Willpower, Identity Shifts & Maintaining Permanent Weight Loss with Susan Pierce Thompson, Ph.D.
Willpower, Identity Shifts & Maintaining Permanent Weight Loss with Susan Pierce Thompson, Ph.D.  
Podcast: Silver Disobedience® Perception Dynamics with Dian Griesel: How People Think, Lead and Succeed
Published On: Thu Jul 23 2026
Description: Maintain Weight Loss for Life: Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson on Identity Shifts, Food Addiction, and the Ozempic EraDian Griesel welcomes Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD, author of Maintain, to discuss why lasting weight loss often requires more than willpower, especially in the “Ozempic revolution.” Thompson describes GLP-1 medications as a powerful but imperfect tool, noting weight regain, adaptation over time, the ability for sugar and processed foods to “break through,” and many people stopping within two years. Dr. Thompson also raises concerns about reduced vagal tone and blunted intuition. She outlines three identity shifts for long-term maintenance—becoming devoted (a consistent lifestyle with strong support networks); resourced (new coping skills and deeper inner work instead of eating over stress); and, liberated (moving beyond the food/weight struggle and “finish line anxiety”). Dr. Thompson explains Bright Line Eating’s clear boundaries, including no sugar or flour, and how structure can create lasting freedom.Learn more about Dr. Susan Peirce Thompson here:https://www.susanpeircethompson.com/Get her book Maintain, here:https://amzn.to/4gSQe0TPlease SUBSCRIBE! I’m Dian Griesel, Ph.D. aka @SilverDisobedience to my hundreds of thousands of monthly blog readers. You can learn more about me here:   ⁠⁠https://diangriesel.com⁠⁠ But for starters…⁠I am a perceptionist and communication counselor.⁠ For 30 years I have helped my clients to achieve greater understanding as to how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally."Raw, truth-driven conversations with fascinating guests — from business & psychology to careers, pop culture & the B.S. in between." Expect bold questions. Unfiltered insights. A few laughs. Real growth. Subscribe & Join the Conversation.Show Run:00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:53 From Aerobics to Ozempic01:40 Limits of GLP-1 Meds04:58 Sugar Breakthrough and Palate Shift07:41 Vagus Nerve and HRV Effects09:42 Why Maintenance Is Psychological13:25 Identity Shift One Devoted17:31 Identity Shift Two Resourced19:38 Identity Shift Three Liberated28:53 Bright Lines and Food Addiction30:20 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find the Book