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Ep. 36 | Considering the Role of Nutrition with Anti-Obesity Meds

in-the-know-with-nina

podcast

GLP-1

Obesity Medicine

Obesity Treatment

Nutrition

Weight Bias

Patient Centered Care

Episode Summary

Considering the Role of Nutrition with Anti-Obesity Meds
In this episode, Dr. Nina Crowley is joined by Dr. Colleen Tewksbury to discuss the nutritional considerations for patients prescribed anti-obesity medications, based on a recently co-authored article in Obesity Journal. The conversation dives into how general practitioners can use this reference to offer more holistic, patient-centered care in the absence of definitive nutrition guidelines. They reflect on lessons from bariatric surgery, behavioral interventions, and the importance of addressing weight bias in clinical settings. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the intersection of clinical nutrition, obesity care, and emerging therapies.

Key Takeaways

Purpose of the Article: A reference for primary care providers new to chronic obesity care—not meant as formal guidelines, but as nutritional considerations while awaiting more robust research.
Cautious Language: The article deliberately avoids directive or gatekeeping language. It emphasizes considerations, not mandates.
Nutrition Assessment Matters: Clinicians are encouraged to screen for malnutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, food insecurity, disordered eating, and GI symptoms—before and during treatment.
Comprehensive, Patient-Centered Care: Successful obesity care isn’t just about prescribing medication—it must involve behavioral support, nutrition, and empathy.
Learning from Bariatric Surgery: Behavioral foundations, symptom management, and individualized care remain applicable—even in the era of GLP-1s and other meds.
Weight Bias Is Still a Barrier: There’s a call to action for clinicians to be aware of implicit bias and to avoid replicating past harms seen in obesity treatment.
Future Directions: More research is needed, but this reference is a critical step toward informed, ethical, and personalized obesity care.

About the Guest

Colleen Tewksbury, PhD, MPH, RD, CSOWM, LDN
Dr. Tewksbury is an Assistant Professor in Nutrition Science at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and also holds an academic appointment in Surgery with the Penn Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Program. A registered dietitian and board-certified specialist in obesity and weight management, she’s a national leader in evidence-based obesity treatment and is actively involved in clinical research and public health initiatives. Her recent co-authored article in Obesity provides an essential reference for nutrition care alongside anti-obesity medications.