Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford discusses GLP-1 agonist drugs and their impact on obesity medicine. Topics include the mechanisms and benefits of drugs like Ozempic, challenges with compounding pharmacies, and the importance of individualized treatment plans for weight management.
GLP-1 agonist drugs like Ozempic revolutionized obesity medicine by promoting weight loss through metabolic improvements.
Affordability of GLP-1 drugs, such as Ozempic, remains a significant barrier for patients despite their efficacy in treating obesity.
Deep dives
The Impact of Semaglutide Injection in Weight Loss Approval
The approval of semaglutide injection, specifically indicated for weight loss in adults with obesity or classified as overweight with weight-related conditions, has significantly changed the landscape of obesity medicine, with drugs like Wigovi and Manjaro being used in treating at least 13% of American adults.
Exploring GLP-1 Medications and Their Mechanisms of Action
GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic, Wigovi, and Minjaro, have gained popularity for weight loss treatments. The drugs work by upregulating the anorexigenic pathway, promoting insulin release, slowing movement through the GI tract for prolonged satiety, and inducing thermogenesis, resulting in weight loss and metabolic improvements.
Challenges and Considerations in Prescribing GLP-1 Drugs
Prescribing GLP-1 drugs involves considering individual patient responses and tolerances to side effects like nausea and constipation. Patients on these medications need to ensure adequate intake of essential nutrients, hydration, and monitor for possible side effects like headaches and dizziness, with contraindications involving specific medical conditions.
Accessibility and Affordability Barriers for GLP-1 Drugs
Despite the efficacy of GLP-1 drugs, affordability remains a major barrier for many patients, with out-of-pocket costs exceeding $500 per month even with insurance. Initiatives are needed to make these medications more accessible and affordable for those who can benefit from them, with a focus on insurance coverage and broader market competition driving down costs.
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.