Endocrinologist Dr. Jordanna Kapeluto unpacks the evolving science of obesity and the role of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide. We explore obesity as a complex, chronic disease, the impact of weight bias in health care, and the promise and pitfalls of new treatments. From mechanisms of action to real-world outcomes, this conversation challenges assumptions and highlights the importance of compassionate, evidence-based care.
Host: Dr. Chris Morrow
Producer: Craig Ferguson
Music: "Stand With Me" by Adrian Walther licensed via SoundStripe
(C) 2025 UBC Medicine Learning Network
Episode Timestamps
[00:00] - Introduction and episode overview
[01:38] - Medical diagnosis of obesity: Why it is important to diagnose and treat
[02:27] - Evolution of our understanding of obesity and weight dynamics
[04:30] - Stigma surrounding obesity and patient experiences of weight bias affecting access to appropriate care or diagnostics
[06:14] - Defining and diagnosing obesity
[12:40] - Discussion on GLP-1 agonists
[15:45] - GLP-1 agonists and weight loss
[18:14] - GLP-1s in diabetes treatment
[18:42] - Criteria for using GLP-1s as a weight loss agent
[22:05] - GLP-1s: Downsides and barriers
[26:50] - Guidance for primary care providers on prescribing GPL-1s
[30:27] - Closing thoughts from Dr. Jordanna Kapeluto
[31:50] - Closing remarks from Dr. Chris Morrow on GLP-1 agonists
Studies & Research Mentioned
Rubino F, Bartolomucci A, Buse JB, et al. Definition and diagnostic criteria of clinical obesity. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2025;S2213-8587(24)00316-4. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(24)00316-4
Palmer AB, Roshani R, McCormick JB, Fisher-Hoch SP, Below JE, North KE, Gordon-Larsen P. Excess Adiposity Without Obesity in a High-Risk Population. JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Oct 1;8(10):e2535194. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.35194. PMID: 41042515; PMCID: PMC12495492.Drucker DJ. The GLP-1 journey: from discovery science to therapeutic impact. J Clin Invest. 2024;134(2):e175634. Published 2024 Jan 16. doi:10.1172/JCI175634
Eng J, Kleinman WA, Singh L, Singh G, Raufman JP. Isolation and characterization of exendin-4, an exendin-3 analogue, from Heloderma suspectum venom. Further evidence for an exendin receptor on dispersed acini from guinea pig pancreas. J Biol Chem. 1992;267(11):7402-7405.
Quetelet A. Sur l'homme et le développement de ses facultés, ou Essai de physique sociale [A Treatise on Man and the Development of His Faculties]. Bachelier; 1835.
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