Understanding Obesity Medications

Host: Darryl S. Chutka, M.D. [@chutkaMD]

Guest: Kristina M. Thurber, Pharm D., R.PH.

Obesity in the U.S. is reaching epidemic proportions. Managing our overweight patients has been challenging, with few being able to adopt and adhere to a healthy diet and exercise program. There is a class of medications that improves blood glucose in type 2 diabetics and in most cases also results in significant weight loss. These medications are known as glucagon-like peptide 1 or GLP-1 agonists. A substantial number of patients are taking these medications, some for management of diabetes but for many others, the weight loss they produce. How do these medications work to produce weight loss? How much weight loss can patients expect? How much do they cost and most importantly, are these medications the solution to obesity as a health problem? In this podcast, I’ll be discussing these questions with my guest, Kristina M. Thurber, Pharm D., R.P.H., a pharmacist at the Mayo Clinic as we review “Obesity Pharmacotherapy Management”.

Connect with the Mayo Clinic’s School of Continuous Professional Development online at https://ce.mayo.edu/ or on Twitter @MayoMedEd.