength training, this episode dives deep into how evidence-based resistance training can help improve strength, balance, confidence, and even bone density.  Dr. Robert shares insights from the groundbreaking LIFTMOR trial, explains why walking alone is not enough to protect your bones, and discusses how properly supervised strength training can completely change the trajectory of aging. You’ll also hear practical advice on how to safely begin lifting weights, why balance and foot stability matter more than people realize, and how younger generations are already showing signs of poor bone health due to lifestyle habits, low-calorie diets, and inactivity. Whether you’re in your 30s, 50s, or beyond, this episode offers practical insight into how movement, resistance training, nutrition, and consistency can support lifelong bone health. Sign Up for The M3 Masterclass with Dr.  Makhija: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/llQXKQSGRCKVpZBMHoqb2A#/registration [https://zoom.us/meeting/register/llQXKQSGRCKVpZBMHoqb2A#/registration] Follow Dr. Chhaya Makhija here: https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/ [https://www.instagram.com/chhayamakhijamd/]https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine [https://www.facebook.com/unifiedendocrine] https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/ [https://unifiedendocrinecare.com/]https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd [https://www.youtube.com/@chhayamakhijamd] https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chhayamakhijamd/] Email: connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com [connect@unifiedendocrinecare.com] Download Free Guides/ Resources here: https://linktr.ee/chhayamakhijamd [https://linktr.ee/chhayamakhijamd] Follow Dr. Robert Pauline here: https://robbypauline.com/ [https://robbypauline.com/] https://www.facebook.com/RobbyPT [https://www.facebook.com/RobbyPT] https://www.instagram.com/rpaulinept/ [https://www.instagram.com/rpaulinept/] LIFTMOR Trial  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28975661/ [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28975661/] Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell icon!