The role of pharmacists in supporting long-term weight management with GLP-1 therapies has become increasingly important. Dr. Katherine H. Saunders, an obesity physician and co-founder of FlyteHealth, emphasizes the need for comprehensive care strategies that combine pharmacotherapy with sustainable lifestyle interventions.
To achieve long-term weight maintenance and reduce cardiovascular disease risks, evidence-based dietary and physical activity strategies are crucial. Pharmacists can play a critical role in counseling patients on lifestyle modifications, such as focusing less on weight loss and more on weight maintenance and health outcomes.
In addition to lifestyle counseling, pharmacists can help manage adverse effects (AEs) and ensure patients receive individualized care. Strategies for mitigating gastrointestinal AEs include proper prescribing, thoughtful counseling, and close monitoring. Pharmacists can also proactively address misconceptions about GLP-1 medications, such as the misconception that they are the only solution to obesity treatment.
To maintain weight management progress and cardiovascular risk reduction after discontinuing GLP-1 therapy due to cost or insurance coverage changes, pharmacists should encourage patients to contact their prescribing clinician to discuss alternative options. By working together with care teams and providing individualized support, pharmacists can help patients achieve successful weight management outcomes.
Source: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/helping-patients-navigate-glp-1-therapy-practical-strategies-for-pharmacists