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JAMA Clinical Reviews

JAMA Editors’ Choice 2024: Clinical Reviews Podcasts

Jan 2, 2025
Robert Kushner, a renowned author and professor at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, dives into the latest advancements in obesity treatment. He discusses new FDA-approved medications, such as semaglutide and terzepatide, highlighting their effectiveness and side effects. Kushner emphasizes the importance of treating obesity as a chronic disease, the potential implications of stopping medication, and the need for gradual dose adjustments. This insightful conversation sheds light on the evolving landscape of obesity management.
22:04

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast emphasizes the efficacy of FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, highlighting their potential for significant weight loss and manageable side effects.
  • There is a critical discussion on dialysis options for chronic kidney failure, underscoring the importance of patient choice and lifestyle management in treatment decisions.

Deep dives

Effectiveness of Anti-Obesity Medications

Three FDA-approved anti-obesity medications—liraglutide, semaglutide, and terzepatide—are effective in addressing obesity, affecting approximately 19% of women and 14% of men globally. Semaglutide, for instance, can result in an average weight loss of about 15%, while terzepatide may achieve 20% weight loss compared to placebo. While these medications mitigate appetite dysregulation, side effects primarily involve gastrointestinal issues, which can be managed through gradual dosage increases and dietary modifications. Counseling on a healthy diet, such as choosing smaller meals and reducing fat intake, further minimizes these side effects and supports successful weight management efforts.

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