Dishing The Science with Dr. Sue

What did the World Health Organization say about GLP1 obesity medicines?

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a guideline on the use of GLP-1 medications, which is getting lots of attention worldwide. I have som...

'Ozempic in a pill' not effective for Alzheimer's disease

01 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

GLP1-based medications have many health benefits - but based on this recent study of oral semaglutide, preventing progression of Alzheimer's does...

How fast is too fast? Weight loss with weight loss medications

24 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While some people may be excited to lose as much weight as fast as possible with weight loss medication, there are a number of reasons why faster weig...

Headlines: is faster and greater weight loss a good thing?

17 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

News headlines applaud weight loss medications that give the BIGGEST or FASTEST weight loss.  But is greater or faster weight loss actually better? ...

Amylin: the next hormone-based weight management medications?

10 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some people don't tolerate GLP-1 medications, or need something more for weight loss.  Could amylin agonists be the next  hormone-based weight ...

What women need to know: Polycystic ovary syndrome, Perimenopause, and MASLD/MASH ('Fatty Liver')

03 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Did you know that women with polycystic ovary syndrome, as well as women in perimenopause or menopause, are at increased risk of MASLD/MASH (formerly ...

Why people with obesity are denied joint replacement surgery – and what is being done to fix it

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why are people with obesity denied joint replacement surgery - and what is being done to fix it? Way to go Obesity Canada!Learn more: https://drsue.ca...

Online weight loss medication: are you getting the treatment you need?

20 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Online websites that prescribe weight management medication are becoming increasingly accessible and popular.  Here are some of the checkpoints to ma...

Can GLP-1 medications cause funky skin sensations (dysesthesia)?

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can GLP-1 medications cause altered skin sensations? Find out what we know here.Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2025/10/can-glp-1-medications-cause-funky...

Wading through all the ways to diagnose obesity - can we find our way to a simple common ground?

06 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Obesity expert groups around the world have created guidance documents to reframe the diagnosis and assessment of obesity, to look beyond BMI, and emb...

Do weight management medications improve Quality of life?

29 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Improving quality of life is a central goal in successful weight management.  Do weight loss medications improve quality of life? Are there situation...

GLP-1 in a pill for weight loss - pinning down where we're at

22 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While we now have several injectable GLP-1s based treatments for weight management around the world [liraglutide (Saxenda), semaglutide (Wegovy), tirz...

Does everyone with type 2 diabetes need to be screened for MASH/MASLD (‘fatty liver’)? What the new Diabetes Canada Guidelines recommend

18 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Two out of three people with type 2 diabetes have 'fatty liver disease' (now called MASH/MASLD).  Should everyone with prediabetes or type ...

Could metformin improve knee osteoarthritis pain?

08 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Metformin has lots of benefits, including a reduction in inflammation.  Is the reduction in inflammation enough to reduce pain in knee osteoarthritis...

Do GLP1 based weight management medications benefit liver health?

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can semaglutide (Wegovy), tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), or liraglutide (Saxenda) benefit liver health - and what did we recommend in our new 2025 O...

What happens if you stop weight management medication, and what do our new Obesity Canada Guidelines advise?

25 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some people on weight management medication may want to stop treatment because of cost, or perhaps because they want to again try 'doing it on th...

OBESITY CANADA 2025 PHARMACOTHERAPY GUIDELINES: WHAT COULDN’T WE ANSWER?

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In our NEW 2025 Obesity Canada Pharmacotherapy Clinical Practice Guidelines, we identified many existing gaps where data is lacking. Where did our Gui...

OBESITY CANADA PHARMACOTHERAPY clinical practice GUIDELINES 2025 – PUBLISHED!

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As the lead author, I am thrilled to ANNOUNCE publication of our long-awaited 2025 Obesity Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines!  Includes 13 recommen...

Can weight loss medications improve erectile dysfunction (ED)?

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in men with elevated weight. Can weight loss medications improve ED?Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2025/08/can-weigh...

How does Mounjaro stack up for cardiovascular protection? The SURPASS CVOT results

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In choosing the best GLP1-based medication for our patients with type 2 diabetes at high risk of cardiovascular disease, guidelines recommend choosing...

Can creatine supplements preserve muscle during weight loss?

28 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can creatine supplements preserve muscle during weight loss? Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2025/07/can-creatine-supplements-preserve-muscle-during-wei...

Sleep is a nutrient!

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We often talk about sleep as a luxury in our busy lives. But what if we redefined sleep entirely? What if we thought of sleep like an essential vitami...

Could GLP1 weight loss/diabetes medications benefit skin conditions like psoriasis or hidradenitis suppurativa?

14 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

As we gain 20+ years of experience with GLP1-based treatment, I continue to be fascinated by the diversity of potential benefits that we are finding i...

Will once-a-month weight loss medication be a next big step forward?

