Harvard professor Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford discusses GLP-1 agonist drugs like Ozempic, their impact on weight management, personalized healthcare approaches, challenges with access to medication, and the importance of seeking proper medical treatment for obesity.
GLP-1 agonist drugs like Ozempic offer significant weight loss benefits for adults with obesity, revolutionizing obesity medicine.
GLP-1 medications demonstrate a remarkable safety profile with benefits including cardio protection and favorable outcomes for kidney health.
Ensuring sustainable access to GLP-1 medications, affordability, and qualified medical supervision are crucial considerations in treating obesity effectively.
Deep dives
Introduction to GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 medications have revolutionized obesity medicine, offering significant weight loss benefits for adults with obesity or weight-related conditions. The FDA's approval of semaglutide injection marked a milestone, impacting the landscape of obesity medicine. This class of drugs, including drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, is changing how obesity is treated and the number of American adults benefiting from these medications is increasing significantly.
Mechanism of GLP-1 Medications
GLP-1 drugs work by enhancing the anorexigenic pathway in the brain, reducing food intake and promoting fat storage. They inhibit the orexigenic pathway, decreasing hunger and promoting satiety. Additionally, these medications stimulate insulin release, regulating blood sugar levels. Other effects include slowing down GI tract movement, promoting satiety, and enhancing thermogenesis, boosting calorie burn even while at rest.
Safety and Efficacy of GLP-1 Medications
The GLP-1 class of drugs demonstrates a remarkable safety profile with significant benefits. Long-term data shows reduction in fatal and non-fatal strokes, heart attacks, and overall mortality. These medications offer cardio protection and favorable outcomes for kidney health. Dr. Fatima Cody-Stanford emphasizes the class's efficacy and the need for a personalized approach in prescribing them.
Affordability and Accessibility of GLP-1 Medications
An important consideration in using GLP-1 medications is their affordability and accessibility. Issues around high costs, even with insurance coverage, pose significant barriers to treatment. Dr. Fatima highlights the importance of ensuring sustainable access to these medications, cautioning against unregulated sources like med spas, and emphasizes the need for qualified medical supervision in prescribing obesity medications.
Final Thoughts on Obesity Treatment Approach
Dr. Fatima Cody-Stanford stresses the need for a holistic and respectful approach to treating obesity as a chronic disease. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on overall health outcomes beyond just weight loss. Addressing metabolic parameters and healthcare provider guidance are essential in the journey towards improved health, shifting the focus from appearance to comprehensive health management.
Few drugs in the last century have changed the landscape of healthcare and weight management like GLP-1 agonist drugs — drugs like Ozempic and WeGovy.
On this week’s episode of Well, Now we talk with Harvard professor and clinician Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford.
Her research revolutionized obesity medicine and helped pave the way to get a diabetes drug approved for treating a condition millions have in the U.S.
