Scale Up Your Practice by Obesity Canada

Pharmacotherapy in Obesity Management with Dr. Sue Pedersen


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Dr. Sue Pedersen returns to walk us through the just-released update to Obesity Canada’s Clinical Practice Guideline for Pharmacotherapy.


In this episode, we explore the latest evidence, recommendations, and clinical tools to help healthcare professionals use obesity medications safely, effectively, and in partnership with patients.


From a shift away from BMI to new medications and an updated decision tool, this conversation breaks down what’s new—and why it matters—for clinicians and people living with obesity alike.


In this episode:

  • What’s new in the 2025 pharmacotherapy guideline chapter update

  • Why BMI is no longer the primary criterion for treatment

  • The role of pharmacotherapy in long-term, health-focused obesity care

  • New medications added: tirzepatide and setmelanotide

  • Expanded recommendations for common obesity-related conditions

  • How to personalize treatment and use the updated decision algorithm

  • Why compounded GLP-1 medications are not recommended

    • Research gaps: where we still need answers (e.g., PCOS, CKD, fertility, combination therapy)
    • What the future of obesity medicine could look like—and how to get there

  • Additional resources:

    • Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines Pharmacotherapy chapter https://utm.guru/uiKST 

    • Obesity Canada’s Decision Tool & Table for Pharmacotherapy: https://utm.guru/uiKSV
    • Read the article in CMAJ: https://utm.guru/uiKSW

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    Thanks for listening—and stay tuned as we continue to scale up your practice.

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    Scale Up Your Practice by Obesity CanadaBy Obesity Canada