Obesity and diabetes are two interconnected health problems that have been impacting millions of lives worldwide, and the statistics are on the rise year by year. According to CDC statistics, it is estimated that 93 million Americans are affected by obesity [1], obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, up to half of new diabetes cases in the US linked to obesity [2]. And approximately 37.3 million people have diabetes (11.3% of the US population) [3], a number projected to rise. Diabetes can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, and vision loss.
In this challenging landscape, GLP-1 Agonists have emerged as a beacon of hope. These medications can mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite. Due to its effects and potential, it becomes a popular medication nowadays. Even in some regions, it has been suffering a shortage. Despite its effectiveness, like any medication, GLP-1 Agonists can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort. However, the benefit always outweighs the initial discomfort. In clinical trials, the majority of people on liraglutide lost >5% (about 10.5 to 15.8 pounds (4.8 to 7.2 kilograms, or kg)) of their body weight over 56 weeks [4]. The demand for these medications has surged.
As mentioned, there are challenges and side effects when using GLP-1 agonists. For individuals with diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 Agonists offer a new possibility. Beyond medications, lifestyle change plays a fundamental role. Managing obesity and diabetes involves not just taking pills but adopting healthier habits. This includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and adequate sleep. Lifestyle change isn't always easy, but it is sustainable and can significantly improve quality of life. By adopting telehealth solutions that help people with behavioral health change, it empowers people to get long lasting benefits.
More and more telehealth companies step onto the stage, offer solutions and care plan for obesity and diabetics by integrating with GLP-1 agonists. TeleRPM offers solutions for telehealth companies, providing medical-grade scales and blood glucose meters which assisting individuals to lose weight and lower sugar levels in a long term. We believe that these medications, combined with a commitment to lifestyle change, can lead to heathier lives.
Source:
1. https://www.obesityaction.org/get-educated/public-resources/obesity-statistics-fact-sheets/
2. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/02/10/up-to-half-of-new-diabetes-cases-in-the-us-linked-to-obesity
3. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html
4. https://www.joinsequence.com/articles/what-to-expect-on-a-glp-1-medication
