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June 12, 2024

Time to Rethink the Approach to Treating Obesity

Author Affiliations
  • 1Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
  • 2Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, School of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, Tennessee
JAMA Surg. Published online June 12, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2024.1502

The advent of therapies targeting glucagon-like peptide1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), such as semaglutide, and di- and triagonists, like tirzepatide and retatrutide, marks a breakthrough in obesity treatment and is poised to revolutionize health care. Due to their significantly improved efficacy compared with older-generation antiobesity medications in terms of 1- and 2-year weight loss,1 they have gained exceptional popularity. However, several questions remain regarding how clinicians should integrate these medications into clinical practice. Key considerations include delineating ideal treatment objectives, establishing criteria for nonresponse, and formulating strategies for combination therapy protocols.

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