Dr. Robert Kushner

A dark haired with the word "FOCUS" stamped on the back of her hand

Focused Behavioral Counseling for Patients on GLP-1s

Dr. Robert Kushner May 20, 2026 No Comments

In my 40+ years as an obesity medicine physician specialist, my entire counseling philosophy and weight management program approach have been rooted in behavior change research related to diet, physical activity, sleep, stress and body image. Obesity medication and bariatric surgery were prescribed as an adjunct to lifestyle counseling. This traditional paradigm is now being

Managing Persistence Problems -Starting and Stopping GLP-1 Medications

Dr. Robert Kushner May 4, 2026 No Comments

Most people don’t like taking medications – especially longterm. In fact, medication fatigue where individuals stop taking a new medication, like a statin or blood pressure pill, is commonplace. But the number of individuals stopping GLP-1 medications is especially concerning as studies show that over 50% of GLP-1 users discontinue the medication by 1 year

A woman's hands in the shape of a heart laying overtop her pregnant belly

Can Treating Obesity Improve Women’s Health and Fertility?

Dr. Robert Kushner April 19, 2026 No Comments

I recently had the exciting opportunity to educate gynecologists and fertility specialists throughout India on the role of semaglutide in women’s reproductive health. This allowed me to take a deep dive into the research and medical data answering the question: can obesity treatments improve women’s health outcomes and fertility rates? The answer is a resounding

The word "GOAL" in red. The 'O' is a bull's eye with a dart in the center

‘Treat to Target’ Considerations in Obesity Care

Dr. Robert Kushner April 1, 2026 No Comments

As the field of obesity medicine matures, clinicians and patients are asking: “What is the treatment target?” achievement of a targeted percentage weight loss? improved body mass index (BMI) or waist circumference? better function and quality of life? remission of weight-related complications? ability to taper or discontinue medications for other chronic disease treatments? or –

Droplet of water dripping into a rippling puddle

Ripple Effects of GLP-1 Obesity Medications on Society

Dr. Robert Kushner March 17, 2026 No Comments

The effects of game-changing GLP-1 medications on individuals and society was the topic of my recent keynote address at the Northwestern University Alumni Association event in Naples, Florida. Individuals on GLP-1 medications are changing how they eat, shop, live, play and get their healthcare and companies are taking notice. We usually think of big tech

Red painted brick with the word "NEW" displayed on top of it

New Standards of Care Offer Proactive Approach to Prescribing Obesity Medications

Dr. Robert Kushner March 1, 2026 No Comments

With the advent of powerful obesity medications that address the biological basis of obesity, the field of obesity care is rapidly shifting. To reflect this, the first Standards of Care on pharmacologic treatment of obesity published by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) were just released. I had the honor of serving on the ADA Professional

The word, "TEAM" being held up by colorful little figures of people

Team-Based Obesity Care – in the Era of Highly Effective Medications

Dr. Robert Kushner February 14, 2026 No Comments

Obesity care is a team sport. One clinician does not have to shoulder all the responsibility nor is expected to have the necessary expertise in all aspects of care. And yet, in some circles, you may think that team-based obesity care is a thing of the past as individuals get prescriptions for obesity medications with

Wooden Scrabble tiles forming the word, "EMPATHY"

Empathy Goes Both Ways in Obesity Care

Dr. Robert Kushner February 1, 2026 No Comments

I enjoy speaking to healthcare professionals helping them identify efficient and effective approaches to patient-centered obesity care. One of the most interesting questions I received recently from physicians is how to approach the topic of weight with patients when they themselves are not comfortable with their own weight – be it higher than they want

Line graph depicting the peaks and falls of life events and weight history

When Life Gets in the Way – of Managing Weight

Dr. Robert Kushner January 18, 2026 No Comments

Before I help patients develop a personalized weight management plan, I want to better understand each person’s weight journey, that is, how they got to where they are today. Since no two patients are alike, providing personalized obesity care requires knowing more about each patient’s personal struggles, resources and life stressors. However, in the midst

Black and white photo of a young Dr. Kushner, when he was a gymnast, pointing his feet toward the sky while using his hands to hold himself upright on two bars

What’s Your Exercise Identity?

Dr. Robert Kushner January 10, 2026 No Comments

As you can see in this picture, I was a gymnast in high school. Being a gymnast was a part of my identity and I loved it – until I fell off the high bar during our state competition. Over time, my exercise identity changed to become a runner and more recently, a ballroom dancer.