An innovative approach to tackling obesity

Trying to lose weight can feel like an endless battle. But here’s the good news: real solutions are out there.

At HonorHealth, we’re bringing you the latest breakthroughs in weight management, so you don’t have to figure it out alone. James Swain, MD, a bariatric surgeon at the HonorHealth Bariatric Center, breaks down the science behind cutting-edge treatments — like appetite-suppressing medications — that help you feel full, curb cravings and support long-term success.

Sirisha Vadali, MD, cardiologist with HonorHealth Heart Care and member of the HonorHealth Medical Staff, also weighs in on how these same medications are showing powerful benefits beyond weight loss — especially for heart health.

How it works

This once-weekly injection, when combined with diet and exercise, can help people lose weight and improve blood sugar levels. But beyond the scale, these new treatments are transforming our understanding of hunger, cravings and the hormonal factors that drive eating habits.

GLP-1s don’t work overnight — and that’s actually a good thing. Most people begin seeing results in the first few weeks, but the real transformation happens over time. Think of it as a steady shift in your relationship with food, not a crash course in weight loss.

Like any treatment, GLP-1 medications come with side effects, including mild nausea and mood changes. “Some patients feel a little ‘off’ because the drug affects other parts of the brain,” Dr. Swain explains. "That’s why we’re also researching new medications that target only appetite suppression."

And yes — lifestyle changes still matter. These medications work best when combined with healthy eating and movement. The difference? You’re not constantly battling cravings or feeling like you’re running on empty. For many, it finally feels possible to make changes and stick with them.
 

More than weight loss

GLP-1s are doing more than helping people lose weight — they’re also making a real impact on heart health.

“As a cardiologist, I’ve seen how certain medications can do more than just control blood sugar,” says Dr. Vadali. “GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally used to treat type 2 diabetes, have been shown to offer important benefits for heart health as well. Studies have found that these medications can lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes and even death from heart disease — especially if you have diabetes and are at higher risk. They also help with weight loss and reducing blood pressure, which further supports heart health. For many patients, GLP-1 therapies are becoming an important part of protecting both their heart and overall well-being.”

In addition to lowering blood pressure and supporting weight loss, GLP-1 medications may help reduce inflammation and improve the function of blood vessels — both key to preventing cardiovascular events. They may even slow the progression of the buildup of plaque in arteries that leads to heart attacks and strokes.

“It’s encouraging to see that a medication originally developed for diabetes is now offering hope to patients with complex heart and metabolic conditions,” Dr. Vadali says. “This is a new era in preventive care.”

That’s where the HonorHealth Cardiometabolic Program comes in. By bringing together cardiology, endocrinology, nutrition and more, the program helps patients manage interconnected issues like high blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol — all in one coordinated plan. It's comprehensive care designed to lower your risk and help you feel your best.
 

Weight loss, your way

Weight loss is about more than just medication — it requires a well-rounded approach. That’s why the HonorHealth Bariatric Center offers a full team of specialists, including psychologists, exercise physiologists, dietitians and obesity medicine experts. Our goal is to build a personalized plan that fits your needs.

With new treatments, expert support and a growing understanding of how our bodies regulate weight, the future of obesity care is looking brighter than ever. Whether it’s five pounds or fifty, you don’t have to tough it out alone — real help is here, and it’s more hopeful (and science-backed) than ever.