Latest news with #ObesityMedicineAssociation
Medscape
6 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Advisory: Nutrition Priorities for GLP-1 Use in Obesity
Four clinical organizations jointly released a clinical advisory with evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle interventions to enhance glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) treatment outcomes for obesity. METHODOLOGY: An expert group comprised of multiple clinical and research disciplines assessed the literature to identify pragmatic priorities for nutrition and other lifestyle interventions relevant to GLP-1 treatment for obesity. Based on the group's findings, The Obesity Society, American College of Lifestyle Medicine, American Society for Nutrition, and the Obesity Medicine Association simultaneously published 'Nutritional Priorities to Support GLP-1 Therapy for Obesity' in their own peer-reviewed journals. The consensus-based clinical advisory reflects an interdisciplinary collaboration to help clinicians support patients receiving GLP-1 treatment with evidence-based nutritional and behavioral strategies. TAKEAWAY: The expert group found that GLP-1s reduced body weight by 5%-18% in trials, with modestly lower effects in real-world analyses, and multiple clinical benefits. Challenges included side effects, especially gastrointestinal (GI); nutritional deficiencies due to calorie reduction; muscle and bone loss; low long-term adherence and subsequent weight regain; as well as high costs resulting in low cost-effectiveness. The group recommended eight priorities to address the challenges: (1) Patient-centered initiation of therapy; (2) careful baseline nutritional assessment; (3) management of GI side effects, (4) personalized, nutrient-dense, minimally processed diets; (5) prevention of micronutrient deficiencies; (6) adequate protein intake and strength training to preserve lean mass; (7) leveraging a good diet to maximize weight reduction; and (8) promoting other lifestyle changes around activity, sleep, mental stress, substance use, and social connections to maximize long-term success. IN PRACTICE: 'Medical therapy for obesity and lifestyle changes go and-in-hand,' Marc-Andre Cornier, MD, The Obesity Society president, said in an accompanying press release. 'This guidance lays a nutrition roadmap to help providers support their patients on sustainable and lasting weight reduction journeys. It underscores the importance of nutrition on quality of life and is an important contribution to the literature about incorporating lifestyle interventions into obesity care.' SOURCE: The clinical advisory, led by Advisory Chair Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, DrPH, of Tufts University, Boston, was published simultaneously in Obesity , American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine , The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition , and Obesity Pillars . LIMITATIONS: Recommendations are based on a literature review and a consensus among expert group members. DISCLOSURES: Mozaffarian reported research funding from the National Institutes of Health, Kaiser Permanente Fund at the East Bay Community Foundation, National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation, Google Health, and The Rockefeller Foundation; scientific advisory board, Beren Therapeutics, Brightseed, Calibrate, Elysium Health, Filtricine, HumanCo, Instacart Health, January Inc., WndrHLTH; scientific consulting, Amazon Health; equity in Calibrate and HumanCo; and chapter royalties from UpToDate.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Food and fitness make or break success on weight loss meds, report finds
Drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound -- GLP-1 medications typically used to treat obesity -- can lead to impressive weight loss. But a new joint advisory from four major medical groups warns that without proper nutrition and lifestyle support, people may face muscle loss, weight regain, and high long-term costs once they take themselves off GLP-1 medications. Experts from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association and The Obesity Society contributed to the report, which noted that only about half of users continue taking their GLP-1 medication after one year and only about 15% remain on treatment after two years. Many people stop taking GLP-1 medications due to side effects, cost or disappointing results -- and when they do, they often regain weight, making long-term success depend on consistent use and a healthy diet, the report stated. The report aims to guide both clinicians and patients on nutrition and lifestyle changes to improve long-term outcomes while taking a GLP-1. "We really wanted to bring in four major societies together that focus on nutrition, lifestyle, [and] obesity and come with a consensus statement on how nutrition should be thought about when prescribing these drugs," Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist, director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, and the report's lead author, told ABC News. Mozaffarian explained that for someone to achieve success on a GLP-1, they need to commit to comprehensive lifestyle changes. "The FDA says these drugs are approved for use as an adjunct to lifestyle therapy," he said. "In fact, they are prescribed the other way around with lifestyle therapy being the adjunct if being thought about at all. Doctors are not following either society guidelines or FDA guidelines if they are prescribing [GLP-1s] without lifestyle therapy." Understanding diet, nutritional needs while on weight loss drugs Before starting GLP-1 medications, the report recommended that patients work with their doctors to set goals that focus on overall health, not just weight loss. It's also important to check for any stomach or bone issues that could lead to side effects like nausea, vomiting, or muscle and bone loss, the report stated. "Registered dietitians can play really key roles in comprehensive obesity care by providing medical nutrition therapy to support GLP-1 therapy," said Emily A. Callahan, registered dietitian nutritionist and director of policy strategy for