30 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Could the next generation of weight management medications include treatments given just once a month? Find out more here!Learn more: https://drsue.ca...

Wegovy Plus Amylin: CagriSema weight management results revealed!

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I was honored to present results of CagriSema - Wegovy+Amylin (cagrilintide) - as an up-and-coming weight managment medication at the American Diabete...

Could risk of heart attack and stroke risk rise decades before type 2 diabetes diagnosis?

23 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Diabetes is a risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) disease.  But could the risk of heart attack and stroke be elevated, even DECADES before the diagno...

Mazdutide: First phase 3 GLP1/glucagon dual agonist weight management results

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Could GLP1 and glucagon work together to provide weight loss benefits and improvement to metabolic and liver health? Find out about the results of the...

What do people list as Top 3 risks of weight management medication? (and none of them are side effects)

02 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When we as doctors think about risks of any medication, the first thing that comes to mind is the potential for side effects. But when I ask my patien...

Zepbound (Mounjaro) for weight management approved in Canada!

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Tirzepatide, which has been approved in Canada as a diabetes medication (Mounjaro) since 2022, received Health Canada approval for weight management t...

Zepbound/Mounjaro and Wegovy face off!

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Zepbound/Mounjaro and Wegovy face off in a head-to-head trial.  How did they compare? Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2025/05/zepbound-mounjaro-and-weg...

Can weight loss with obesity medication reduce risk for revisional surgery after hip or knee replacement?

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

For a person living with obesity who has had already had a hip or knee replaced, can weight loss with obesity medication reduce the risk of needing a ...

Should vitamins be prescribed with weight management medication?

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

With the significant reduction in food intake that highly efficacious weight management medications can induce, it's important to consider whethe...

The hidden disease: Peripheral artery disease (and what we can do about it)

14 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While heart attack and stroke risk are top of mind for clinicians, peripheral artery disease is often overlooked. What are the symptoms, how is it dia...

First GLP1 in a pill to reduce cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We know that several INJECTABLE GLP1 receptor agonists reduce cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes. Now published is the first study e...

Could shame and blame be a reason why some people say no to weight loss medication?

05 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Could (an often secret) feeling of shame and blame be a reason why some people say no to weight loss medication?Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2025/04/c...

Could the bacteria in your gut be driving weight gain?

27 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

While we know that hormones and genetics play a big role in the physiology of hunger, there are around a trillion other reasons that are getting more ...

When you take weight loss medication, which other medications may need adjusting?

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When taking weight management medication, it's important not to overlook the impact this can have on other medications taken for other health con...

Could GLP1-based weight management medications help sperm quality?

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Some men with elevated weight struggle with infertility. Given the weight and metabolic benefits of GLP1 receptor agonists, could GLP1 based weight ma...

Can older people take weight loss medication?

03 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are there any special considerations for use of weight loss medications in older people? Find out here!Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2025/03/can-older-...

Perimenopause: What are the keys to successful weight management?

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In a recent podcast, I dished on how the menopausal transition can lead to weight gain.  What can we do to manage weight successfully during this cha...

Does Ozempic curb drinking?

16 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Does ozempic curb alcohol consumption?  Find out about the results of the first trial to answer this question!Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2025/02/do...

How does the menopausal transition impact weight management?

16 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A particularly challenging time for weight management for many women is the menopausal transition – which, by the way, can last up to 10 years. Why ...

Can Diabetic Retinopathy (Eye complications) Lead to Sleepless Nights?

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a common complication of diabetes, affecting the eyes and potentially leading to vision loss. But did you know it might a...

Do GLP1-based weight management/diabetes medications need to be held before anesthesia or sedation? Updated guidance

27 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Much controversy exists as to whether, when, in whom, or for how long GLP1 based medications should be held prior to receiving anesthesia or sedation ...

The Lancet Commission on the diagnosis of obesity: a step forward or a step back?

23 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Lancet commission suggests a new definition of obesity, clinical obesity and preclinical obesity.  Is this a step forward or step back?Learn more...

New guideline on metformin for prevention of antipsychotic medication-induced weight gain

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Weight gain is a known side effect of many antipsychotic medications. A new guideline published in Schizophrenia Bulletin provides important updates o...

How does weight loss affect bone health?

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We know that we lose fat and muscle when we lose weight. What happens to bone when we lose weight? Does it matter what treatment strategy you use to l...

How does obesity affect Bone Health and fracture risk?

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It is often assumed that people with obesity should have stronger bones as they are supporting a higher weight, and thus be at a lower risk of broken ...

Mounjaro/Zepbound and Wegovy Face Off: Is one better than the other?

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A high level press release of the SURMOUNT-5 study shows that more weight loss is seen with Mounjaro/Zepbound than Wegovy. But does this mean that Mou...

