Weighing the truth: weight management treatments in the age of social media
Misinformation can pose dangerous health risks. Recently, Novo Nordisk, a global pharmaceutical company that has invested 20 years of research into the treatment of obesity as a chronic disease, sponsored a panel at the Fast CompanyGrill during SXSW to discuss this troubling trend. Here are three takeaways from the conversation. (Some quotes have been edited for length and clarity.)
1. Misinformation is on the rise.
There is a huge amount of interest from the public around GLP-1s. GLP-1s mimic a naturally occurring hormone produced in the intestines that helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. The effectiveness of these drugs has been remarkable for patients managing type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Yet, misleading information online may lead to improper use in patients for whom the treatment is not appropriate or the use of illegitimate compounded versions of GLP-1s. Compounded products do not undergo the same review for effectiveness, safety, or quality as FDA approved medicines/drugs and may expose patients to unknown health risks.
2. Compounded medicines are a potential health risk.
Compounding's original intent is to tailor medications for individuals with specific needs who cannot use FDA-approved versions. With the FDA's announcement that the shortage of certain GLP-1 medicines has resolved, making or selling knockoff compounded drugs is now illegal under U.S. compounding laws, except in rare circumstances.
Concerns about compounded weight management products abound. 'Compounded medications don't go through clinical trial programs, and they're not approved by the FDA,' said Negelle Morris, senior vice president at Novo Nordisk. 'In fact, we've tested quite a number of samples from compounding companies and found impurities—some of them included ingredients on the FDA banned list for use in compounding.'
The conversation between patients and healthcare professionals is crucial for effective treatment and care. 'Always tell your healthcare provider what you're doing,' Horn said. 'Even if compounded medication is something I will never give them, if they chose it, I need to know.'
3. Patient safety and care needs to be a top priority.
Treating obesity and other chronic illnesses is an ongoing process. 'I think the hardest thing is that this is a journey and it takes work,' said Lisa S., a patient advocate on the panel.
Morris echoed this sentiment. 'Any disease that you treat, you are making a long-term commitment,' she said.
No one should have to compromise their health due to misinformation or lack of understanding. For this reason, it's important that people find a doctor who can serve as a guide and partner on their weight management journey. 'Healthcare is shared decision-making,' Horn asserted. 'It's not for me to tell my patient what to do, but it's for me to share with them the things that I know, talk to them, and give them as much information as I can.'
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