Dr. Alka Gupta Served as Panelist at Congressional Briefing

Blue Rock Care’s own Dr. Alka Gupta recently spoke at the Food is Medicine Institute’s Congressional educational briefing titled "GLP-1 Drugs + Food is Medicine: A New Recipe for Success in Treating Obesity?" on September 11. Dr. Gupta joined a panel of experts to discuss how combining GLP-1 drugs with food-as-medicine programs may offer optimal benefits in obesity treatment, reduce side effects, and improve access to care. 

We are proud of Dr. Gupta's contribution to this important conversation, which highlights her dedication to innovative healthcare solutions.

About the Event

GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound can help people lose significant amounts of weight and are on pace to become the largest blockbuster drugs in history. Yet the drugs also have important side effects, many people stop taking them within 12 months, and weight is often subsequently regained. The drugs are also costly—up to $10,000 per year, per patient. This briefing will review the pros and cons of GLP-1 drugs and discuss how combining these agents with effective lifestyle interventions, such as Food is Medicine programs, may produce optimal benefits, reduce side effects, increase access, and help control healthcare spending.

Expert panelists, including Dr. Gupta spoke about these topics and share clinical, research, and policy implications.

Special thanks to Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and Senator Cory Booker for supporting this event.

Date: Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Times (panel content will be identical at both briefings):

• 9:00-10:00am ET, Rayburn House Building, Room 2060 (in-person only)

• 12:00-1:00pm ET, Hart Senate Building, Room 902 (in-person or livestream)