With all of the hype surrounding glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) for Type 2 diabetes, some proponents have questioned whether patients using the drugs could eventually discontinue their use of insulin for glucose control.
First-Generation Weight Loss Drugs Still Play a Vital Role in Patient Care at VA
As obesity remains a significant threat to health worldwide, first-generation obesity medications continue to play an important role in clinical practice, according to a recent review article.
Nearly a Quarter of Active-Duty U.S. Servicemembers Meet Obesity Definition
Obesity poses an increasing threat to U.S. military readiness, with more than half of active-duty servicemembers classified as overweight and about a fourth as obese. Yet, weight loss medications continue to be underused. Find out why and how increasing political pressure might change that.
Determining What Weight Loss Medications Are Best for Veterans
In April, President Donald Trump’s administration announced that it would not cover pricey, high-demand obesity treatments under the federal government’s Medicare program.
100-Fold Increase in Weight Loss Drug Prescription Period Prevalence in Active-Duty Military
With the U.S. military facing rising obesity among active component servicemembers, the DoD authorized coverage of weight loss medications in 2018.
Obesity Increases the Complexity of Plaque Psoriasis Treatment
Obesity not only increases the risks for some conditions, it also can complicate treatment. It is a key comorbidity that magnifies the complexity of selecting medications for psoriasis.
BMI Is Major—but Not Only— Risk Factor for Metabolic Disease in Veterans
Body mass index (BMI), calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared, has been established as a tool to evaluate the risk of obesity-related health conditions and mortality.
How General Obesity Affects Prostate Cancer
How does general obesity affect prostate cancer? Thus far, inconsistent evidence has been found for the association between general obesity and prostate cancer among men in the United States.
VHA Has Very Low Use of Antiobesity Drugs Despite High Percentages of Overweight Veterans
Antiobesity medications have tended to be underused in the VHA despite a high prevalence of obesity in the veteran population, according to a new study, which added that real-world outcomes reports on use of drugs in veterans also have been limited.
Obesity/Weight Gain Associated with MGUS Progression to Multiple Myeloma
Obesity ranks high in the list of risk factors for the development of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and multiple myeloma (MM).
COVID-19 Pandemic Hits VHA’s MOVE! Weight-Loss Program Hard
The VHA acted quickly to convert its MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans to virtual care using telehealth when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020.
Drilling Down in Past Studies Can Help Individualize Type 2 Diabetes Treatment
One size doesn’t fit all, even when it comes to deciding which Type 2 diabetes patients would derive cardiovascular benefit from intensive glycemic control.
In-Hospital Weight Loss Signals Improved Clinical Outcomes in HF Patients
Nearly all patients hospitalized for acute heart failure are acutely congested due to fluid retention and have gained weight by the time of their admission.
Clinical Pharmacy Specialists Help Veterans Keep Diabetes Under Control
Diabetes affects one in four veterans—a rate more than double that of the general population. In an effort to improve glycemic control among veterans with diabetes the VA involves clinical pharmacy specialists (CPSs) in medication management, a strategy that has proven beneficial in a studies at a number of centers.
Recent VA Review Calls for More Research on Ketogenic Diet Benefits
A recent review noted that ketogenic diets, which generally are very low in carbohydrate and very high in fat, have traditionally been employed to treat epileptic disorders, although they have been touted as a therapy for Type 2 diabetes and a range of other health conditions—neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, obesity, heart failure and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Many Female VA Patients Appear to Have Undiagnosed OSA
Too many women veterans remained undiagnosed with sleep apnea, even if they were at high risk of adverse outcomes, according to a new study.
Sleep Disorders More Prevalent in Army Vs. Other Services
While sleep problems are widespread in active-duty U.S. military servicemembers, Army personnel appear to have the most problems.
Comorbidities Led to More Severe COVID-19 Cases Among MHS Beneficiaries
About a third of COVID-19 cases among MHS beneficiaries were diagnosed with at least one comorbidity linked to more severe infection
Uncontrolled Diabetes Limits Bariatric Surgery Benefits
About a third, 34%, of veterans 28% of military healthcare beneficiaries are considered obese.
DOACs Deemed Safer for Obese Veterans with Atrial Fibrillation Compared to Warfarin
Nine years after their first introduction, direct acting oral anticoagulants (DOACs) hit the big time.
With Obesity, Moderate Hyperglycemia Hastens Cognitive Decline
PITTSBURGH —What precisely is the relationship between cognitive decline in patients with both diabetes and obesity? Researchers from the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System and the University of Pittsburgh sought to investigate the potential mechanisms leading to those...
Obesity Doesn’t Affect BP Declines with Sleep Apnea Therapy
PHILADELPHIA—Many, but not all, patients with obstructive sleep apnea see a decline in blood pressure with positive airway pressure treatment. A new study raised the question of whether the BP response related to sleep apnea therapy might be linked to obesity. The...
Military Study: Early Antibiotics, Acid-Suppressants Raise Obesity Risk
Early exposure to antibiotics and acid-suppressing medications is linked with the development of obesity, with an even stronger association after prolonged courses or with prescriptions for multiple antibiotic classes, according to a new military study.
DHA Adds New Weapons in the Military’s War on Obesity in Servicemembers
This spring, DoD took direct steps to counter a significant impediment to mission readiness—excessive weight among servicemembers.
Military Recruits from Some Southern States Have Lower Fitness, More Injuries
Military readiness and national security are threatened by high rates of obesity in some areas, with U.S. Army recruits from specific states having lower fitness and higher rates of injuries, according to a new study.
Obesity Is on the Rise in Veterans, Especially VHA Patients
Obesity is increasing among veterans, and the implications are potentially dire because the condition is associated with a range of serious health conditions, according to new research.
