S1 Ep30: Weight! Weight! Take a PILL to Take Off the Pounds? With Dr. Robert Kushner

Obesity is a medical illness that is linked to heart disease, stroke, joint pain, and even many cancers. There are biologic reasons that make it difficult or impossible for some people to lose weight. But most doctors have little or no training in obesity management and basically tell their patients to “eat less” or “try harder.” Less than 1% of obese Americans are offered a prescription for one of the many safe and effective drugs which will facilitate the ability to maintain a healthy weight.  In this episode, Dr. Streicher is joined by one of the country’s foremost obesity specialists, Dr. Robert Kushner.  Dr. Kushner is the author (or editor) of 12 books, 58 book chapters and nearly 200 scientific articles on overweight, obesity and nutrition. He is the medical director of the center for Lifestyle Medicine at Northwestern Medicine, a Professor of Medicine at the Feinberg School of Medicine, and founder of the American Board of Obesity Medicine that certifies physicians in the care of patients with obesity.  In this episode, Dr. Streicher and Dr. Kushner discuss: WHO should take a weight management medication WHY some people struggle with weight even if they have a healthy diet and lifestyle Why your INSURANCE might not cover a weight loss medication How GENETICS and environment can increase susceptibility to weight SPECIFIC DRUGS that are FDA approved for weight loss and weight management including:   Hydrogel Capsules (Plenity™)   Tirzepatide (Mounjaro™)   Semaglutide (Ozempic™ Saxenda™)   Xenical (Orlistat™)   Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia™)   Buproprion-Naltrexone (Contrave™)   Why NEW drugs are so much better than most older weight management drugs Why some LIBIDO DRUGS can help you lose weight  How to FIND A DOCTOR who can help with weight loss When BARIATRIC SURGERY should be considered The BIAS about obesity treatment and why doctors don’t offer help To find out WHY women in menopause gain weight:   Episode 19 Menopause and Muffin Top: why women put on pounds For more information from Dr. Kushner and to take the Six Factor Quiz https://drrobertkushner.com/ https://twitter.com/DrRobertKushner https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertkushnermd/ https://www.facebook.com/drrobertkushner/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNQEM9slsjtdYkNsK6MpRA To find a physician certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine: ABOM.org (The “Find a Physician” link is at the top of the home page) Lauren Streicher, MD is a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, and the medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Center for Sexual Medicine and Menopause. She is a certified menopause practitioner of the North American Menopause Society.  Dr. Streicher is the medical correspondent for Chicago’s top-rated news program, the WGNMorningNews, and has been seen on The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, NPR, Dr.Radio,Nightline,Fox and Friends, The Steve Harvey Show, CBS ThisMorning,ABCNewsNow,NBCNightlyNews,20/20, and WorldNewsTonight. She is an expert source for many magazines and serves on the medical advisory board of The Kinsey Institute, Self Magazine and Prevention Magazine. She writes a regular column for The Ethel by AARP and Prevention Magazine.  Subscribe and Follow Dr. Streicher on  DrStreicher.com Instagram @DrStreich Twitter @DrStreicher Facebook  @DrStreicher YouTube  DrStreicherTV Books by Lauren Streicher, MD  Slip Sliding Away: Turning Back the Clock on Your Vagina-A gynecologist’s guide to eliminating post-menopause dryness and pain Hot Flash Hell: A Gynecologist's Guide to Turning Down the Heat Sex Rx- Hormones , Health, and Your Best Sex Ever The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy