Weight Management

Katherine H. Saunders, MD, DABOM, explores the role of pharmacists in supporting long-term weight management with GLP-1 therapies, including strategies for counseling on lifestyle interventions, managing adverse effects, and ensuring patients receive individualized, evidence-based care.

The expert explored the complex prior authorization process for GLP-1 medications, discussing challenges in documentation and medical necessity.

Orforglipron showed promising results in managing type 2 diabetes, offering a potential oral alternative to injectable treatments.

The announcement came shortly before updated results from the SURMOUNT-5 clinical trial, which found Zepbound had superior weight-loss effects over Wegovy.

Tirzepatide outperforms semaglutide in weight loss, achieving an average reduction of 20.2% in a pivotal trial for obesity management.

Pharmacists are positioned to significantly impact weight management by offering accessible expertise in medication, lifestyle guidance, and long-term support for healthier choices.

Adherence to GLP-1 receptor agonists showed a 59% drop in inpatient hospital costs.

A holistic approach emphasizing lifestyle modifications is essential to maintain weight loss after and while stopping medication.

The findings suggest a potentially elevated risk of vision impairment with semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy; Novo Nordisk) use compared with other weight loss and diabetes medications.

Automated diagnosis verification offers a promising alternative for managing the use of GLP-1 medications.

Pharmacists play a crucial role in educating patients on proper administration and adherence to GLP-1 treatments.

The expanded discount program offers semaglutide for $499 per month for all eligible cash-paying customers.

As demand for GLP-1 therapies grows, patients face rising costs and restrictive insurance policies.

Patients adhering to cagrilintide/semaglutide treatment experienced an average 15.7% weight loss.

A brief period of overeating ultra-processed, high-calorie snacks could lead to liver fat accumulation and temporary disruption of brain insulin action.

Pharmacies could still experience localized availability issues for semaglutide despite its removal from the drug shortage list.

New options for tirzepatide provide a transparent, out-of-pocket choice for patients by streamlining the supply chain and bypassing insurance.

Treatment with semaglutide yielded superior effects on drinking outcomes compared with existing therapies to reduce alcohol cravings.

Using central obesity measures provides more accurate estimates of the proportion of CRC cases attributable to excess weight compared to using BMI alone.

Donna Ryan explains why long-term treatment with GLP-1 medication is typically necessary to maintain weight loss benefits.

Pharmacists should emphasize the importance of medication adherence and lifestyle changes.

Treatment with 2.4 mg of semaglutide did not increase the risk of developing suicidal ideation or behavior compared with placebo.