NRI Medical Director Featured in CNN on GLP-1s and Healthy Aging
Dr. John Batsis studies how obesity, muscle loss and aging affect health and independence in older adults. His research develops personalized nutrition, exercise and technology-based approaches to help older adults maintain strength, mobility and quality of life as they age. View his faculty profile here.
As GLP-1 medications become more accessible to older adults, questions remain about how these powerful weight-loss tools should be used safely and effectively.
In a recent CNN Health article, John Batsis, MD, medical director of the UNC Nutrition Research Institute Clinical Research Core, shared expert insight on what older adults should consider before starting a GLP-1 medication. The article explores the newly launched Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, potential benefits, side effects, and why weight loss goals for older adults should focus not only on the number on the scale, but also on strength, mobility and long-term health.
“Just because you can doesn’t mean you should,” Batsis told CNN, emphasizing the importance of medical guidance and individualized care.
His perspective reflects the kind of careful, evidence-based approach that guides work across the NRI, where researchers study how nutrition, metabolism, health and aging intersect in real people.
Interested in learning more about GLP-1s? Join our upcoming Appetite for Life talk on August 12. Register here.