In many obese individuals, lifestyle interventions alone do not result in sustained bodyweight reductions, and pharmacotherapy is necessary. Medical weight management is recommended because even modest weight reductions of 5–10% can lead to significant improvements in weight-related morbidity and mortality.
In NZ, we have four medications registered for weight management, i.e., Orlistat, Phentermine, Liraglutide (Saxenda), and now the combination of Naltrexone/ Bupropion (Contrave™), which induces satiety and reduces cravings. Each has a specific mechanism of action, side-effect profile, and potential benefits.
Michael Cowley and Ole Schmiedel lead an interactive session to help you decide when and how to use Contrave™ in your patients looking for sustainable weight management.
In preparation for the session, please have a look at Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave®) for the Treatment of Obesity.
Presenter
Dr Ole Schmiedel
Ole is the Service Clinical Director of Auckland Diabetes Centre. He qualified in medicine from Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany, in 1997 and trained in endocrinology and diabetes at Cardiff University, Wales, UK. In 2009 he completed his specialist training in the UK and was awarded the Medical Doctorate for his work in diabetes and microvascular complications. Ole has been working as a physician and endocrinologist in New Zealand since 2009 and has expertise in all areas of diabetes management, with particular interests in type 2 diabetes, obesity, and medical weight management. In addition, he specialises in all areas of endocrinology, including thyroid, adrenal, PCOS, bone health, male and female hormones.
Presenter
Professor Michael Cowley
Professor Cowley has over 15 years experience in research and biopharmaceutical drug development. He has a focus on obesity, diabetes, and metabolic disorders and received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne. He did his PhD at Prince Henry’s Institute of Medical Research before a post-doctoral fellowship at The Vollum Institute in Oregon.
In 2003 he founded Orexigen Therapeutics, which has led to the approval of his invention Contrave™ for weight loss in many countries. His work has mapped the neural circuits in the brain that sense nutrients and fat to control appetite and body weight.
