Episode 372: PCOS Made Practical, Body Recomp Basics, and the Wild West of Peptides (w/ Dr. Ashley Dwyer) — Flex Diet Podcast

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Dwyer, a PharmD-turned nutrition and fitness coach, to cover a wide range of topics, with a strong focus on PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), a metabolic condition that affects fertility, cycles, and systemic health.

We dig into practical lifestyle strategies for insulin-resistant PCOS, including balanced meals, protein and fiber, blood sugar management, movement, and stress reduction, plus why long-term keto often isn’t a great fit. We also discuss GLP-1 medications, including concerns about HRV and resting heart rate, and why foundations and coaching matter when someone uses them.

Finally, we discuss the current “wild west” of peptides, the lack of human data, dosing and purity issues, and the importance of transparency, consistency, and identity-based behavior change for body composition and long-term health.

Sponsors:

Flex4: Dr Ashley Dwyer's top 4 things for women to improve body composition: https://miketnelson.com/flex4
Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8

Check out:

Real Coaches Summit 2026: https://realcoachessummit.com

Available now:

Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.

Episode Chapters:

05:02 Meet Dr Ashley
06:16 PCOS Explained
09:37 PCOS Nutrition Basics
11:31 Keto And Thyroid
15:21 Stress And Cardio
18:27 GLP1 Heart Effects
22:21 Maintenance And Habits
30:27 Identity And Mindset
32:56 Identity Reps and Habits
33:25 Daily Affirmations and Reminders
34:23 Taming Negative Self Talk
36:24 Peptides Hype and Risks
38:18 Anecdotes Dosing and Quality
42:38 Influencers Quick Fixes Foundations
43:56 Research Funding and Regulation
47:40 Transparency Natty vs Enhanced
49:55 Coaching Clients on Supplements
56:20 Outro Summit and Disclaimers

Flex Diet Podcasts you may enjoy:

Episode 359: Debunking Women’s Fitness Myths with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AG_iahp6t40
Episode 292: Expert Insights on Pelvic Floor Health, Stress Management & Functional Technique with Dr Catrina Fabian
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3V3tCse-IA

Connect with Dr Dwyer:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.dwyer

Get In Touch with Dr Mike:

Get the Daily Fitness Insider newsletter (free): https://www.miketnelson.com/newsletter