The Science, the Promise, and the Future of Metabolic Medicine
GLP-1 medications are reshaping how we understand obesity, metabolic disease, and longevity—but what does the evidence actually tell us? Join Melissa O’Meara, MD, of Vail Health Concierge Medicine, and Chris Lindley, Vail Healthspan and Vail Health Chief Population Health Officer, for an in-depth, evidence-based discussion exploring how these medications work, who may benefit, the risks and trade-offs, and emerging research on brain health, addiction, inflammation, and cellular aging. Together, they’ll examine these medications’ potential and limitations, and what to consider when weighing their role in long-term health.
What we’ll explore:
- Beyond the hype: How GLP-1s became a major focus in obesity and metabolic health.
- The science behind the medications: How GLP-1s work and how incretin hormones affect different organ systems.
- Benefits, risks, and trade-offs: Who may benefit most, who may face greater risks, and what to consider when weighing treatment options.
- What the research says—and doesn’t: Emerging evidence on brain health, neuroprotection, addiction treatment, inflammation, and cellular aging.
- The behavioral impact: How changes in “food noise” can affect eating habits, our relationship with food, and even our sense of identity.
- Beyond weight loss: How GLP-1s fit into a broader approach to healthy aging, including protecting muscle, nutrition, strength training, sleep, stress management, and social connection.
