American College of Physicians reports on obesity drug framework for older adults
The American College of Physicians reported on an American Geriatrics Society framework for prescribing obesity medicines to older adults. It highlighted risks to muscle and physical function, and identified resistance training, adequate protein and fitness trainers as elements of individualized care.
The American College of Physicians reported on Nov. 3 that the American Geriatrics Society had developed a framework for prescribing incretin-based obesity medicines to older adults. The report said older patients may be more vulnerable to muscle loss and reduced physical function, while trials of the drugs had not typically included them.1
The framework called for pretreatment assessment of functional status and nutritional adequacy, plus resistance training and adequate dietary protein during treatment. It said some patients may benefit from a team that includes a fitness trainer alongside a dietitian, physical therapist and behavioral health professional.2
The authors described their recommendations as a synthesis of published research, clinical experience and expert judgment, not formal guidelines.2
