Mayo Clinic Talks

Obesity Pharmacotherapy Management

Aug 6, 2024

Kristina M. Thurber, Pharm D., R.PH., specializes in obesity pharmacotherapy management at Mayo Clinic. In this discussion, she highlights the alarming obesity epidemic in the U.S. and the role of GLP-1 agonists in weight loss and diabetes management. Kristina explains how these medications work, their potential impact on weight loss expectations, and economic challenges facing patients. She also advocates for a holistic approach to obesity management, combining medication with lifestyle changes and emphasizes the importance of communication in patient care.

21:18

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Episode guests

Kristina M. Thurber

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Quick takeaways

GLP-1 agonists effectively support weight loss by enhancing insulin production and suppressing appetite, but should complement lifestyle changes.

The high monthly cost of GLP-1 medications significantly limits accessibility for many patients, highlighting the importance of comprehensive weight management strategies.

Deep dives

Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Obesity Management

GLP-1 agonists have emerged as a significant option in managing obesity by supporting weight loss alongside traditional methods like diet and exercise. These medications function through various mechanisms, including stimulating insulin production in the pancreas and suppressing appetite through effects on the brain's appetite regulatory center. They also slow down gastrointestinal motility, which helps individuals feel fuller for longer periods. While these medications can assist in weight loss, they are not a standalone solution and should be part of a comprehensive weight management strategy that includes lifestyle changes.

Medications Balance Benefits with Minimal Risks

01:30

Intro

2min

Understanding Obesity Medications

12min

Managing Obesity and Diabetes: The Role of GLP-1 Medications

2min

Challenges of Discontinuing Obesity Medications and Their Economic Impact

2min

Holistic Approaches to Obesity Management

4min

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.

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Mayo Clinic Talks

Obesity Pharmacotherapy Management

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Deep dives

Role of GLP-1 Agonists in Obesity Management

Efficacy and Expected Weight Loss

Cost and Accessibility Challenges

Medications Balance Benefits with Minimal Risks

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts