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284: Popular Weight Loss Meds & The Evolving Role of RDNs in Obesity Care – Linda Gigliotti & Hope Warshaw
April 09, 2025 · 52 min

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