How Weight-Loss Drugs Could Impact U.S. Healthcare and Food. Plus, the Biggest Problems With GLP1s.
Dec 15, 2023
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Zach Reitano, CEO of telehealth platform Ro, discusses the booming GLP-1 drug marketplace and its economic implications. He highlights how these medications could transform obesity treatment by changing eating habits and healthcare dynamics. In contrast, Dr. Robert Lustig, an endocrinologist from UCSF, raises skepticism about their efficacy and long-term health impacts, emphasizing potential side effects like nausea. The conversation challenges traditional views on weight management and stresses the importance of equitable access and multifaceted treatment approaches.
GLP1 analogs, such as ozempic, have been shown to have a significant and sustained effect on weight loss for individuals who are obese.
The mechanisms by which GLP1 analogs work are still not completely understood, but they are believed to bind to receptors in the beta cells, brain, and small intestine.
GLP1 analogs can be beneficial in helping individuals achieve weight loss, especially when combined with other lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.
Deep dives
GLP1 analogs and their impact on weight loss
GLP1 analogs, such as ozempic, have been shown to have a significant and sustained effect on weight loss for individuals who are obese. This is a significant improvement compared to previous generations of weight loss medications. These drugs work by binding to receptors in the brain, promoting satiety, and delaying gastric emptying, leading to a reduction in food intake and weight loss.
Mysteries around the mechanisms of GLP1 drugs
The mechanisms by which GLP1 analogs work are still not completely understood, but they are believed to bind to receptors in the beta cells, brain, and small intestine. The activation of these receptors contributes to increased insulin release, satiety, and delayed gastric emptying. However, the exact nuances and interactions of these mechanisms require further research.
Understanding the potential benefits and concerns
GLP1 analogs can be beneficial in helping individuals achieve weight loss, especially when combined with other lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. However, there are concerns about potential side effects, such as muscle loss, and the cost of these medications. It is important to weigh the benefits and risks on an individual basis and make informed decisions with healthcare providers.
The need for accessibility and equitable adoption
While GLP1 analogs show promise in promoting weight loss and improving overall health, it is crucial to address issues of accessibility and equity. Efforts should be made to ensure that these medications are accessible to individuals who could benefit from them, regardless of financial or insurance barriers. Bridging the gap in adoption and reducing health disparities should be a focus when considering the wider implementation of GLP1 analogs.
The Concerns about Muscle Loss and Side Effects of GOP One Analog Drugs
One concern with GOP one analog drugs is the potential for muscle loss, which is not ideal for overall health. These drugs can lead to weight loss, but it is important to differentiate between losing fat and losing muscle. Losing fat, especially from metabolically active areas like visceral fat and liver fat, is beneficial for improving metabolic health. However, losing muscle mass can have negative implications. The question arises whether the muscle loss problem can be solved with behavioral changes or other medications that promote muscle growth.
The Side Effect Profile, Including Gastroparesis, and Cost Concerns
GLP one analog drugs, while effective for weight loss, have notable side effects. Common side effects include nausea and gastric distress, but more serious issues like gastroparesis can also occur, where the stomach's movement is paralyzed or severely impaired. Gastroparesis can be concerning, as it leads to weight loss due to inability to eat, but it is unclear how reversible it is. Cost is another factor to consider, as the retail price of these drugs is high, potentially causing a significant financial burden if widely used. The cost issue becomes even more crucial considering the large population that could potentially benefit from these drugs.
Today’s episode is our second in a series on the weight-loss drug revolution of the last two years.
On Tuesday, we talked to endocrinologist Beverly Tchang about the science of glucagon like peptide 1 receptor agonists—also known as GLP1s, also known as Ozempic, Wegovy, Moujargo, and Zepbound. If you haven’t listened to that show, I think you’ll feel safe and entertained within the bounds of this episode. But if you want to know more about how these drugs work, their effect on insulin and glucose and the brain’s reward center, or the questions they raise about obesity and the nature of willpower and free will, I’d encourage you to queue up that show. Today, in Part 2, we have two guests: Zach Reitano is the CEO and cofounder of the telehealth platform Ro. He is here for a couple reasons. He has a bird’s-eye view of the GLP1 marketplace, the rise in demand, the supply chain, the economics of pricing and insurance. He’s also written several revelatory essays, pulling in research from think tanks, medical experts, and investment banks, that have helped shape my understanding of these drugs and the effect they could have on the population and the economy. Our second guest is Dr. Robert Lustig, an endocrinologist who spent years as a pediatrician and researcher at the University of California-San Francisco. As you’ll hear, he is much less optimistic about the ability of these drugs to revolutionize obesity medication in America.
If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com.
