The Importance of Utilizing Registered Dietitians and Multidisciplinary Care for Patients Prescribed Anti-Obesity Medications

Anti-Obesity Medications (AOMs) have surged in use and interest in how best to support patients taking these medications has rightfully received heightened attention. AOMs, especially the newest generation of GLP-1 RAs, have demonstrated powerful weight loss outcomes resulting in anywhere from 10-20%^1,2 excess weight loss, when even 5-10% is clinically meaningful.³ 

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While we continue to develop best practices for treating patients with obesity, including the use of AOMs as part of treatment, prescribing physicians need to lean on a multidisciplinary care team for robust care, which includes a registered dietitian. 

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At Salvo Health, we’re focused on supporting existing physician-led practices by equipping providers with a multidisciplinary team to deliver best-in-class, whole person centered care. Physicians continue to lead the plan of care to help patients with obesity meet their health goals, while the team at Salvo ensures patients remain engaged and supported.  

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A multidisciplinary approach isn’t a new concept for many patients with chronic conditions, and in the weight management realm, specifically bariatric surgery, it has been a longstanding standard of care. Utilizing the expertise of a multidisciplinary team, including a registered dietitian, licensed therapist, exercise physiologist, and more, has resulted in better patient outcomes, reduced risk for complications, and led to better patient quality of life.⁴  We know that post-bariatric surgery patients have very unique nutritional needs, are are at a heightened risk for micronutrient deficiencies. Many patients experience tolerance issues with certain foods, and need long term support when navigating the changes they experience after surgery.

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While AOMs effectively blunt appetite and thereby decrease total caloric intake, nutritional counseling delivered by a registered dietitian is still a paramount aspect of treatment. Registered dietitians are uniquely poised to best support these patients’ specific needs due to their specialized knowledge in nutrition and ability to garner better outcomes.^5-7 At Salvo Health, we ensure patients receive a comprehensive evaluation by a registered dietitian which is used to develop an incredibly personalized plan. We harness technology when delivering care through an interactive app that helps patients remain connected and on track.

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Patients who are connected with their care team can be better supported and empowered. There are also inherent risks for each intervention, including treatment that includes the use of AOMs or surgery. Registered dietitians can effectively optimize nutritional intake to stave off the potential for malnutrition, or micronutrient deficiencies.⁸ RDs can provide individually tailored recommendations in order to support the preservation of lean muscle mass,⁹ which is an area of concern during rapid weight loss. Many patients taking AOMs are experiencing gastrointestinal side effects^10-11 such as nausea, diarrhea and constipation, which requires additional attention and support to prevent nutrient-poor food choices and reduce the risk of dropout during treatment. Salvo Health’s Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) program considers the potential for these nutritional risks, and ensures patients receive proactive support in order to meet nutritional needs or to circumvent GI side effects.

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We also know that supply, accessibility and coverage for AOMs remain challenging for patients. Many patients are experiencing discontinuation of use or a pause for these reasons, which causes frustration and anxiety due to fear of weight regain. During lapses in treatment, it’s important for patients to continue receiving nutritional counseling led by a registered dietitian to ensure patients remain focused on establishing long-term lifestyle change and mitigate the potential for weight regain.⁷ During lapses in medication use, it’s key to ensure patients continue to have a source of accountability and support, as well as contingency strategies rooted in behavior change. The core of what we do at Salvo Health is to support patients with making small changes that lead to larger behavioral change. During lapses in treatment, we encourage patients to continue to keep up the momentum of change by helping them with continuing to build on their existing goals.  

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Ultimately, weight management is a team approach and it’s essential to lean on a qualified and trusted multidisciplinary team to deliver improved patient outcomes and quality of life.