Finding balance between weight loss drugs and surgery

WESTON, Fla. – Diabetes drugs that can produce significant weight loss continue to be a hot topic of conversation.

Following news of yet another contender that may soon come to market, bariatric surgeons are “weighing in” on the future of these surgical solutions to obesity.

“I do not think it’s going to affect, dramatically, bariatric surgery. Why? Because we operate on patients that are 100 pounds overweight. These medications are going to help patients lose 10 percent of their excess body weight, 20 pounds, 30 pounds -- that’s it -- so you’re still going to be short of what you need to lose,” said Dr. Raul Rosenthal, a bariatric surgeon with Cleveland Clinic Weston.

Rosenthal said the drugs are beneficial following weight loss surgery to help patients keep the pounds off.

A key drawback of the diabetes-based weight loss drug is the cost, which is well over $1,000 a month.

The maker of Wegovy, the only one approved by the FDA to specifically treat obesity, is pressing for Medicare coverage of the medication.

And researchers at the University of Florida have found that Glycine, which is a common amino acid sold as a mood-improving supplement, could help people with stress-induced depression.

Their study showed that glycine could target specific brain cell receptors to influence the nervous system.

The discovery could accelerate efforts to develop effective treatments for depression.


About the Authors
Kristi Krueger headshot

Kristi Krueger has built a solid reputation as an award-winning medical reporter and effervescent anchor. She joined Local 10 in August 1993. After many years co-anchoring the 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., Kristi now co-anchors the noon newscasts, giving her more time in the evening with her family.

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