Brooke Boyarsky Pratt and Vineeta Agarwala discuss obesity medicine, patient-centric care, and the future of metabolic health. They explore the role of GLP-1s, personalized approaches in obesity management, and the safety of GLP-1 receptor agonists. The episode also highlights the importance of courage and bold decisions for founders in the healthcare industry.
GLP-1 drugs require personalized matching for effective weight management.
Access to obesity care is crucial, emphasizing comprehensive treatment and tailored medication selection.
Deep dives
Redefining Obesity Care through NodeWell and GLP1s
NodeWell, led by Brooke Boyarsky-Pratt and A16Z's Benita Agarwalla, redefines obesity care with a patient-centric approach. Brooke's personal journey from being advised to attend a 'fat camp' to founding NodeWell highlights the need for comprehensive obesity treatment. The podcast explores GLP1s and their role in addressing obesity, emphasizing the importance of matching the right medication to individual patients for effective weight management. The dialogue underscores the significance of comprehensive obesity medicine that integrates behavioral health, nutrition programs, and medical care.
Expanding Access to Obesity Medicine
Access to effective obesity treatment is highlighted as a critical need for millions of Americans impacted by overweight and obesity. The podcast discusses how NodeWell is working to scale access to comprehensive obesity care by training primary care providers and embracing technology to automate administrative tasks. The conversation delves into patient medical records, behavioral elements, and insurance coverage as key factors in determining eligibility for obesity medications.
Myths and Realities of GLP1 Drugs
GLP1 drugs are demystified, debunking myths of them being a universal weight loss solution. The podcast emphasizes the importance of matching the right medication to individual patients to achieve desired outcomes, acknowledging that not all patients respond equally to GLP1 treatments. Key insights are shared on the tolerability of these drugs, debunking concerns about high discontinuation rates by focusing on patient education and managing medication side effects effectively.
Challenges and Innovations in Obesity Medicine
The podcast discussion sheds light on the challenges and innovations in the field of obesity medicine, highlighting the evolving landscape of patient-centered care. It emphasizes the need for a medical home approach where patients feel known well and have access to comprehensive obesity treatment. The conversation underscores the importance of addressing obesity as a chronic condition, advocating for insurance coverage and policy changes to make obesity treatment a standard benefit across healthcare systems.
Brooke Boyarsky Pratt, founder and CEO of knownwell, joins Vineeta Agarwala, general partner at a16z Bio + Health.
Together, they talk about the value of obesity medicine practitioners, patient-centric medical homes, and how Brooke believes the metabolic health space will evolve over time.
This is the second episode in Raising Health’s series on the science and supply of GLP-1s. Listen to last week's episode to hear from Carolyn Jasik, Chief Medical Officer at Omada Health, on GLP-1s from a clinical perspective.
Listen to more from Raising Health’s series on GLP-1s:
Please note that the content here is for informational purposes only; should NOT be taken as legal, business, tax, or investment advice or be used to evaluate any investment or security; and is not directed at any investors or potential investors in any a16z fund. a16z and its affiliates may maintain investments in the companies discussed. For more details please see a16z.com/disclosures.
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