Medical Student Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine Jersey City, New Jersey
Abstract: The rise of GLP-1 agonists highlights a pivotal challenge in healthcare: balancing medical advancements with ethical stewardship and trust. These medications, initially developed for type 2 diabetes mellitus, have gained popularity for weight loss, fueled by societal pressures, media, and misinformation. This trend poses risks to trust in healthcare systems and professionals. After detailing the bioethical issues at stake, we argue that there exists a threefold response to best address this situation: First, many healthcare professionals face the dual responsibility of evidence-based prescribing and limited resource allocation while responding to patient preferences backed by sensationalized media. These providers must balance patient values and population needs, understanding that their roles include education as well as patient care. Second, patients, many of whom are deeply influenced by social factors, must critically engage with healthcare choices, supported by transparent communication with providers. Third, policymakers hold the obligation to address disparities and ensure equitable access and must do so in conversation with other stakeholders. This presentation emphasizes the necessity of rebuilding trust in healthcare by combating misinformation, prioritizing education, and reinforcing evidence-based practices. By upholding professionalism and fostering collaboration amongst stakeholders, we can align medical innovation with ethical principles, preserving trust as a cornerstone of equitable and effective healthcare.
Keywords: GLP-1 agonists, resource allocation, weight loss medications
Learning Objectives:
After participating in this conference, attendees should be able to:
Describe ethically-laden challenges to fair resource allocation relative to GLP-1 agonist medications.
Apply ethical frameworks for prescription of weight loss medications in terms of the responsibilities of healthcare professionals, patients, and policymakers.
Evaluate potential responses to building and re-building trust in situations where “social experts” enter the space of medical expertise, raising practical obstacles for meeting the health values of patients.
.png)
