What would expanded access to GLP-1s mean for the obesity rate?

The World Health Organization recently issued its first guidance on GLP-1 medications for adults with obesity — recommending long-term, continuous use when clinically appropriate. Malti Vij, MD, University of Cincinnati adjunct associate professor in the College of Medicine's Department of Internal Medicine, appeared on Cincinnati Edition on 91.7 WVXU News to discuss GLP-1s and what expanded insurance coverage of the medications might mean for Americans.

"Like for any other disease, the solution has to be long-term and lifelong, and same thing for the disease of obesity. And you have to do lifestyle interventions, along with customized use of these newer obesity medications," said Vij. "So I think this is a great step toward curtailing the problem of obesity."

She also addressed why the medications have become so popular more recently.

"A lot of people are using these medications because they are effective, and especially not only effective, they are safer to use," said Vij. "They are good for hypertension, they are good for diabetes, and all those co-morbidities or bad diseases that are associated with the disease of obesity."

Vij also encouraged those using GLP-1 medications and their physicians to keep their perspective on the big picture. "It's not about the number on the scale, it's about overall health," she said. "So that should be the emphasis of discussion when we are treating a patient for the disease of obesity."

Listen to the full Cincinnati Edition interview on 91.7 WVXU News.

Featured image at top: Weight loss drug injection pens and a measuring tape. Photo/iStock/Alones Creative.