Latest news with #HLTH
Medscape
19-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
GLP-1 Use in Europe Hampered by Stigma and Cost
AMSTERDAM — At the HLTH Europe 2025 conference, experts discussed the nuanced landscape of GLP-1 medications in Europe, revealing a complex interplay of skepticism, financial hurdles, and evolving perceptions of obesity. While clinical evidence supporting GLP-1s is growing, European healthcare providers have not widely adopted these medications, particularly in the public sector. Manuel Nothelfer According to Manuel Nothelfer, co-founder and CEO of Wellster, stringent regulations, societal stigma that still often views obesity as a 'lifestyle choice' rather than a disease, and the financial burden on public health systems lead to a tendency to view GLP-1s as a 'last resort' treatment. This is why there is less uptake in Europe than in the US. Tessy Huss, director of strategy at HLTH community, added that some European countries have yet to formally classify obesity as a disease — a factor that limits access to treatment. In the UK, where 28% of the population has obesity, the National Health Service feels primary care isn't equipped to handle widespread GLP-1 medication distribution, explained Ro Huntriss, a registered dietitian and the chief nutrition officer at Simple App. Tessy Huss There is a need for more staffing, greater healthcare professional education, and the integration of digital health solutions, she said. It is also important to ensure a consistent medication supply to prevent interrupting patient treatment plans. 'There is not an acceptable patient journey,' she added. Beyond BMI: Redefining Eligibility and Benefits As scientists continue to learn how GLP-1 medications work, it is becoming clear that the benefits go beyond mere weight loss. Studies have observed a significant reduction in cardiovascular events, an impact on inflammatory processes, and even improvements in sleep apnea and neurodegenerative diseases, according to Ihsan Almarzooqi, MD, co-founder of These findings are prompting a reevaluation of eligibility criteria beyond BMI. 'BMI alone might not be the best measure,' said Scott Honken, chief commercial officer at WeightWatchers, suggesting that a more holistic approach incorporating metabolic syndrome diagnosis would provide a 'much better picture for whom should be taking these medications.' This expanded understanding of GLP-1 benefits also contributes to the ongoing debate about their high upfront costs. While the direct cost of GLP-1s can be substantial, the broader health improvements and reduced need for other medical interventions could lead to significant long-term savings. 'The curve is starting to bend around 2 or 3 years,' said Honken; that is the point at which the return on investment becomes positive due to reduced emergency room visits and other medical cost savings. A Lifestyle Change Is Not Negotiable Ro Huntriss However, despite these broader benefits and evolving economic arguments, the panel stressed that lifestyle interventions are nonnegotiable in obesity management. GLP-1s are a powerful tool, but they are not a standalone solution, said Huntriss. 'Good diet and lifestyle can reduce blood pressure, it can reduce cholesterol, it can improve inflammation. We shouldn't just go straight to the medication.' She added that a critical missing element in current treatment paradigms is comprehensive, ongoing support, with a multidisciplinary approach that includes dietitians, exercise practitioners, and coaches. 'If people don't have that wrap-around support, they are less likely to adhere to treatment and achieve sustainable outcomes,' she said. Patients need to understand that GLP-1s are part of a broader behavioral change strategy. Simply taking the medication without addressing lifestyle factors often leads to weight regain once the drug is stopped, Honken said. Moreover, even with weight loss from GLP-1s, patients need guidance to ensure they remain well-nourished, Huntriss said. Huss reported having no relevant financial relationships.
Globe and Mail
24-03-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
NYSE CONTENT ADVISORY: The NYSE on the ground at HumanX's inaugural AI conference
NEW YORK , /CNW/ -- As a leading global exchange, the NYSE is committed to empowering our diverse communities, wherever they may be. Engaging with our listed companies and emerging startups at key industry events is an opportunity to do just that. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: So, when the visionary teams behind HLTH and Money 20/20—two conferences where we are already deeply involved—unveiled the creation of a new AI-focused community, we were ready to be a part of it. With Funding from a16z, FPV Ventures, Foundation Capital, and Primary Ventures, HumanX is on a mission to distill AI complexity into actionable insights, strategies and tactics to help corporate and government leaders to move confidently forward in deploying and integrating AI. The inaugural HumanX conference was held on March 10-13, 2025 at The Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas and featured leaders from diverse industries including Healthcare and Life Sciences, Financial Services, Consumer and Retail, Cybersecurity, Sales and Marketing, Infrastructure Tools and Business Operations. In total, the event comprised of nine diverse industry tracks, over 300 expert speakers, and numerous opportunities for NYSE to collaborate. NYSE kicked off our coverage with a preview by Stefan Weitz , CEO of HumanX, and insights into industry trends from Gene Teare , Senior Data Editor at Crunchbase. According to Stefan, companies in attendance raised over $95 billion in capital and a third have plans to engage in M&A in the coming year. He later described the gathered community as, "the pioneers, the builders, and the decision makers, those who aren't just watching AI unfold around them, but hopefully actively shaping its future. From startups to Fortune 500 companies, from policy makers to investors, … they're building a roadmap for how AI and humanity can actually thrive together, and we do it at scale." On Monday, March 10 , Laura Diorio from the NYSE moderated a panel discussion on how AI is transforming finance through predictive analytics, fraud prevention, and automation, featuring Andrew Brown (Check), Laura Spiekerman (Alloy), and Juan Pablo Ortega (Yuno). Our coverage also highlighted companies like Credo AI, Brex, Glean, Vanta, Metropolis, Cerebras, SambaNova, and more, with real-time engagement from major participating companies. Stefan Weitz officially welcomed attendees, followed by commentary from Sridhar Ramaswamy , CEO of Snowflake, and Rajat Taneja , President of Technology at Visa. On Tuesday, March 11 , NYSE President Lynn Martin led a discussion on AI in the workplace with Sarah Franklin , CEO of Lattice, and Tomer Cohen , CPO of LinkedIn. The day also featured a Women in AI highlight with contributions from Lynn, alongside Monte Carlo , Credo AI, Lattice, Writer, Vanta, and others. Michael Misiewicz , Head of Data Science at Yext, previewed his presence on the HumanX panel and discussed Yext's new product, Scout. Rajat Taneja unveiled new research on AI's impact on commerce and finance from the Institute for the Future. Sven Gierlinger , SVP and CXO at Northwell Health, discussed his involvement in HumanX Innovation and Healthcare. The event also featured companies like Airtable, Mistral, Neo4J, Dialpad, Dataiku, and Crunchbase. Coming off the success of the inaugural HumanX Conference, its leadership team convened at the corner of Wall and Broad to ring the Opening Bell on Wednesday, March 19 , to mark next year's conference in San Francisco , planned for April 2026 . While here, CEO Stefan Weitz conducted interviews on the trading floor, including with NYSE TV. When he took to stage at the Opening Bell Ceremony, Stefan had this to say about opening the US Equity Markets, "Let's recognize what we're actually doing, what we're actually opening. It's really a future where AI isn't just another tool, it's a force multiplier, a future where those who understand its potential for those who invest in its power, who won't just adapt, they will lead."
