AACE In the news

December 12, 2024 | NPR News

Consultations for Obesity Drug Prescriptions Are Way Up Over 2023, Survey Finds

Appointments with health professionals for obesity drug consultations are way up, according to data from Zocdoc, a provider of scheduling services. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, explains that this trend reflects a growing recognition of obesity's health impacts, noting that as times change and awareness grows about the health benefits of weight loss, more people facing weight-related complications are seeking care, and the gender gap is starting to equalize. Despite this progress, high costs and limited insurance coverage still prevent many patients from accessing these medications. Learn more by listening to the full NPR News interview.

December 3, 2024 | The New York Times

Why Am I So Tired All the Time?

Feeling constantly tired despite getting enough sleep? Chronic exhaustion is common but often treatable. In this New York Times article, AACE President, Susan L. Samson, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FACE, highlights hypothyroidism as a potential cause of fatigue, explaining how it can be identified and treated effectively.

October 4, 2024 | Healio

Hepatic Steatosis Identified in More Than Half of Younger Adults Without History of MASLD

A recent Obesity study challenges assumptions about liver disease risk in younger populations, revealing high rates of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis among adults under 45. University of Florida researchers examined 1,420 adults without prior MASLD diagnosis, finding rates of these conditions in younger adults comparable to older individuals. This highlights the need for early screening, especially in those with risk factors like diabetes and obesity. AACE President-Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, notes that MASLD is now the most common chronic liver disease in the U.S., affecting 25-30% of the population. He emphasizes the study's key finding that young adults with both obesity and type 2 diabetes show similar fibrosis rates to older adults, underscoring the critical importance of early intervention in this group.

September 25, 2024 | CNET

I Tracked My Blood Sugar for a Month. It Was an Emotional Roller Coaster

Biosensors that measure glucose are now available without a prescription. In a CNET article about a journalist's month-long experience with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, offers key insights. He reassures that glucose spikes can be normal for people without diabetes after meals and shouldn't be overinterpreted. Dr. Isaacs highlights the benefits of CGMs as they provide more precise information than traditional A1C tests and can motivate people to take control of their health, while emphasizing the importance of understanding the device's limitations.

September 9, 2024 | touchENDOCRINOLOGY

Improving Global Endocrine Health: Initiatives from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE)

AACE President, Susan L. Samson, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FACE, shares recent achievements and future initiatives in a new article on touchENDOCRINOLOGY. Key highlights include international growth, new certificate programs, and advocacy accomplishments.

September 4, 2024 | NPR News

Patients are Struggling to Fill Obesity Drug Prescriptions

Drug manufacturers have declared obesity drugs to be "available,” but patients are still struggling to fill prescriptions. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, explains in an NPR News interview that while the renewed availability is encouraging, sometimes patients still can’t get their prescriptions. He remains hopeful that these supply challenges will be resolved soon.

August 26, 2024 | Health

Many Patients Stop Weight Management Drugs Too Soon—Here’s Why That Concerns Doctors

A new study found that most people taking GLP-1 drugs for weight management cut their treatment short. In an article by Health.com, AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, explains that taking GLP-1s for only a month will have only a minimal effect—it can take up to five or six months to reach the full dose. Discontinuing treatment too early can lead to muscle loss, weight regain, and lower metabolism due to changes in body composition. To ensure long-term success, Dr. Isaacs advises managing side effects by keeping meals small and working closely with a health care professional.

August 22, 2024 | SELF

Hypothyroidism Symptoms Are Easy to Miss—Here Are Some Clues to Pay Attention To

Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, can lead to a wide range of symptoms. AACE President, Susan L. Samson, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FACE, explains the importance of a thorough diagnostic evaluation when assessing for hypothyroidism, as its symptoms often overlap with other conditions. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to measure your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and T4 levels. Dr. Samson advises discontinuing biotin supplements before testing as it can interfere with test results, and cautions against using over-the-counter thyroid supplements, especially if your bloodwork is normal.

August 19, 2024 | Hone Health

What’s Causing Menopause Belly—And How Do I Get Rid of It?

In an article discussing menopause belly, AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, emphasizes that while menopause is a natural and healthy process, it can lead to symptoms such as bloating and weight gain. These changes are often driven by declining estrogen levels, which contribute to increased fat storage and insulin resistance, making weight management more challenging. Learn how lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and proper sleep, along with consulting your health care professional to determine your eligibility for hormone replacement therapy, can help alleviate these effects

August 14, 2024 | Healthline

Ozempic’s Effects on Pregnancy and Fertility: Experts Answer 4 Common Questions

Losing weight can increase the chance of pregnancy for those with overweight or obesity. However, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy may interfere with the effectiveness of some forms of birth control, and the FDA advises against using these medications when trying to conceive. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, explains in a Healthline article that while GLP-1 drugs can aid in weight loss and improve fertility by addressing issues such as insulin resistance, these anti-obesity medications are contraindicated during pregnancy due to potential risks to the developing fetus. The article advises consulting with your health care professional if pregnancy occurs while taking these medications.

