GLP-1 RA drugs and primary care: What do physicians need to know?

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Key Takeaways

GLP-1 receptor agonists effectively reduce BMI with manageable side effects and no known long-term harm, leading to high patient demand.
These medications are reshaping physician-patient interactions, reflecting their significant impact on obesity management.
Dr. Robert Kushner, an expert in obesity and nutrition, has extensively contributed to the field through books and scientific articles.
His upcoming book, "Patient Centered Weight Management," will offer healthcare professionals a comprehensive weight management program.

Robert Kushner, MD, an expert in overweight, obesity, nutrition, diet and exercise, discusses the effects of the new antiobesity medications.

The new glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) antiobesity medications have taken medicine by storm.

They work to help patients decrease their body mass index, with manageable side effects and no indications yet of harmful long-term effects. Patients are clamoring for them. What do physicians think about these treatments?

Robert Kushner, MD, is the author or editor of 15 books, 65 book chapters and hundreds of scientific articles on overweight, obesity, nutrition, diet and exercise. He has traveled to dozens of countries speaking as an expert on those topics.

This fall, he spoke with Medical Economics about the effects these medicines are having, not just on BMI, but in physician and patient interactions around the country.

Look for his next book, “Patient Centered Weight Management: The Six Factor Professional Program & Toolkit,” written for medical and health care professionals, coming in 2025. It is the follow-up to his volume, “Six Factors to Fit: Weight Loss That Works for You!”

(And as the calendar winds down into the holiday season, here’s a bonus: “Eat Healthier this Holiday Season,” his blog with three tips physicians and patients can use to maintain healthy dietary habits in coming days.)