Dr. Lydia Alexander discusses the importance of treating obesity and cardiovascular disease in women, advocating for informed discussions and personalized care with healthcare providers.
For women, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death, with the risk being significantly increased in women with obesity. This makes the need for proper obesity treatment more important than ever. Proper comprehensive care for obesity treatment can include nutrition therapy, physical activity, behavioral modification, and medical interventions such as medications or surgical procedures. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the amount of FDA-approved anti-obesity medications, such as semaglutide (Wegovy) in 2021. These medications effectively manage weight and reduce the risk of CVD, providing enduring options for the comprehensive treatment of obesity and obesity-related complications.
The SELECT trial, conducted from 2018-2023, was designed to evaluate the effects of semaglutide on weight and cardiovascular health. The results of the study showed that semaglutide significantly reduced the risk of major cardiovascular complications while improving blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The trial highlights the broader health benefits of anti-obesity medications, particularly for cardiovascular health in patients with obesity.
Although these medications are more accessible, discussing them with your provider is critical, and such conversations are not always easy. Transparent conversations with your provider on such matters can cover sensitive topics such as weight, health issues related to one’s weight, and personal issues, all while potentially introducing bias. It is essential for women to approach these conversations with confidence and a clear understanding of how anti-obesity medications, as part of a comprehensive obesity treatment plan, can benefit overall health.
How to prepare for your visit
- Know your health history and your lifestyle, and be ready to articulate what has/has not worked for you in the past.
- Create a list of questions or concerns that address the benefits and risks of the medications and how they align with your overall health goals.
- Articulate your health goals. (Have an idea of what you are looking for from a medication, know what tests to ask for, what you want to measure, etc.)
- If you face bias and/or resistance from your provider, advocate for yourself and your health goals. Seek a second opinion if the treatment plan isn’t a good fit for you.
How to discuss obesity treatment with your patients
- Avoid assumptions about the patient, their lifestyle choices, and their health history.
- Stay up-to-date on the best options to build comprehensive obesity treatment plans, including up-to-date, FDA-approved anti-obesity medication options.
- Focus on overall health goals for your patient (beyond weight loss) and how you can provide them with the proper knowledge and support.
- Approach treatment with a compassionate, non-judgmental attitude while using person-first language.
Once you have determined the best direction for you to take with medications, it is crucial to have ongoing care and follow up with your provider. Regular and ongoing surveillance by your provider will allow them to monitor the effectiveness of the medication, help you manage side effects, provide support and guidance, and adjust treatment plans to align with your health goals.
Addressing obesity and cardiovascular health is vital for women’s well-being. Anti-obesity medications, when paired with healthful nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral modification, offer an opportunity to treat obesity and lower cardiovascular risks.
Open, compassionate, and informed discussions with your provider are key to creating a personalized treatment plan. By approaching these conversations with preparation and confidence, you can work collaboratively with your provider to develop a treatment plan that works specifically for you. When you advocate for your health with your provider, you not only enhance your well-being, but you can also serve to inspire others to approach their health journey with improved confidence and determination.