August 5, 2024 | The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Meal Planning for Older Adults with Diabetes

Individuals with diabetes are told to constantly monitor their blood glucose levels. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, and AACE Member, Joanna Miragaya, MD, PhD, FACE, provide insights on effective meal planning strategies for older adults with diabetes to help manage blood glucose levels. These strategies include starting with reliable resources, planning meals, and making healthy food swaps. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution article concludes with two diabetes-friendly recipes and a list of meal-planning resources.

July 17, 2024 | Allure

How Much Should You Actually Care About Your Cortisol Levels?

Concerns about cortisol levels causing stress have surged, with social media often spreading alarmist advice. However, the true impact of cortisol on health is more complex. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, offers insights on how endocrinologists view fluctuations in cortisol levels and the importance of focusing on overall stress management rather than on cortisol levels in an article by Allure.

July 16, 2024| Healio News

MASH Therapies Still Needed Despite Boom in GLP-1 Use in Liver Disease

GLP-1 receptor agonist use in diabetes and obesity has soared, and indications are now expanding into liver diseases, specifically metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). However, the jury is still out on its benefits. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, provides insights into how the fields of hepatology and endocrinology are tackling the use of GLP-1s for the treatment of patients with MASH and/or obesity and type 2 diabetes, in an article on Healio News.

July 15, 2024 | Healio News

Future of Treating MASH’ Will Combine GLP-1 Drugs, Liver-Specific Medications

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is a public health threat, affecting 30% to 38% of the adult population globally. The prevalence has risen in parallel with epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes. In an article published in Healio News, AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, discusses the importance of screening patients for MASH by identifying high-risk populations, the future of MASH treatment using combination therapies, and the need for multidisciplinary care.

July 10, 2024 | NPR News

Ozempic's Popularity Leads to Shortages for People with Type 2 Diabetes

Due to the popularity of Ozempic, there is a shortage affecting people with Type 2 diabetes. Telehealth company Ro has created a free online tool to help patients report these shortages. By mid-June, within the first two weeks of its launch, their tracker received 35,000 reports of shortages. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, explains in an NPR News article the significant overlap between patients with Type 2 diabetes and those needing GLP-1s for weight loss, and how both groups of patients require their medications.

June 11, 2024 | AACE Media

AACE Annual Meeting 2024 Media Coverage

Our 2024 Annual Meeting in New Orleans attracted significant media attention, highlighting our dedication to advancing the field of endocrinology. Explore over 35 national press articles showcasing key insights, groundbreaking research, and innovative treatments presented during our event.

June 10, 2024 | Everyday Health

Diabetes and Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

More than one in four people with type 2 diabetes have metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and more than three in four people with MASLD have diabetes. Despite having different symptoms, these conditions share several of the same underlying causes, and many people wind up living with both diseases without even knowing it. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, discusses medication options, lifestyle changes, and prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes and MASLD in an article by Everyday Health.

June 7, 2024 | NPR News

Thinking of Buying Wegovy Online. Here’s What to Know About Compounding Pharmacies

With the increasing demand for weight-loss drugs such as Wegovy, compounding pharmacies are providing cheaper alternatives. Although the cost can be appealing, there are some risks. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, emphasizes the importance for patients to maintain open communication with their doctors about any alternative medications to monitor for side effects and necessary dose adjustments, in an article by NPR News.

May 13, 2024 | Wall Street Journal

A Lot of What You’ve Heard About Cortisol Is Wrong

If you’ve noticed people talking about managing their cortisol lately, you’re not alone. Chatter about the stress hormone has surged. A rare condition called adrenal insufficiency can occur when people produce too little cortisol. AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, shares the lowdown on ‘adrenal fatigue’ and how to manage cortisol levels in an article published by The Wall Street Journal.

May 10, 2024 | Healio

Screening for Liver Disease is An Integral Component of Metabolic Care

AACE Past President, Jonathan D. Leffert, MD, talks with Sangeeta Kashyap, MD, and AACE President Elect, Scott D. Isaacs, MD, FACP, FACE, about nomenclature for liver disease and how endocrinologists should approach screening and treatment.