the Food is Medicine Institute. "The evidence space is growing that shows when registered dietitians deliver medical nutrition therapy, it has been associated with improvements in body weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and glycemic control." People should usually start GLP-1 medications at the lowest dose and slowly increase as needed, the report said. Patients should also be aware that nausea is common when taking these drugs and this may trigger cravings for sugary, high-calorie comfort foods that work against weight loss. To stay on track, the report recommended eating small, frequent meals and focusing on minimally processed, nutrient-rich foods. The report called for exercising special caution for anyone following an intermittent fasting diet or a low-carbohydrate "keto diet" that limits foods like breads, pastas and fruit to put the body into a state called ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbs. These individuals might be especially vulnerable to gastrointestinal side effects, the report said. The report also advised people who may not be getting enough nutrients to consider taking supplements like vitamin D, calcium and multivitamins, while increasing protein intake by 50-100% from foods such as fish, eggs, nuts and seeds. This is especially important for those eating less while on GLP-1s, since lower food intake can make it harder to get all the nutrients the body needs. The report also underscored the importance of maintaining muscle mass and bone density while losing weight. Since weight loss can also lead to muscle loss -- especially in older adults -- the report advised doing a full body strength training routine at least three times a week and getting 150 minutes of moderate cardio each week. Josh Gad opens up for 1st time about taking weight loss drug: 'It is life-changing' Focusing on nutrition, physical activity and other healthy lifestyle habits should give GLP-1 users a greater chance of achieving their goals, the report concluded. "GLP-1s have the best chance of helping people achieve and sustain lasting weight reduction when they are paired with strong nutrition guidance and lifestyle support," said Callahan. Dr. Brendan Huang serves as the chief resident physician in adult neurology at Northwell Health and is also a member of the ABC News Medical Unit. Food and fitness make or break success on weight loss meds, report finds originally appeared on
The Hill
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Hill
Are weight loss drugs safe? Learn some of the side effects
Weight loss drugs have become an increasingly popular, but controversial, way of quickly shedding extra pounds over the past few years. Part of that controversy deals with the side effects caused by some of the more well-known medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. According to the Obesity Medicine Association (OMA), researchers are continually analyzing the pros and cons of these drugs. Here are some side effects of the eight FDA-approved weight loss drugs: Ozempic and Wegovy are the brand names of a drug known as semaglutide, a medication that, according to Harvard Health, has been prescribed for about two decades to treat Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic has become controversial over the past few years as overweight and obese patients have sought it out for weight loss, creating a shortage of the drug for those using it to control their diabetes. Wegovy is the brand name for a form of semaglutide that has since been approved for weight loss. Semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1, helps regulate blood sugar while slowing down the emptying of the stomach and signaling satiety or fullness to the brain. The OMA reports that the most common complaint among patients using semaglutide is gastrointestinal issues like nausea. Other side effects include fatigue, dizziness, headache, bloating, belching and heartburn. An American Medical Association study has also found that GLP-1 agonists are associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis. While headlines have warned about an increase in suicidal ideation with semaglutide, a January 2024 study in Nature Medicine suggested 'a 49% to 73% lower risk of first-time or recurring suicidal ideations' compared with other obesity medications. Mounjaro and Zepbound are drugs known as tirzepatide. Mounjaro was approved in 2017 to treat Type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound was approved in more recent years to treat obesity. Like semaglutide, tirzepatide is a GLP-1 agonist that increases a person's feeling of fullness and helps them maintain a weight loss diet. It causes common mild symptoms like nausea, constipation, diarrhea and bloating, but the OMA reports more serious side effects like kidney problems up to and including kidney failure, gallbladder symptoms, pancreatitis and hypoglycemia. Manufacturer Eli Lilly warns, however, that Tirzepatide may cause thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. Patients should monitor themselves for symptoms like neck swelling, hoarseness, problems swallowing and shortness of breath. Contrave is the brand name for a medication that combines two drugs, bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion, which is marketed under the brand name Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant that is also known to reduce a person's appetite. Naltrexone, commonly sold under the brand names Revia and Vivitrol, is a medication used to treat drug and alcohol addiction. According to naltrexone works by blocking the euphoric, intoxicated feeling of alcohol and opioids. It also helps reduce the cravings for the substances. The OMA reports that patients should not be prescribed Contrave if they suffer from a seizure disorder or if they take opioids for chronic pain. The most common side effects of the drug are nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, dry mouth and insomnia. Saxenda is a medication containing liraglutide, a drug that mimics a person's natural hormones affecting hunger, digestion and feelings of fullness. It was approved by the FDA in 2017 to treat obesity in people 12 