#226 - How do weight-loss medications affect metabolic health? And will Ozempic and other GLP-1s actually solve the obesity crisis? | Dr. Rob Lustig & Dr. Casey Means

Medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and more, have become increasingly popular for weight loss. These drugs are glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and they mimic a hormone that, among other things, tells the brain a person is full so they eat less. But are they safe, and do they help improve metabolic health? Dr. Rob Lustig and Dr. Casey Means discuss these weight-loss drugs and their effects on the body, and why such medications likely won’t solve the obesity crisis, for which the food industry is culpable.

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🎙 What Rob Lustig, MD, & Casey Means, MD, discuss:

(06:10) — The mechanisms of action for weight-loss medications

(09:01) — Dr. Casey Means shares her perception of the popularity of GLP-1 medications

(13:12) — GLP-1 RAs lead to fat loss but also muscle loss

(18:05) — Do GLP-1 RAs improve metabolic health?

(20:43) — Dr. Lustig discusses the high cost of GLP-1 RAs

(27:47) — Dr. Lustig makes the case for fixing the food problem

(35:46) — How can patients use GLP-1 RAs as a jumpstart?

(44:20) — Dr. Lustig shares his concerns about the use of GLP-1 RAs in children

Transcripts & Show Notes

Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.

Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.

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