All 31 cardiology patients who completed 6 months of pharmacist-managed GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment achieved at least 5% weight loss, with an average of 12.6% plus improvements in cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.
12.6% mean weight lossAll 31 completers in a pharmacist-led cardiology weight clinic achieved this with GLP-1 drugs plus lifestyle counseling
What the researchers found
100% of 31 completers achieved ≥5% weight loss at 6 months, with mean weight loss of 12.6%. Cardiometabolic markers also improved: HbA1c -0.6%, LDL -18 mg/dL, triglycerides -29 mg/dL, systolic BP -9 mmHg.
Why it matters
Cardiology patients with obesity face compounded cardiovascular risk. This study shows that pharmacist-led GLP-1 management can deliver meaningful weight loss plus improvements in multiple cardiac risk factors — a model that could expand access to these treatments.
The numbers in context
The study evaluated outcomes from a pharmacist-managed service using GLP-1 RAs in a cardiology clinic population.
How the study worked
Single-center, prospective, pre-post analysis of adults with BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with comorbidity) managed by a clinical pharmacist using GLP-1 RAs (semaglutide or liraglutide) with lifestyle counseling in a cardiology clinic, March 2022 to March 2023.
Who was studied
High-risk cardiology patients enrolled in a pharmacist-led weight management program
What this study cannot tell us
No control group — cannot separate drug effects from pharmacist intervention and lifestyle changes. High dropout: only 31 of 59 starters completed 6 months. Single-center study. Selection bias from insurance coverage requirement (only patients with coverage for Wegovy/Saxenda).
How to read the evidence
Moderate evidence — prospective pre-post study with no control group. Strong outcomes but selection bias and high dropout limit generalizability.
When this study was published
Published in 2024 with data from March 2022-2023, reflecting current GLP-1 prescribing practices.
The bigger picture
With GLP-1 drug demand outstripping physician capacity, pharmacist-led management models could help close the treatment gap. This cardiology clinic model demonstrates that pharmacists can effectively manage the complex dose titration and insurance challenges of GLP-1 therapy while achieving excellent clinical outcomes.
Questions still open
- Why did nearly half of patients not complete 6 months, and could pharmacist intervention reduce dropout?
- Would a randomized trial comparing pharmacist-led versus physician-led GLP-1 management show similar outcomes?
- Can this pharmacist-led model scale to primary care settings where most obesity patients are treated?
Common questions
Why would a pharmacist manage weight loss drugs instead of a doctor?
Did the weight loss also improve heart health markers?
Read the original research
Reprint of: Impact of a pharmacist-led weight management service in a cardiology clinic.
Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA, 64(4S), 102157
Citation
Yates, Madison; Supple, Megan; Maccia, Melissa. (2024). Reprint of: Impact of a pharmacist-led weight management service in a cardiology clinic.. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA, 64(4S), 102157. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.japh.2024.102157