Patient-First Language Cuts Weight Stigma in Care

In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Anne M. Komé, PharmD, CPP, BCACP, CDCES, an endocrinology clinical pharmacist practitioner at the University of North Carolina Medical Center, discussed how pharmacists can help reduce weight stigma in patient care and shared her view on the most important obesity pharmacotherapy developments in 2026. The discussion took place during a Pharmacy Times Continuing Education panel.

Komé emphasized that one of the most effective ways pharmacists can reduce weight stigma is by becoming proficient in patient-centered and patient-first language. She explained that this approach helps patients feel comfortable and safe and creates an environment that may mitigate the weight bias or stigma they may otherwise experience during care. She noted that many tools are available to help pharmacists build this skill and put it into practice. Turning to the therapeutic landscape, Komé identified the launch of a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) Bridge program for Medicare beneficiaries as a major development in 2026, framing expanded access as a significant step for patients covered by Medicare.¹

Looking ahead, she said she expects to see a number of multi-agonist therapies emerge, singling out CagriSema (Novo Nordisk) as anticipated for the end of the year. In her view, these multi-agonist agents represent the next wave of revolutionary therapies in the obesity management space. For pharmacists, Komé’s comments connect two dimensions of obesity care that often move separately: the interpersonal work of communicating without bias and the fast-evolving pharmacology that is broadening what treatment can achieve. Both, she suggested, are central to supporting patients well as the field advances.

REFERENCE

1. McGovern G. Medicare and Weight-Loss Medications: A Pharmacist's FAQ on the GLP-1 Bridge Program. Pharmacy Times. Published July 14, 2026. Accessed August 31, 2026. https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/medicare-and-weight-loss-medications-a-pharmacist-s-faq-on-the-glp-1-bridge-program