We’ve seen lots of excitement from physicians about our study results published in the New England Journal of Medicine on a new effective treatment for overweight and obesity.
Once semaglutide 2.4 mg gets FDA approval, having a medication that delivers 1.5-2 times the weight loss of current medications really will be a game changer.
As the lead author on the study, I’ve enjoyed discussing our results these past weeks with primary care providers and specialists like endocrinologists and preventive cardiologists, as well as with media outlets like the New York Times, the Dr. Oz Show and radio stations around the world.
For more information, feel free to check out featured interviews here.
Over my forty years of practice as an obesity expert, one of my passions has been to educate health care providers on how to best treat patients with overweight and obesity.
Obesity is a complex disease that requires a multi-pronged and personalized approach. This includes lifestyle modification counseling for all patients and consideration of medication or surgical management when indicated.
However, many health care providers struggle with delivering obesity care due to time constrains and a lack of resources.
I’m wondering if the tide will turn as this unprecedented study is spurring new interest and more engagement in physicians wanting to help their patients better manage weight.
This reminds me of when statins first entered the market in the 1980’s and primary care physicians became active in treating their patients with hypercholesterolemia.
This example highlights how a safe and highly effective treatment can energize healthcare providers into taking action.
Though semaglutide 2.4 mg won’t be appropriate for all patients, I hope physicians will consider offering this treatment to the right patients once it becomes FDA approved.
If you’re someone who wants to lose weight, what does this mean for you?
Know that lifestyle modification remains foundational to all weight loss treatment modalities. If you need more help, you may want to check out my self-help book, Six Factors to Fit: Weight Loss that Works for You!
I encourage you to start having discussions with your treating physician to ask whether or not you are a candidate for medication management with one of the several drugs that are already on the market, or for semaglutide 2.4 mg. once approved.
If you are struggling with your weight and have a weight-related medical problem, you may particularly benefit from addition of a weight loss drug.
Weight loss medications can help quiet the mind and temper eating temptations, making it easier to modify your health habits and improve your lifestyle.
Conflict of interest statement: I receive compensation as a member of the Medical Advisory Board for Novo Nordisk.
RK
Robert Kushner, MD
