Washington State Chapter: Every Age, Every Stage: Treating Eating Disorders Throughout the Lifespan
15 May @ 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
The central and peripheral peptide modulation of appetite is increasingly well-known. The intersection of this science with a public that is highly desirous of weight loss has created extreme demand for an effective class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonists originally developed to assist in diabetes control. Not unexpectedly, patients with eating disorders have a particular affinity for these medications. Many will do anything to obtain them, whether by prescription from a medical provider or more anonymously on the internet. Yet despite early studies that have indicated that there may be physiologic risks to the individual irrespective of weight changes, the risk versus benefit is not entirely clear. The low body weight individual with an eating disorder is likely most at risk. More recent studies have preliminarily shown some potential benefit for individuals with binge eating disorder and possibly bulimia nervosa. Further studies are needed; however, the public and particularly those with eating disorders appear bent on trialing these medications on their own and often are already taking them at the time of admission to treatment. This presentation will review the current status of these medications, including GLP-1 physiology, the medical impact, both positive and negative and a review of current medications available, as well as their unique characteristics and FDA approval. The current literature on the physical and emotional impact and potential harm for eating disorder patients will be reviewed. The current news media coverage, marketing campaigns and their impact on patients with eating disorders will be discussed. In addition, this presentation will address any potential benefit from these medications in subgroups of patients with eating disorders. The goal of this presentation is to educate providers about these medications and their impact on eating disorder patients, and to avoid the hyperbole of the contemporary media as the use of these medications continues to grow exponentially.
