Laurence Sperling, MD: Expanding Cardiologists' Role in Obesity Management

In this expert interview at the 22nd Annual World Congress Insulin Resistance Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease (WCIRDC), Laurence Sperling, MD, founder of the Center for Heart Disease Prevention at Emory University School of Medicine, examined the evolving role of cardiologists in obesity management and the integration of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists into cardiovascular care.

Sperling highlighted the paradigm shift—better termed a "paradigm extension"—as cardiologists increasingly adopt therapies like sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, and now GLP-1 agonists, for obesity and cardiovascular risk reduction, akin to their earlier adoption of statins.

Overall, Sperling emphasized the need for multidisciplinary team-based care to optimize these therapies, sharing a real-world example of prescribing a GLP-1 receptor agonist to a coronary artery disease (CAD) patient whose primary care physician hesitated to use these agents. He stressed that beyond weight loss, these agents can reduce cardiac events, protect kidney function, and show promise in areas like dementia prevention. However, operationalizing their use requires overcoming challenges such as equity, affordability, and supporting patients in dose escalation. He noted this process demands patience and coordinated care from cardiologists, endocrinologists, primary care providers, nurse practitioners, and clinical pharmacists.

Reflecting on the meeting’s interdisciplinary focus, Sperling praised its emphasis on translating science into clinical practice, noting that collaboration is essential to managing the rising burden of obesity and its cardiometabolic consequences. He called for systemic solutions to address these challenges in a healthcare system already stretched thin while commending the innovative work showcased at the congress.

Laurence Sperling has no relevant disclosures to report.

Reference

Sperling L. A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Obesity - Cardiology. Presented at the 22nd Annual World Congress Insulin Resistance Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease (WCIRDC). Los Angeles, California. December 12-14, 2024.