284: Popular Weight Loss Meds & The Evolving Role of RDNs in Obesity Care – Linda Gigliotti & Hope Warshaw

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40% of American adults have obesity, costing the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $173 billion annually. The development of incretin-based therapies, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), marks a major advance in obesity treatment. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) play a crucial role in providing medical nutrition therapy (MNT) to people using these medications as part of comprehensive obesity care. Tune into this episode to learn about: ● the new paper published in JAND about injectable weight loss medications and lifestyle interventions ● the unique and evolving role of RDNs in obesity care ● why this new class of obesity medications has become so popular ● how these medications work ● the amount of weight loss needed to reduce obesity related comorbidities ● the evolution of different terms for these medications ● the pipeline of obesity medications we will see in the next few years ● how these medications have impacted the role of RDNs in counseling patients ● common side effects and nutritional considerations ● concerns about loss of muscle mass and bone density ● the importance of and role of exercise while taking these medications ● emotional aspects of significant weight loss in a short time ● how RDNs can be utilized in comprehensive obesity care in the long term ● how RDNs can stay informed and up to date on the medications and obesity care in general ● when people taking these medications should be referred to RDNs ● how working with an RDN can improve a person's experience and outcomes ● additional information and resources for the public and health professionals Full shownotes, transcript and resources: https://soundbitesrd.com/284