Welcome back to The Business of Wellness! This week, host Jaclyn London, RD, sits down with renowned New York City-based cardiologist, internal medicine and concierge medicine physician, Dr. Erica Jones, MD, for an in-depth, behind-the-scenes, honest conversation about obesity medications and the alarming rise in the rate of cancer diagnoses among young adults.

Why GLP-1’s, why now? Dr. Jones explains the cardiovascular benefits that make GLP-1 medications a desirable tool in modern medical practic; the benefits vs. risks of taking these medications for weight-loss and management; the ideal population who will benefit from taking GLP-1’s; how these medications are altering patients' food tastes and eating patterns, and how permanent they are; the most common (and uncommon) side effects of GLP-1 medications, their severity, and Dr. Jones’ tips for predicting & understanding patient tolerance. Then, we get into the long-term considerations for use of GLP-1’s, including a critical discussion on the rapid & widespread adoption of GLP-1’s, long-term risks of using these medications (what we know and what we don’t know yet…), and the need for comprehensive evaluation and medical nutrition therapy. We also dive into the media coverage about obesity medications: How is the celebrity endorsement of GLP-1’s impacting everyday patients? Dr. Jones shares her perspective on that, and in what ways the media portrayal of GLP-1’s has influenced interest and/or the cultural discourse about weight-loss. Jaclyn shares her perspective on the efficacy of Medical Nutrition therapy as a part of the clinical picture for patients adopting GLP-1’s as an intervention for obesity, and they conclude on this topic by sharing considerations for long-term use– including what the packaging insert says vs. what’s happening in real life physicians’ offices. Next, Jaclyn & Dr. Jones dive into the concerning data from the American Cancer Society about the rising rates of cancer diagnosis in young people; Princess Catherine of Wales’ cancer diagnosis at the age of 42; the contributing factors that may be playing a role in this concerning statistic; new modalities for screening; lifestyle related risk factors for specific types of cancers; new & emerging technologies for cancer treatment; balancing what’s new and available to us as screening tools with creating & cultivating feelings overwhelm, anxiety & fear; the pros and cons of full-body MRI screenings, and Dr. Jones’ most effective strategies for determining what interventions are right for most.

Tune in for a comprehensive and enlightening episode that discusses a medical practitioner’s real-life experience with prescribing GLP-1 medications and all of the myriad complexities & questions that accompany this treatment modality, plus a thoughtful discussion on the emerging cancer trends affecting younger adults today.

Thanks for listening to this episode of The Business of Wellness with Jaclyn London, RD.

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**Advice provided on this podcast should not replace medical advice provided by your physician.