Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Comparing weight loss treatments and the importance of continuous care for obesity
Transcript
- 0:00Good morning, and welcome to another episode of Morning Medical with Doctor Chow.
- 0:04I am your host, Doctor Ching Chow.
- 0:07And today, we have some fascinating topics to dive into.
- 0:11We will be looking at the latest research comparing weight loss surgery to popular drugs
- 0:15like and set bound, discussing factors that can affect a man's sexual health and examining the
- 0:21rise in US health health care spending.
- 0:24So let us get started.
- 0:29First up, we have some significant findings from a new study that was presented at the
- 0:34American Society for Metabolic And Bariatric Surgery 20 24 annual scientific meeting on June
- 0:4111th.
- 0:42The study revealed that metabolic and bariatric surgery is more effective for long term weight
- 0:48loss than lifestyle changes and GLP 1 medications such as Ozempic, WIGOVI, and
- 0:55ZEPbound.
- 0:56This research was conducted by reviewing earlier studies that evaluated the benefits of
- 1:01these treatments for weight loss.
- 1:04The study found that lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise resulted in an average weight
- 1:11loss of 7.4%.
- 1:14However, most people regained this weight within about 4 years.
- 1:18On the other hand, people who underwent metabolic and bariatric surgery experienced
- 1:23greater weight loss which was more sustainable over the long term.
- 1:28The surgery led to an average weight loss of 29.5% to 31.9% 1 year after the procedure, and
- 1:37people maintained a weight loss of about 25% for up to 10 years.
- 1:43In comparison, those who use GLP 1 receptor agonists like semaglutide marketed as Ozempic
- 1:49and Wagavi and tirzepatide marketed as Munjaro and Zipbound also saw significant weight loss.
- 1:55After 20 weeks of weekly injections of semaglutide, people lost an average of 10.6
- 2:00percent of their weight.
- 2:02With tirzepatide, the average weight loss was 21.1% after 36 weeks of weekly injections.
- 2:09However, participants who stopped receiving the injections regained about half of the lost
- 2:14weight within a year.
- 2:16Doctor Bardy, Marina Curian, a bariatric surgeon at New York University, Langoni Health,
- 2:22and one of the study's co authors emphasize that metabolic and bariatric surgery remains
- 2:27the most effective and durable treatment for severe obesity.
- 2:32Unfortunately, it is also one of the 280,000 people underwent these surgeries in 2022,
- 2:43representing just 1 to 2% of those who are eligible.
- 2:48The study also highlighted that even though metabolic and bariatric surgery and GLP 1 drugs
- 2:54do not cure obesity, they offer significant benefits.
- 2:58For instance, metabolic and bariatric surgery induces long term metabolic changes that the
- 3:04drugs cannot surgeon and medical director of Memorial Care Surgical weight loss center in
- 3:15California noted that even individuals who regain some weight after surgery still
- 3:20experience protective effects against diabetes and other conditions due to these metabolic
- 3:25changes.
- 3:27Doctor Jaime Almandoz, associate professor in the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical
- 3:32Center's Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, pointed out that
- 3:37obesity is a chronic and complex disease.
- 3:40He explained that like other chronic conditions, such as hypertension and elevated
- 3:45cholesterol, discontinuing effective treatments often leads to disease recurrence.
- 3:50This is why continuous treatment is crucial for managing obesity effectively.
- 3:57Both metabolic and bariatric surgery and GLP 1 drugs are underutilized due to factors like
- 4:03insurance coverage affordability, and access.
- 4:06Doctor Almondaz and doctor Ali both stressed that these treatments are safe and effective
- 4:12tools for treating obesity.
- 4:14They also highlighted that some of the newer medications used for obesity treatment are also
- 4:20effective for managing type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease,
- 4:25liver disease, to treating obesity depends on an individual's unique situation.
- 4:36Doctor Almandaz emphasized the importance of a patient centered approach that focuses on
- 4:47overall over surgery.
- 4:52However, in many cases, a combination of treatments, such as diet and exercise before
- 4:57surgery or medications after surgery may be the most effective strategy.
- 5:03Let us shift gears and talk about an important topic that often goes unaddressed a man's
- 5:10sexual health.
- 5:12Doctor Jamen Brompott, a urologist and robotic surgeon with Orlando Health, and an assistant
- 5:18professor at the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine recently
- 5:23highlighted 10 factors that can significantly affect a man's sexual health and what can be
- 5:27done about them.
- 5:291st and foremost, chronic stress is a major contributor to reduced libido and erectile
- 5:34dysfunction.
