UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center Member and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism Professor Monica Agarwal, M.D., recently spoke to UAB Department of Medicine (DOM) faculty, staff, and students during the DOM Grand Rounds.

Her talk was titled, “The Evolving Landscape of Obesity Management: Past Insights, Present Strategies, and Future Prospects.” Attendees could listen to the talk either in person at the Margaret Cameron Spain Auditorium or virtually via Zoom.

Agarwal elucidated the evolution of societal attitudes towards body weight and the corresponding expansion of weight management options since the 1960s. She reviewed the efficacy of various therapeutic strategies, including the use of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, dual agonists, and bariatric surgery, in addition to reviewing anti-obesity medications currently in development.

Furthermore, Agarwal explored the nuanced physiological effects of these interventions, detailing their impact on gastric emptying processes and the differential effects on fat mass versus lean mass reduction. These insights provided a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of effectively managing obesity.

Agarwal also addressed critical issues such as the financial implications of obesity treatments and their accessibility to the broader population. This discussion underscored the socioeconomic barriers to effective obesity management and emphasized the necessity of equitable solutions within healthcare strategies.

Agarwal's presentation delivered a multidimensional perspective on weight management, capturing the historical development, current therapeutic strategies, and the broader implications of obesity treatment.

To close, Agarwal left the audience with a call to action to learn more about the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) bill, which has the potential to expand coverage for anti-obesity medications and improve access to essential treatments.

UCDC Director Anath Shalev, M.D., was very pleased with Agarwal’s presentation providing an overview of the various rapidly emerging anti-obesity medications and other weight loss management strategies.

“We are grateful to have an obesity medicine specialist like Agarwal here at UAB,” said Shalev. “Agarwal’s presentation was carefully researched and an important contribution to the conversation on obesity medications that are revolutionizing the field.”