Coverage of weight loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro has become ubiquitous in the news lately. On today’s episode, we wanted to get beyond the trendy headlines to discuss the weight loss science behind GLP-1 and GIP agonists, semaglutide and tirzepatide, including how they work, their beneficial role for chronic obesity management, and the risks and complications known so far. So we sat down with one of the world's leading experts in weight management Dr. Robert Kushner. 

Dr. Kushner is the Medical Director of the Center for Lifestyle Medicine at Northwestern Medicine in Chicago, a Professor of Medicine and Medical Education at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, a Past President of The Obesity Society, and a founder of the American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) that certifies physicians in the care of patients with obesity. He also co-authored a book with his wife Nancy called Six Factors to Fit, which discusses personalized strategies to help you lose weight in a healthy way. To learn more, visit his website at www.drrobertkushner.com, and find him on X (formerly Twitter) @drrobertkushner.

• (03:08 ) - Recognizing obesity as a disease
• (05:05 ) - Lipostatic theory and the thrifty gene hypothesis
• (11:46 ) - Limitations of BMI
• (17:40 ) - Historical treatment of obesity — from lifestyle interventions to pharmacological treatments
• (22:10 ) - Incretin hormones — GLP-1 and GIP
• (25:00 ) - Results of the FDA STEP trials 
• (30:05 ) - Metabolic adaptation
• (33:00 ) - Lifestyle remains the foundation of weight loss
• (36:05 ) - Nutrition and dietary recommendations
• (40:55 ) - Clinical parameters, side effects, and other considerations
• (50:22 ) - Response to the rising popularity of non-FDA-approved use
• (56:25 ) - Introduction of Zepbound
• (59:38 ) - FDA approval for children over the age of 12

If there are topics that you are interested in learning more about, please visit MichaelJLeeMD.com.

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The information from this podcast does not constitute medical advice and is meant for basic informational purposes only. If you're interested in pursuing any of the therapies, supplements, or medications discussed here, please consult with your physician.

Podcast episode production by Dante32.