Death Clock Dr. John Buse on GLP-1s
Oct 17, 2025
Brent chats with Dr. John Buse, a leading endocrinologist at UNC, known for his expertise in diabetes and GLP-1s. They explore the science behind GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic, highlighting their effectiveness in weight loss, diabetes management, and cardiovascular health. Dr. Buse shares his personal weight-loss journey with these drugs and stresses the importance of protein intake to preserve muscle. The conversation also dives into the ethics of pharma, the risks of stopping GLP-1s, and the need for better preventive care in medicine.
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How GLP-1s Work Systemically
- GLP-1s mimic an intestinal hormone that lowers post-meal blood sugar and increases satiety.
- They act across tissues and may reduce inflammation and atherosclerosis beyond weight loss effects.
Titrate Slowly To Reduce Nausea
- Start GLP-1s with very low doses and increase slowly to minimize nausea and vomiting.
- Counsel patients to eat small, frequent meals to tolerate effective doses.
Known And Potential Harms
- GLP-1s increase gallbladder events by roughly 50–100% and can cause GI symptoms in many users.
- Other harms like pancreatitis or thyroid cancer remain unproven but warrant monitoring.