Obesity declines pegged to GLP-1s

Following over a decade of increasing obesity metrics year after year, we have finally seen a decrease in US adult obesity rates.? ? My colleagues Benjamin Rader, Rebecca Hazan, MPH, and I recently published a study in?JAMA Health Forum evaluating data from approximately 17 million patients and 48 million BMI measurements that shows this milestone plateau and then slight decrease.?These results are particularly encouraging because we are seeing changes across many demographics and regions which typically are prone to higher obesity rates. This major public health breakthrough can likely be tied to the prevalence of GLP-1 weight loss drugs. While obesity will continue to be top of mind for public health departments, this new data is hopefully the beginning of a trend to move us in the right direction towards a healthier society. ABC News interview below and link to JAMA publication: https://lnkd.in/gKQNEzZf ? #HealthcareonLinkedIn ??

Are we solving obesity—or just patching it up? I was catching up on some medical news and came across two fascinating articles in?JAMA. One, published on December 13, showed promising trends in adult obesity rates, likely linked to newer weight-loss medications. The other, from July 3, highlighted a serious risk—optic neuropathy—associated with these medications. This got me thinking about our approach in modern medicine. Too often, we focus on quick fixes—a band-aid for a deeper wound. It’s like having a flat tire, leaving the nail in, and patching it up instead of removing it. As someone who now has to?earn?their desserts (and seriously wonders where my metabolism went!), I know firsthand how hard maintaining a healthy weight can be. Even with daily workouts and healthy eating, the struggle is real. Join the conversation! How can we shift from quick fixes to root-cause solutions like food as medicine? Let’s rethink how we approach health for lasting change. Share your thoughts below! #healthcareonlinked #litrendingtopics #obesity #weightloss

Until now, Wegovy and Zepbound have had the obesity-treatment business to themselves. That’s poised to change as results from dozens of trials are due next year.

The rise in popular #GLP-1 medications like #Ozempic for weight loss has patients asking if they are safe to take long-term. Thanks, TODAY.com for sharing my insights on this important topic. With millions of patients using these medications and decades of experience with this class for treating diabetes, the safety concerns are very low. However, patients and providers must recognize that GLP-1 therapy is a long-term commitment. These medications are designed to be used in one way and only one way: continuously. Stopping meds can lead to weight regain and a resurgence of hunger, often more intense than before. And like any medication, GLP-1s can come with side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. As an obesity medicine physician, I've seen these medications not only help patients lose weight but also improve overall health by addressing conditions tied to obesity, such as diabetes and heart disease. Obesity is a chronic, complex disease, and treating it requires a tailored approach that best meets each patient’s unique needs and helps them achieve long-term success. https://lnkd.in/gzWZiGAe

You’ve probably heard of Ozempic, the “miracle” weight-loss drug, but what about Wegovy, Semaglutide, Mounjaro, Zepbound, and Tirzepatide? Are they all the same? Do you even need medication to lose weight?? Obesity is not your fault or a personal failure. It's complex and goes far beyond choices or actions.?? Key Medications to understand.? Semaglutide - GLP-1? - Ozempic (treatment of diabetes) and Wegovy (treatment of obesity): Both stimulate insulin secretion, slows digestion, increases fullness, regulates appetite, and promotes weight loss.? Tirzepatide – GLP-1 & GIP? Mounjaro (treatment of diabetes) and Zepbound (treatment of obesity): Both target two hormone receptors, enhancing weight-loss effects in addition to the same benefits of GLP-1 alone.? Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are considered highly effective, achieving over 15% weight reduction. Research also shows they reduce cardiovascular risks in individuals with obesity.? Do You Need Medication?? Depending on your situation, medication may help, but lifestyle changes like personalized nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral support are essential. Even a 5-10% weight loss offers significant health benefits.? Obesity is a serious, chronic condition requiring ongoing medical supervision. Evidence-based treatments, including medication, are part of the recommended care.? Schedule your free consultation today to explore a personalized approach to lasting weight loss. https://lnkd.in/gzbpRwTZ???

NEW: For the first time in a decade, obesity in the US is declining — and a new study suggests it’s because of wildly popular medications such as Ozempic. “We’re already seeing the impact in the data,” study author Benjamin Rader told me. Rader and John Brownstein analyzed electronic health records and de-identified insurance claims from millions of American adults to track the prevalence of obesity over the last decade. More here for Bloomberg News: https://lnkd.in/gJUcy_xJ