The MS Boost: Weight loss and obesity in MS - is Ozempic the solution? with endocrinologist, Associate Professor Priya Sumithran

In this episode of the MS Boost, we sit down with Associate Professor Priya Sumithran, an endocrinologist and clinical researcher to discuss weight loss medications, with the most popular and commonly known, being semaglutide or known as the brand name Ozempic.

Priya discusses the surprisingly long history of this medication, how it works and what considerations there are before starting this medication, especially for people with other chronic conditions or MS.

Priya touches on the barriers to treating obesity, as well as the stigma around weight loss medications but also being obese, and the importance of a comprehensive approach to weight management.

With thanks to Associate Professor Priya Sumithran.

Associate Professor Priya Sumithran, MBBS (Hons), PhD, FRACP, is an endocrinologist and clinician researcher. She is Head of the Obesity and Metabolic Medicine Group in the Department of Surgery, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, and Clinical Lead for Obesity Medicine at Alfred Health (Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes).

A/Prof Sumithran completed a PhD at the University of Melbourne (Dept of Medicine, Austin) in 2012 and was a senior endocrinologist for 15 years in the obesity management service at Austin Health, including as Head of Obesity Medicine from 2021-2023.

A/Prof Sumithran has co-authored >80 peer-reviewed papers, including publications in the New England Journal of Medicine, Lancet, British Medical Journal, Annals of Internal Medicine, Obesity and the Medical Journal of Australia. She served on the council of the Australian and New Zealand Obesity Society from 2017 to 2022.

You can read the episode transcript here

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For support to manage your diet and nutrition, get in touch with an MS dietician to tailor a plan to your nutritional needs.

Get in touch to share your comments and suggestions about this episode, or for future guests and episode topics by emailing education@ms.org.au

Views expressed on the MS Podcast, including any discussions or reference to medications or treatments by podcast guests, do not necessarily represent the views of MS Plus and should not be seen as either an endorsement or rejection of a treatment.

MS Plus does not recommend any specific treatment for people living with MS. Decisions about any treatments, taking into consideration the potential benefits and side effects for each individual’s circumstances, should be made in careful consultation with the person’s neurologist or health care professional.