Teddi Mellencamp, known for her role in *The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills*, has opened up about her ongoing battle with cancer, sharing some distressing news regarding her health journey. During an episode of her podcast, *Two Ts in a Pod*, she revealed that her doctor denied her request for GLP-1 medications, a class of drugs commonly used for weight management, particularly after weight gain from cancer treatment.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Teddi-Mellencamp-Arroyave-032726-f3473a725f5c4533bb058538876110bc.jpg)
Mellencamp, 44, is currently battling stage 4 melanoma, a particularly aggressive form of skin cancer that has unfortunately spread to her brain and lungs. This diagnosis followed a series of 17 surgeries, a testament to her challenging journey with the illness. On the podcast, she expressed her frustration with her doctor, claiming he was particularly dismissive when she sought assistance for her weight gain associated with steroid treatment. “I am a health and wellness coach who’s dying of cancer,” she explained, attempting to highlight the irony of her situation.
Her podcast co-host, Dolores Catania, was supportive and shared her plans to begin GLP-1 medication, encouraging Mellencamp to consider the same despite her doctor’s refusal. Catania had already prepared her medication, storing it in the refrigerator for immediate use the following day. “I’m going full force,” she enthusiastically declared, offering Mellencamp the opportunity to join her in this endeavour.
Despite the light-hearted nature of their conversation, Mellencamp expressed her discontent regarding the denial she faced. She recounted how she approached her doctor, who sharply turned down her request for GLP-1s, leaving her feeling somewhat invalidated. “He was like, ‘No!'” she recounted, feeling frustrated by the exchange.
Catania responded with sympathy, expressing disbelief that someone would deny Mellencamp’s request. She admitted she had also faced refusals in the past but asserted it wouldn’t deter her from seeking what she felt was necessary for her own health. Catania’s suggestions about obtaining the medication through other means led to further light-hearted banter, but they also underscored a serious point about the challenges that come with health and wellness decisions.
Mellencamp candidly noted that her desire to manage her weight was tied to her health journey, and she urged her physician to reconsider his stance. “Let me live. You tell me to live my best life, but I don’t even get — live your best life,” she lamented, expressing her desire for support during such a trying time.
Mellencamp’s cancer journey has not been without its ups and downs. Initially diagnosed with stage 2 melanoma in 2022, she underwent multiple surgical procedures to address the aggressive cancer. By April 2025, however, she received the devastating news that her cancer had metastasised. Throughout her treatment, she has consistently engaged in immunotherapy and, as of October 2025, had reportedly shown “no trace of cancer.” Yet, she clarified that she was not yet in remission, outlining that a substantial period of treatment is required before such a status can be confirmed.
Reflecting on her journey, Mellencamp hopes for better days while sharing her experiences candidly with her audience and supporters. She aims to advocate for herself in a system that can sometimes feel uncaring, emphasising the importance of expressing one’s needs in the face of medical challenges.
As someone who has made a career as a health and wellness coach, Mellencamp’s situation resonates far beyond her celebrity status. It highlights the realities many face when dealing with illness—the struggles with weight, treatment decisions, and navigating the complex relationship with healthcare providers. Her story serves as a reminder of the need for compassion and understanding within the healthcare system and shines a light on the need for open communication between patients and their doctors.