By Paul Goldfinger, MD, FACC. Editor Blogfinger.net.
WHO recommends GLP-1 medications for obesity. This is a huge advance.
Reuters (12/1, Roy, Rigby) reports the World Health Organization on Monday “issued its first guideline on the use of GLP-1 therapies for obesity, conditionally recommending them as part of long-term treatment for the condition.”
The guidance materializes as demand for GLP-1 agonists has “surged worldwide, and governments are figuring out how to include the blockbuster therapies into public health systems.” According to Reuters, “the first conditional recommendation advises the use of GLP-1 drugs by adults, except pregnant women, for long-term obesity treatment, while the second suggests pairing these with a healthy diet and physical activity.” WHO officials also “stressed that access is now the biggest challenge. Even with rapid expansion in production, GLP-1 therapies are projected to reach fewer than 10% of those who could benefit by 2030.”
NBC News (12/1, Bendix) reports that WHO officials published the guidelines Monday in JAMA, “defining long-term use as continuous treatment for six months or more.” The officials said, “GLP-1 therapies mark more than a scientific breakthrough.”
They added, “They represent a new chapter in the gradual conceptual shift in how society approaches obesity – from a ‘lifestyle condition’ to a complex, preventable, and treatable chronic disease.” With that said, the guidelines acknowledge that “medication alone cannot solve the global obesity burden.”
BLOGFINGER NOTE: This class of drugs has created excitement all over the world. They act on human hormones to combat Type-2 diabetes and obesity. There are quite a few brands, and although doctors are enthused, they will need full knowledge and experience to use them.
I know that my own cardiologist is already recommending it to his patients, including me because he says that I am at least 30 pounds overweight.
But I suspect that physicians will focus on those who are at highest risk besides weight, especially diabetes type II and those with a history of atherosclerotic heart disease and coronary risk,
I will not jump to start the meds until I learn more about them. But many will try to quickly get on the band wagon, but these drugs will not be available right away for many.
But I do know that many of you are enthused to get on board, so make sure that you don’t just get it from the Internet. Lean on your doctor who should be acquiring experience as we speak.
Be sure to read all about these drugs yourself.
I know little about them now, so this is an alert only not an expert opinion.
But I do know that diet, exercise, and other risk factor modifications are still important including the Mediterranean diet.
Check out our book on prevention:
THE PLATTERS:
“Only You”. Play this song for your partner who shares your menu at home. I have Eileen, and she wrote the recipe section in our book with “evidence based” concepts in mind.