Health Canada approves Wegovy to reduce risk of heart attacks

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Yesterday, Health Canada approved semaglutide 2.4mg (Wegovy) to reduce the risk of heart attacks in people with cardiovascular disease and overweight ...

Diabetes Canada 2024 Pharmacotherapy Guidelines update – what’s new?

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What's new in the Diabetes Canada 2024 guideline on how to choose the best medication for diabetes? Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2024/11/diabetes...

3 year sustained weight loss, powerful prevention of diabetes, and heart failure benefit with tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound)!

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Can tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) provide long term weight loss, prevent diabetes, and treat heart failure with preserved ejection fraction? It&apos...

New guidance on what to do with GLP1 medications before surgery or sedation – what’s clear and what’s not?

08 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Knowing what to do to prepare a person using GLP1 based medication for surgeries requiring anesthesia or sedation remains a clinical conundrum. New mu...

Knee pain from osteoarthritis - can weight management medication help?

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Obesity-related knee osteoarthritis is caused not only by increased weight stress on the joints, but also by the chronic inflammatory state that is se...

What's new in stroke prevention guidelines? My Top 5

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have just issued an updated guideline for prevention of stroke in people who have never...

Why does poor sleep drive weight and blood sugars up?

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

While some people seem to celebrate being able to get by with less sleep, the negative impact of insufficient sleep on metabolic health is largely und...

Are ADHD and obesity connected?

10 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are ADHD and obesity connected? Yes - and it's a two-way street. Find out more here!Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2024/10/are-adhd-and-obesity-con...

Could GLP2 receptor agonists be a new frontier in weight management medication?

28 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We are now very well acquainted with the efficacy of GLP1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) in weight management, like semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) and lira...

Sounding the alarm - the rising tide of younger onset type 2 diabetes

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why is type 2 diabetes on the rise in younger people, why does it matter, and what can we do about it? Listen on to find out!Learn more: https://drsue...

Does Finerenone (Kerendia) reduce heart failure events in people with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)?

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Could finerenone (kerendia) be a much-needed addition to the treatment approach in people with HFpEF? Find out here!Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2024/...

Diabetes remission with lifestyle intervention – have we learned anything?

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Some doctors and researchers are keen on the idea of inducing diabetes remission with lifestyle changes.  A real-life implementation of the DiRECT li...

Could women have reproductive concerns related to elevated weight that is NOT PCOS? Introducing FOSH.

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Could women have reproductive concerns related to elevated weight that is NOT PCOS? Introducing FOSH.Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2024/08/could-women-...

Could semaglutide reduce the likelihood of nicotine use?

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) reduces not only appetite, but also the reward experience of food and possibly even alcohol in our brains. Could it also ...

Leptin Analog for treatment of lipodystrophy – now available in Canada!

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Metreleptin is a human leptin analog, now approved and available in Canada for treatment of lipodystrophy. Learn more here!Learn more: https://drsue.c...

Could your statin cholesterol medication cause diabetes?

15 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Could your statin cholesterol medication cause diabetes? If you have diabetes, how much might your sugars rise with statin therapy?Learn more: https:/...

Should you get the shingles vaccine?

28 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One in three Canadian adults will get shingles at some point in their life. Shingles can be extremely painful, can occur in devastating locations, and...

What are the barriers to use of weight management medication, and how can we overcome them?

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Only a small fraction of people who may benefit from weight management medication are actually being prescribed treatment. What are the barriers to us...

Once weekly insulin now available in Canada!

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Once weekly basal (long acting) insulin is now available in Canada - the first country in the world to start using it.  Find out more about insulin i...

Can semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) cause loss of vision?

08 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A study just published in JAMA Opthalmology has been a big news topic this week, suggesting an association between semaglutide (Ozempic or Rybelsus fo...

Can Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) treat obstructive sleep apnea?

27 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are currently no medications to treat sleep apnea.  Could tirzepatide (Zepbound/Mounjaro) treat sleep apnea along with providing weight loss?Le...

Preventing or rebuilding muscle loss from weight loss medication: is dietary protein or exercise more important?

14 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Some people may lose too much muscle with weight loss medication.  In preventing or rebuilding lost muscle, which is more important - dietary protein...

Watching blood pressure on weight loss medication - why is this important?

03 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Elevated weight can be a cause or contributor to hypertension.  Why is it so important to watch your blood pressure if you are on weight management m...

Obesity: Are environmental chemicals at the center of the storm?

30 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Obesity: are environmental chemicals at the center of the storm? Find out where these chemicals may reside.... even in our nonstick cookware. Eeew.Lea...

Semaglutide: First GLP1 medication proven to provide kidney protection

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We know that GLP1 medications reduce protein in the urine in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, but no study had ever been done to see wh...

Does heart attack and stroke risk go up after stopping GLP1 receptor agonists?

17 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We know that GLP-1 receptor agonist medications reduce heart attack and stroke risk in people with diabetes, and in people with obesity.  But what ha...

