Incretin-Based Therapies and Lifestyle Interventions: The Evolving Role of Registered Dietitian Nutritionists in Obesity Care
The emergence of incretin-based therapies, specifically glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), as a new class of obesity medications, is dramatically changing obesity care. Use of these medications, known categorically as anti-obesity medications, as part of comprehensive obesity management is associated with significantly greater weight loss and health benefits than found with earlier generation obesity medications. The outcomes reported from medication trials were often achieved in conjunction with lifestyle counseling sessions by a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or other qualified health care professional.