Pharmacotherapy in Obesity Management with Dr. Sue Pedersen
Scale Up Your Practice by Obesity CanadaShow Notes
Dr. Sue Pedersen returns to walk us through the just-released update to Obesity Canada’s Clinical Practice Guideline for Pharmacotherapy.
In this episode, we explore the latest evidence, recommendations, and clinical tools to help healthcare professionals use obesity medications safely, effectively, and in partnership with patients.
From a shift away from BMI to new medications and an updated decision tool, this conversation breaks down what’s new—and why it matters—for clinicians and people living with obesity alike.
In this episode: What’s new in the 2025 pharmacotherapy guideline chapter update
Why BMI is no longer the primary criterion for treatment
The role of pharmacotherapy in long-term, health-focused obesity care
New medications added: tirzepatide and setmelanotide
Expanded recommendations for common obesity-related conditions
How to personalize treatment and use the updated decision algorithm
Why compounded GLP-1 medications are not recommended
Research gaps: where we still need answers (e.g., PCOS, CKD, fertility, combination therapy) What the future of obesity medicine could look like—and how to get there
Additional resources: Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines Pharmacotherapy chapter https://utm.guru/uiKST
Obesity Canada’s Decision Tool & Table for Pharmacotherapy: https://utm.guru/uiKSV Read the article in CMAJ: https://utm.guru/uiKSW
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🎙️This episode is sponsored by an unrestricted education grant from Eli Lilly Canada
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