E50: Empowering Health: Navigating Obesity Medicine, Medications, and Advocacy with Dr. Asma Al-zougbi

Welcome to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast with Dr. Kerry Reller! This week I am joined by Dr. Asma Al-zougbi to discuss the challenges of weight management, the evolution of obesity medicine, and the crucial role of medications. They emphasize the need for insurance coverage advocacy, share practical advice on nutrition and exercise, and highlight the significance of open communication in patient care.Dr. Asma Al-Zougbi is a board certified endocrinologist and the Medical Director of the Tampa Endocrinology Institute, offering one-on-one personalized endocrine care. She completed her fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at the University of Iowa in 2017, where she also completed a Master’s degree in Medical Education in 2019. It was during fellowship that she shifted her focus to weight management, helping relaunch the weight management clinic at the University in 2019. As part of her interest in metabolic health, she also completed two years of basic science research, studying skeletal muscle atrophy in different mice models. She moved to Tampa in 2021, and has been serving the local community since then. When not in the clinic, she can be found trying not to pass out at CAMP Tampa or with her family at Gracie Tampa South and the Roy Jenkins Pool.0:00  Welcome back! Guest Intro0:47 About Dr. Asma3:16 Evolution of Weight Management Tools6:22 Challenges with Insurance Coverage7:58 Advocacy for Medication Coverage 11:14 Impact of Obesity on Different Demographics11:48 Issues with Affordability 12:18 Patient Empowerment 13:32 Individualized Approach16:20 Approach to Medications23:36 Discussion on Dietary Guidelines24:26 Exercise and Importance of Preserving Muscle Mass26:03 Connect with Dr. Asma, Closing RemarksSteps to take when Medications (or Surgery) for Obesity are denied:1. Send patient to: https://www.obesityaction.org/advocacy/resources/access-to-care-resources/, and have them complete "OAC's Report Issues Form," which is linked ~ halfway down the page.2. Have patient reach out to their employer's HR department, and make sure that they are aware that the policy doesn't cover treatment for obesity. Patients may be able to request for individual coverage for treatment OR that their employer expand access for all employees to receive treatment. There is a copy of a sample letter to request coverage on the OAC's website as well.3. At Open Enrollment, ask patient to investigate options and specifically select a plan that covers medications used to treat obesity.Connect with Dr. AsmaWebsite: https://www.tampaendocrinologyinstitute.com/Email: [email protected] Number: (813) 360-1214Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085222024528Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tampaendodoc/Connect with Dr. Kerry RellerMy linktree: linktr.ee/kerryrellermdPodcast website: https://gethealthytbpodcast.buzzsprout.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClearwaterFamilyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/clearwaterfamilymedicine/Clearwater Family Medicine and Allergy Website: https://sites.google.com/view/clearwaterallergy/homeSubscribe to the Get Healthy Tampa Bay Podcast on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Amazon music, iheartradio, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, Pandora.#WeightManagement #HealthJourney #WellnessPodcast #ObesityMedicine #MedicalInsights #HealthTalks