Nicole Albanese grew up in a holistic household that emphasized diet over drugs. Now, as a clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice at the University at Buffalo, she embraces medication—but as only one piece of the overall health puzzle. In this episode, Albanese, whose research focuses on diabetes, obesity and nutrition, talks to host Laurie Kaiser about the pros and cons of modern weight-loss drugs. Their conversation covers everything from unforeseen side effects to unexpected health benefits, with discussions along the way on how these drugs work, why they’re so hugely popular, what prevents most users from achieving long-term success, and what’s next on the horizon. Hint: It won’t be long before we’re looking back on Ozempic and Wegovy as weight-loss drugs 1.0. 

Credits: 

Host: Laurie Kaiser
Guest: Nicole Albanese
Writer/Producer: Laura Silverman
Production and editing by UB Video Production Group 

Coming March 3: Public health researcher Lucia Leone understands food insecurity—she grew up with it. Now she’s leading interventions to bring healthy, affordable food to everyone, no matter their income or ZIP code. In the next episode, she talks about projects that are making a difference, from mobile produce markets to revamped corner stores.