- 5:36Stress can elevate levels of cortisol, a hormone that interferes with testosterone
- 5:41production.
- 5:42Studies show that men experiencing high levels of stress are more likely to face sexual
- 5:47dysfunction, including premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and low sexual desire.
- 5:54It is crucial to incorporate stress reducing activities into your daily routine.
- 5:59Regular exercise, meditation, proper sleep, and engaging in hobbies can help mitigate stress,
- 6:06seeking professional help from a therapist can also provide effective coping strategies.
- 6:13Next up, diet plays a significant role in sexual health.
- 6:18Poor eating habits can lead to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues, all of
- 6:23which adversely affect sexual function.
- 6:26Research indicates that men with a waist circumference over 40 inches are at higher risk
- 6:32of metabolic syndrome, which is linked to erectile dysfunction.
- 6:36Adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can
- 6:42make a substantial difference.
- 6:44Limiting alcohol intake and avoiding ultra processed foods can further enhance your sexual
- 6:49health.
- 6:51Physical activity is another critical factor.
- 6:55Lack of exercise is detrimental to heart health, which is crucial for maintaining sexual
- 7:00function.
- 7:01Regular exercise helps improve blood flow, which is essential for achieving and
- 7:07maintaining an erection.
- 7:09Studies suggest that men who exercise regularly report improved erectile function compared to
- 7:15those who are inactive.
- 7:17The American Heart Association recommends at least a 150 minutes of moderate aerobic
- 7:23activity.
- 7:24Or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week, along with strength training exercises.
- 7:30The more you exercise at the gym, the more exercise you will get in the bedroom.
- 7:36Smoking is a leading cause of erectile dysfunction due to its negative impact on blood
- 7:40vessels and blood flow.
- 7:42The toxins and cigarettes can damage the lining of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the
- 7:48penis.
- 7:49Research shows that men who smoke are about twice as likely to develop erectile dysfunction
- 7:54as non smokers.
- 7:55Quitting smoking can significantly improve your sexual health.
- 7:59Consider resources such as nicotine replacement therapy, support groups, and counseling to help
- 8:05you quit.
- 8:07Sleep disorders, including sleep apnea, can severely affect testosterone levels and lead to
- 8:13sexual dysfunction.
- 8:16A study found that men with severe sleep apnea had significantly lower testosterone levels
- 8:22compared to those without the condition.
- 8:25Prioritizing good sleep hygiene is essential.
- 8:29If you suspect a sleep disorder, consult a health care provider for a proper diagnosis and
- 8:35treatment plan, which may include lifestyle changes or medical interventions.
- 8:41Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can have a profound impact on sexual
- 8:47desire and performance.
- 8:49About 20% of patients with anxiety and up to 40% of men with depression report experiencing
- 8:56some form of sexual dysfunction.
- 8:58Mental health conditions can lead to a decrease in libido and difficulties in achieving or
- 9:04maintaining an erection.
- 9:06Seeking help from mental health professionals can be highly beneficial.
- 9:10Therapy and medication can significantly improve both mental health and sexual function.
- 9:16Hormonal imbalances, particularly low testosterone, can negatively affect sexual
- 9:22health.
- 9:23Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, but conditions such as hypogonadism can
- 9:29accelerate this process.
- 9:30Studies suggest that about 20% of men over the age of sixty have low testosterone levels.
- 9:36Regular checkups with a health care provider can help monitor hormone levels.
- 9:41Treatments may include lifestyle changes, medications, or hormone replacement therapy to
- 9:46restore balance.
- 9:48Certain medications, including those for hypertension and depression, can cause sexual
- 9:53dysfunction as a side effect.
- 9:56Beta blockers, for example, can decrease libido and lead to erectile issues.
- 10:02It is important to discuss potential side effects with your doctor.
- 10:06They may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication that has fewer effects on
- 10:10sexual health.
- 10:12Chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease can significantly
- 10:17affect sexual function.
- 10:19Diabetic men, for instance, are three times more likely to experience erectile dysfunction
- 10:24compared with non diabetic men.
- 10:26Managing chronic illnesses effectively with the help of a health care provider is crucial.
- 10:32This includes following prescribed treatments, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and monitoring
- 10:37yourself regularly to keep conditions under control.
- 10:42Lastly, relationship issues can cause stress and decreased sexual desire.
- 10:47Communication breakdowns unresolved conflicts and lack of intimacy can all contribute to
- 10:53sexual dysfunction.
