GLP-1 RA antiobesity medications: Learning about side effects, and managing them

Author(s):

Richard Payerchin

Key Takeaways

Side effects of GLP-1 RA drugs influence patient adherence, despite controlled research guiding physicians.
Real-world experiences may lead to treatment discontinuation due to physical side effects.
Cost and availability significantly impact patient willingness to continue treatment.
Robert Kushner, MD, highlights these factors based on his expertise in obesity and nutrition.

A physician researcher and author discusses the latest information on GLP-1 RA antiobesity medications.

Side effects play a role in a patient’s desire to use GLP-1 RA drugs for weight loss or other health conditions. Scientists studied the side effects in formal, controlled research that guides physicians when prescribing the drugs to patients. But real-world experiences may differ, and patients may not persist with a treatment regimen due to physical side effects. Cost and availability also play a role, said said Robert Kushner, MD. He has made a career as a researcher and author about overweight, obesity and nutrition. He’s also a doctor who has treated patients for years through Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and Northwestern Medicine’s Center for Lifestyle Medicine.