Architects Of Health Optimization
Pharmacists are vital contributors to the healthcare delivery system, significantly influencing the health and wellness of consumers. Beyond medication dispensing, pharmacists offer invaluable services, including medication education, counseling, and disease state management. Pharmacists possess extensive education in drug development, composition, and mechanism of action, but also conduct health screenings consultations, and furnish recommendations on the safe use of medications consistent with health and wellness goals. Pharmacists are advocates and liaisons partnering with consumers to improve health by integrating training on lifestyle modifications, chronic care management, and disease prevention. As trusted advisors, pharmacists can discuss the many benefits of GLP-1 products in reaching health and wellness goals.
The rise of compounded GLP-1 agonists
GLP-1 agonists are a class of medications that simulate the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone revolutionizing the wellness space and weight loss management. Initially formulated for type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s have gained notoriety for countless benefits beyond glycemic management. As blockbuster drugs, GLP-1s are in short supply, which presents a unique opportunity for compounders to capture market share. Compound pharmacists provide personalized GLP-1 preparations with tailored dosing and delivery methods, transforming patient care. By offering compounded GLP-1 products, pharmacists empower individuals to achieve wellness goals and address specific needs, expanding the scope of pharmacy practice.
Gamechanger for weight loss
Clinical studies have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists in promoting weight loss. These medications have shown significant reductions in body weight compared to placebo groups. One study reported patients with a body-mass index (BMI) of 30 or more lost 15% of total body weight (TBWT) over a 72-week duration. As doses were escalated, TBWT% loss increased to 19.5%-20.9%, respectively. The placebo group reportedly lost 3.1% of TBWT%.
The market for GLP-1
GLP-1 agonist use has skyrocketed over the last few years, with unprecedented growth estimated to reach $125B by 2033. More than 190M people live with type 2 diabetes or obesity globally, and the 10-year annual growth rate (AGR) for type 2 diabetes and obesity is 1.35% and 0.57%, respectively. Pharmacists can capitalize on this trend by expanding offerings to consumers and marketing a holistic and wellness destination. For example, pharmacies can offer supplements to GLP-1 consumers to offset gastrointestinal side effects and nutrient depletion commonly associated with these medications. Proactively counseling these consumers can create alternative revenue streams augmenting the pharmacy’s financial health.
A new era of wellness
GLP-1 products have significantly transformed the wellness landscape, with pharmacists at the forefront. By offering compounded GLP-1 formulations, providing expert counseling, and collaborating with healthcare teams, pharmacists can enable consumers to achieve wellness goals. As the demand for personalized and effective weight management solutions grows, pharmacists will continue to be instrumental in shaping the future of healthcare.
