Men’s health provider GameDay Men’s Health of Rapid City is encouraging men to take a proactive approach to their physical and mental well-being, emphasizing that hormone optimization, weight management and nutrition can significantly improve quality of life when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.

During the latest episode of The BrandoM Podcast, GameDay Men’s Health provider Joel joined host Brandon Jones to discuss the clinic’s services, including testosterone replacement therapy, GLP-1 weight-loss medications and personalized health coaching.

Joel said the clinic is currently offering a discounted introductory month for its medically supervised weight-loss program, which includes an evaluation, prescription, body composition analysis and ongoing support.

“We’re tracking muscle mass, fat loss and giving nutrition advice every step of the way,” Joel said.

Jones shared his own health journey, explaining that he once weighed 325 pounds before committing to regular exercise, improving his diet and seeking treatment for low testosterone. He said he now weighs approximately 263 pounds, crediting a combination of strength training, healthier eating habits and medical guidance for helping him lose more than 60 pounds.

“I was working out, but nothing was happening because my testosterone was so low,” Jones said. “Once everything got balanced out, working out became easier, I recovered better and I slept better.”

The conversation also focused on GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide. Rather than simply reducing appetite, both men said the medications helped reshape eating habits and food choices.

Jones said the medication made him more conscious of portion sizes and encouraged healthier decisions when dining out.

“It changed how I thought about food,” Jones said. “Instead of automatically ordering fries, I’d start looking for vegetables or healthier options.”

Joel said many misconceptions surround GLP-1 medications because people often hear about extreme cases or misuse.

“When they’re medically supervised and patients stay on the lowest effective dose, they’re incredible tools,” he said. “The key is preserving muscle, eating enough protein and continuing to exercise.”

The pair also discussed the importance of nutrition, noting that many people unintentionally under-eat protein or rely too heavily on processed foods despite believing they have healthy diets.

Joel encouraged patients to focus on whole foods, meal preparation and tracking macronutrients for short periods to better understand their nutritional needs.

“I always tell people to shop around the outside aisles of the grocery store,” Joel said. “That’s where you’ll find your meats, dairy, fruits and vegetables instead of the heavily processed foods.”

Jones said body composition scans helped him stay motivated because they showed fat loss and muscle gain even when the scale changed very little.

“I wish I would’ve taken more pictures and measurements,” Jones said. “I feel better mentally and physically than I have in years.”

Beyond hormone therapy, Joel said GameDay Men’s Health works to identify the root cause of each patient’s concerns, whether they involve nutrition, lifestyle, counseling or referrals to other healthcare providers.

“We’re going to do what’s best for the patient,” Joel said. “Not everyone needs testosterone therapy. Sometimes it’s about nutrition, stress management or finding another provider who can help.”

Jones encouraged men who have been hesitant to seek help to schedule a consultation, noting that the clinic offers free initial evaluations.

“If you don’t need anything, great,” Jones said. “But if something’s off, taking that first step could change your life.”