- 10:55Open communication with your partner is key to addressing these issues.
- 11:00Consider couples counseling to help resolve underlying problems and improve your
- 11:05relationship and sexual health.
- 11:08In conclusion, taking care of your sexual health is not just about avoiding problems
- 11:12today.
- 11:13It is about ensuring you are ready for action tomorrow and beyond.
- 11:17Managing stress, eating right, staying active, and kicking bad habits, such as smoking, are
- 11:23the foundation of a healthy sex life.
- 11:25If you are dealing with persistent issues, do not tough it out alone.
- 11:29Talking to a doctor is not admitting defeat.
- 11:32It is making a smart play.
- 11:33There is no better time to focus on your well-being than during National men's health
- 11:37month in June.
- 11:40It is dedicated to encouraging men to take control of their health and make the necessary
- 11:45changes to improve their lives.
- 11:47Use this opportunity to schedule that checkup you have been putting off start a new exercise
- 11:52routine or seek help for any health issues you have been ignoring.
- 11:57You have got one body and one life make sure both are in peak condition.
- 12:02Now let us turn our attention to the financial landscape of health care in the United States.
- 12:09Recent data released by the US, centers for Medicare and Medicaid services, or CMS, has
- 12:16shown a significant rise in health care spending in 2023.
- 12:20According to the report, health care spending in the United States is projected to have
- 12:25increased by 7.5 percent, reaching a staggering $4,800,000,000,000.
- 12:31This growth rate is notably higher than the projected annual gross domestic product or GDP
- 12:37growth rate of 6.1%.
- 12:40This surge in spending is largely driven by increased expenditures on Medicaid and private
- 12:45health insurance.
- 12:47The insured share of the population reached a historic high of 93%, primarily due to record
- 12:52high enrollment in Medicaid.
- 12:54In 2023, 91,200,000 people were covered under this federal and state health program designed
- 13:02for low income individuals.
- 13:05Medicare spending also saw a significant rise growing by 8.4 percent to over
- 13:09$1,000,000,000,000, while Medicaid spending increased by 5.7% to $852,000,000,000.
- 13:17Private health insurance spending experienced a more modest growth of 1.1%.
- 13:23Totaling $1,400,000,000,000.
- 13:29Approximately 14,220 threes in 2023 and is projected to rise to 15,070 falls in 2024.
- 13:38Looking ahead, national health spending is expected to grow by 5.2% in 2024.
- 13:44However, Medicaid enrollment is set to decline by 11.2% as over 10,000,000 people lose
- 13:50coverage now that pandemic response measures guaranteeing continuous enrollment have
- 13:55expired.
- 13:55An additional 2,000,000 people are expected to lose coverage in 2025.
- 14:00Over the long term, Spending is projected to grow at an average rate of 5.6 percent per year
- 14:06between 20232032.
- 14:10This growth rate will outpace the projected annual GDP growth rate of 4.3% during the same
- 14:16period.
- 14:17As a result, the health spending share of GDP is expected to increase from 17.3% in 2022 to
- 14:2419.7% by 2032.
- 14:27Several factors will influence Medicare spending in the coming decade.
- 14:32Initially, spending is expected to grow due to measures included in president Joe Biden's
- 14:38inflation reduction act.
- 14:40This legislation introduced a $2000 annual cap on out of pocket spending, which will provide
- 14:47financial relief for many Medicare beneficiaries.
- 14:51However, spending is anticipated to gradually decline in the following years as other
- 14:57provisions of the act take effect.
- 15:00These include drug prices negotiated by Medicare with pharmaceutical companies set to
- 15:06begin in 2026.
- 15:07And the tying of drug price increases to inflation, which started in 2023.
- 15:13In conclusion, The financial trajectory of health care in the United States is 1 of
- 15:18continued growth, driven by both increased coverage and rising costs.
- 15:25As we navigate these changes, it is crucial to consider the impact on both the health care
- 15:30system and the individuals it serves.
- 15:33Staying informed and proactive in addressing these challenges will be key to ensuring
- 15:38sustainable and equitable health care for all Americans.
- 15:42That wraps up today's episode of Morning Medical with Doctor Chow.
- 15:46I hope you found our discussion on weight loss surgery, men's sexual health, and US, health
- 15:51care spending, both informative and insightful.
- 15:55Remember, your health is your most valuable asset.
- 15:58So take good care of it.
- 16:00Join us again tomorrow for more updates on the latest in medical and health news.
- 16:05Until then, stay healthy and take care.