Dr. Amy Hohmann, and her colleagues, Dr. Linda Uchal and Dr. Michael DiStefano, presented a panel discussion titled, "Weighing the Ethics of Losing Pounds: Weight Loss and the GLP-1 Agonists." The panel focused on the limited access to GLP-1 agonists, driven by high costs and supply shortages, prompting ethical considerations around beneficence (supporting health goals for weight, diabetes, and cardiovascular benefits), non-maleficence (ensuring safe marketing and regulation of compounded drugs), and justice (promoting equitable access to these medications). Dr. Uchal highlighted the challenges of losing weight in a processed food culture, noting the struggles many individuals face in managing weight. Dr. Hohmann offered insights into the pharmacology, adverse effects, and recent developments in the availability of GLP-1 agonists. Dr. DiStefano addressed regulatory concerns, including compounding practices to address drug shortages and the marketing of these compounded drugs on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