and older. The most common side effects of liraglutide are nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness and abdominal pain. It can also cause increased heart rate, increased lipase, which is a pancreatic enzyme, and decreased kidney function. Qsymia is a medication that combines the drugs phentermine and topiramate. According to the OMA, phentermine has been around since 1959, making it the oldest and most widely used weight loss medication. The drug, which works in the brain as an appetite suppressant, is a stimulant similar to amphetamines and can be abused. It should not be used by patients who have suffered a stroke or who have heart disease, glaucoma or hyperthyroidism. The side effects of phentermine can be serious, including fast or irregular heart rate, headache, overstimulation, high blood pressure and tremors. It can also interact with several other drugs, including MAO inhibitors, alcohol, adrenergic neuron blockers and some anesthetic agents. When phentermine is combined with topiramate, an anticonvulsant, its effect on hunger is magnified. The side effects of the two drugs combined include dizziness, abnormal sensations, altered taste, insomnia, constipation and dry mouth. Topiramate also carries a risk of birth defects, so it should not be taken during pregnancy. Qsymia was approved in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults. It was approved the following year for pediatric patients ages 12 and older who have a body mass index in the 95th percentile or greater. Imcivree, which is the brand name for setmelanotide, is approved by the FDA to treat patients suffering from severe obesity caused by rare genetic disorders. According to the National Institute of Health, setmelanotide is used to treat POMC, PCSK1 and LEPR deficiencies, which all lead to early-onset obesity. According to manufacturer Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, it is also used to treat Bardet-Biedl syndrome in patients aged 2 and older. Setmelanotide works by targeting the impaired MC4R pathway in the brain, which allows it to deliver messages to the brain that the body is satisfied and doesn't need more food. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that it helps restore appetite control, reduces the patient's food intake and helps to control weight gain. It does not treat the underlying genetic defects that lead to obesity. The most common side effects of Imcivree are reactions at the injection site, hyperpigmentation, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, stomach pain and depression. More serious side effects include sexual dysfunction, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions and toxicity caused by benzyl alcohol, which is a preservative in Imcivree. Like most medications, it can also cause serious allergic reactions that include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, breathing or swallowing issues, severe rash, itching, dizziness and rapid heartbeat. Anyone who experiences an allergic reaction should seek immediate medical attention. NewsNation's Taylor Delandro contributed to this report.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Are weight loss drugs safe? Learn some of the side effects
(NewsNation) — Weight loss drugs have become an increasingly popular, but controversial, way of quickly shedding extra pounds over the past few years. Part of that controversy deals with the side effects caused by some of the more well-known medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro. According to the Obesity Medicine Association, researchers are continually analyzing the side effects of these drugs. Here are some side effects of the eight FDA-approved weight loss drugs: Ozempic and Wegovy are the brand names of a drug known as semaglutide, a medication that, according to Harvard Health, has been prescribed for about two decades to treat Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic has become controversial over the past few years as overweight and obese patients have sought it out for weight loss, creating a shortage of the drug for those using it to control their diabetes. Wegovy is the brand name for a form of semaglutide that has since been approved for weight loss. Semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone called GLP-1, helps regulate blood sugar while slowing down the emptying of the stomach and signaling satiety or fullness to the brain. What's the difference between Ozempic, Wegovy, other weight loss drugs? The OMA reports that the most common complaint among patients using semaglutide is gastrointestinal issues like nausea. Other side effects include fatigue, dizziness, headache, bloating, belching and heartburn. An American Medical Association study has also found that GLP-1 agonists are associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, and gastroparesis. While headlines have warned about an increase in suicidal ideation with semaglutide, a January 2024 study in Nature Medicine suggested 'a 49% to 73% lower risk of first-time or recurring suicidal ideations' compared with other obesity medications. Mounjaro and Zepbound are drugs known as tirzepatide. Mounjaro was approved in 2017 to treat Type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound was approved in more recent years to treat obesity. Like semaglutide, tirzepatide is a GLP-1 agonist that increases a person's feeling of fullness and helps them maintain a weight loss diet. Some drugs more effective for weight loss than Ozempic: Study It causes common mild symptoms like nausea, constipation, diarrhea and bloating, but the OMA reports more serious side effects like kidney problems up to and including kidney failure, gallbladder symptoms, pancreatitis and hypoglycemia. Manufacturer Eli Lilly warns, however, that Tirzepatide may cause thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. Patients should monitor themselves for symptoms like neck swelling, hoarseness, problems swallowing and shortness of breath. Contrave is the brand name for a medication that combines two drugs, bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion, which is marketed under the brand name Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant that is also known to reduce a person's appetite. Naltrexone, commonly sold under the brand names Revia and Vivitrol, is a medication used to treat drug and alcohol addiction. According to naltrexone works by blocking the euphoric, intoxicated feeling of alcohol and opioids. It also helps reduce the cravings for the substances. FAQ: How do Ozempic, weight-loss drugs work? The OMA reports that patients should not be prescribed Contrave if they suffer from a seizure disorder or if they take opioids for chronic pain. The most common side effects of the drug are nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, dry mouth and insomnia. Saxenda is a medication containing liraglutide, a drug that mimics a person's natural hormones affecting hunger, digestion and feelings of fullness. It was approved by the FDA in 2017 to treat obesity in people 12 and older. The most common side effects of liraglutide are nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness and abdominal pain. It can also cause increased heart rate, increased lipase, which is a pancreatic enzyme, and decreased kidney function. Qsymia is a medication that combines the drugs phentermine and topiramate. According to the OMA, phentermine has been around since 1959, making it the oldest and most widely used weight loss medication. The drug, which works in the brain as an appetite suppressant, is a stimulant similar to amphetamines and can be abused. It should not be used by patients who have suffered a stroke or who have heart disease, glaucoma or hyperthyroidism. The side effects of phentermine can be serious, including fast or irregular heart rate, headache, overstimulation, high blood pressure and tremors. It can also interact with several other drugs, including MAO inhibitors, alcohol, adrenergic neuron blockers and some anesthetic agents. How many people use injectable weight loss drugs? When phentermine is combined with topiramate, an anticonvulsant, its effect on hunger is magnified. The side effects of the two drugs combined include dizziness, abnormal sensations, altered taste, insomnia, constipation and dry mouth. Topiramate also carries a risk of birth defects, so it should not be taken during pregnancy. Qsymia was approved in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults. It was approved the following year for pediatric patients ages 12 and older who have a body mass index in the 95th percentile or greater. Imcivree, which is the brand name for setmelanotide, is approved by the FDA to treat patients suffering from severe obesity caused by rare genetic disorders. According to the National Institute of Health, setmelanotide is used to treat POMC, PCSK1 and LEPR deficiencies, which all lead to early-onset obesity. According to manufacturer Rhythm Pharmaceuticals, it is also used to treat Bardet-Biedl syndrome in patients aged 2 and older. Setmelanotide works by targeting the impaired MC4R pathway in the brain, which allows it to deliver messages to the brain that the body is satisfied and doesn't need more food. The National Institute of Health reports that it helps restore appetite control, reduces the patient's food intake and helps to control weight gain. About half of Americans approve of using weight-loss drugs: Poll It does not treat the underlying genetic defects that lead to obesity. The most common side effects of Imcivree are reactions at the injection site, hyperpigmentation, nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, stomach pain and depression. More serious side effects include sexual dysfunction, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions and toxicity caused by benzyl alcohol, which is a preservative in Imcivree. Like most medications, it can also cause serious allergic reactions that include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, breathing or swallowing issues, severe rash, itching, dizziness and rapid heartbeat. Anyone who experiences an allergic reaction should seek immediate medical attention. NewsNation's Taylor Delandro contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
FDA to restrict some makers of weight loss drugs starting next month
SILVER SPRING, Md. - Starting next month, the Food and Drug Administration will restrict who can make and sell popular weight-loss medications known as GLP-1s. The FDA says compounding pharmacies, which make similar versions of name-brand drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, will no longer be allowed to sell them after the end of April and May. In 2022, weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and others experienced a surge in popularity. In order to meet skyrocketing demand, the FDA gave permission to compounding pharmacies to make non-brand name copies of those drugs. "Compounding pharmacies were allowed by the FDA for a short period of time, to produce these medications until manufacturers could catch up," said Dr. Lydia Alexander, president of the Obesity Medicine Association. The FDA now says the manufacturers of brand-name drugs have caught up, and starting April 22, special permission for compounding pharmacies will be revoked. Some types of compounding pharmacies have until May 22 to stop making the drugs. Alexander, who leads the Obesity Medicine Association, explained that the doses and ingredients used by compounded pharmacies for GLP-1s aren't as closely regulated by the FDA. "Some of the medicines made are fine, some are not," she said. Alexander also pointed out that some products advertised online, like those claiming to contain the same active ingredients as Ozempic, can be red flags. "There are a lot of counterfeit and fake products out there... they are not undergoing the same safety standards," she said. A recent Kaiser Family Foundation survey found that 38 percent of people taking GLP-1s are using them solely to lose weight, not to treat a chronic condition like diabetes or obesity. "It's important to note it hasn't been studied in people who have five to ten pounds to lose. We don't know what the adverse effects are, the safety of that. There haven't been any long-term studies," Alexander said. You can read the FDA decision here.
