Work

Impact of a Clinical Pharmacist on Weight Loss Outcomes in Primary Care Patients Without Diabetes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Obesity is a prevalent condition associated with numerous comorbidities. Weight loss medications reduce comorbidity burden, but barriers hinder access and titration. Clinical pharmacists play a key role in chronic disease management, but limited research exists on pharmacists managing weight loss. Objective: Evaluate the impact of a clinical pharmacist on weight loss medication management for adults without diabetes in an outpatient Internal Medicine primary care resident clinic. Methods: This matched case-control study included adults without diabetes with at least 1 weight management visit with a clinical pharmacist between July 2023 and May 2024. Controls were matched on insurance and baseline body mass index, and included patients prescribed weight loss medications by clinicians and those without pharmacotherapy. Data were collected over 6 months. The primary outcome was percent weight loss. Rate of weight loss was explored as a secondary outcome. Results: 94 patients were included: 35 pharmacist-managed, 24 clinician-managed, and 35 without pharmacotherapy. At 6 months, mean weight change was −11.8%, −8.3%, and +1.3% in the pharmacist, clinician, and nonmedication groups, respectively. Absolute weight loss was greater in the pharmacist group, but not statistically significant compared with the clinician-managed group ( P = 0.12). The weekly rate of weight loss was significantly higher in the pharmacist group (−0.29 kg/week; P = 0.04 and P < 0.001 vs controls). Conclusion: Patients prescribed obesity medications experienced significant weight loss, regardless of whether the patients were managed by pharmacists or primary care clinicians. These findings support a collaborative care model in obesity management.

Source: Journal of Pharmacy Technology

DOI: 10.1177/87551225261443443

Authors: Kayla Sturtevant, Marci Wood, Juvena R. Hitt, Amanda G. Kennedy, Halle G. Sobel

Institutions: University of Vermont Medical Center, University of Vermont

Language: English

Topic: Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment

Subfield: Pharmacology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,150