Semaglutide 2.4mg (Wegovy) for weight management – now at Canadian pharmacies!

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Wegovy (semaglutide for weight management) is now available in Canada!  What do you need to know?Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2024/05/semaglutide-2-4...

What is 'Fair' Allocation of GLP1 based medications during the global shortages?

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the global shortage of highly effective weight management and diabetes medications (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Zepbound) continues, who should get ...

How much does sleep apnea improve with weight loss - and does it matter how the weight is lost?

19 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As many as 1 BILLION adults worldwide are estimated to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and 70% of people with OSA have obesity. How much does slee...

Weight management medication semaglutide (Wegovy) for heart failure - what do new data in people with diabetes teach us?

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Semaglutide 2.4mg (Wegovy) has now been shown to effectively treat symptoms of heart failure in people with or without diabetes.  What do the new dat...

How many people with obesity actually receive prescriptions for weight management medication?

10 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Older data have shown that obesity medications are prescribed far less frequently than medications for other chronic medical conditions. Much has chan...

‘Mounjaro/Ozempic Babies’ in the media: What you need to know

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Articles have gone viral this week regarding women getting pregnant on diabetes/weight management GLP1-based medications, particularly semaglutide (Oz...

What will the Oprah Effect be on obesity medicine?

21 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Oprah Winfrey recently hosted a special called 'Shame, Blame, and the Weight Loss Revolution'.  What will the Oprah Effect be on obesity me...

First medication ever approved to treat fatty liver disease - how will GLP1 based obesity/diabetes medications stack up?

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Resmetirom is the first treatment ever approved for fatty liver disease. Could GLP1 based obesity/diabetes medications have similar benefits? Learn mo...

How can we diagnose sarcopenia (excessive loss of muscle) in people successfully losing weight?

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the emergence of medications that are very powerful for weight loss, some people may lose too much weight. This can include excessive loss of mus...

Diabetes remission: should we ‘DiRECT’ patients towards lifestyle change alone?

01 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The DiRECT 5 year trial of diabetes remission with lifestyle was just published.  Does this study suggest that we should 'DiRECT' our patie...

Is diabetes remission with lifestyle change a realistic long term goal?

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Guidelines currently recommend lifestyle change as a strategy to achieve diabetes remission. But is diabetes remission with lifestyle change alone a r...

Will glucagon with GLP-1 be a new combination weight management treatment?

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Will glucagon with GLP-1 be a new combination weight management treatment?  How could these 2 hormones work together to facilitate weight loss?Learn ...

Could Spending More Time At A ‘Target’ Weight Protect Against Kidney Failure In People With Type 2 Diabetes?

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are many important strategies to protect the kidneys of people with type 2 diabetes. Could a longer time at a target weight loss be one of them?...

UPDATE - Are weight management and diabetes GLP1 medications associated with suicide risk?

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rare post marketing case reports of suicidality have emerged amongst people taking GLP1 receptor agonists for diabetes or obesity. What new data do we...

SHOULD YOU GET THE RSV VACCINE?

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What are the risks associated with the RSV virus, and should you be vaccinated?Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2024/01/should-you-get-the-rsv-vaccine/Any...

Why do so many people stop weight management medication

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why do so many people stop weight management medication - and why does it matter? Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2024/01/why-do-so-many-people-stop-thei...

Does elevated weight increase risk of autoimmune type 1 diabetes

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We know that elevated weight is a key risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. Does carrying elevated weight increase the risk of developing autoim...

Dr. Sue Highlights 2023

06 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Miss any key advancements and challenges in the field of weight management in 2023? Join me for the highlights here!Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2023/...

AI insulin GLP1

06 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Could Alexa AI help people titrate insulin (for diabetes) or GLP1 receptor agonists (for diabetes or weight management)? Learn more: https://drsue.ca/...

Intermittent weight medication treatment

06 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Weight management medications are expensive, and often on shortage. What happens if we treat intermittently (on and off)? Learn more: https://drsue.ca...

How obesity increases cancer risk

06 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Just how does obesity increase the risk of so many types of cancer? Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2023/12/how-does-obesity-increase-cancer-risk/Any med...

Weight management medication shortages

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Why are there shortages of weight management medication? Should use of diabetes-labeled treatments be denied to people with obesity without diabetes? ...

SELECT semaglutide CVOT

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Semaglutide 2.4mg (Wegovy) is the first weight management medication ever to show that it reduces cardiovascular events.  Read more about this here!L...

Do cravings matter

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What are cravings exactly? And what tools do we have available to combat them?Learn more: https://drsue.ca/2023/09/what-are-cravings-and-how-can-we-re...

Mythbusting obesity part 2

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Does every pound of muscle that replaces fat really burn an extra 50 calories per day? Is slow, gradual weight loss really better than losing a large ...