GLP Podcast: Once-a-month shot controls opioid addiction; Food waste as energy; Obesity drugs are here

A drug given once monthly as an injection could drastically reduce opioid use in the US. Why is it so difficult for doctors to access? It might be possible to turn our wasted food into a sustainable source of energy. Are diets a thing of the past? Newly developed medicines appear to be as effective as bariatric surgery in treating obesity.

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Join geneticist Kevin Folta and GLP contributor Cameron English on episode 167 of Science Facts and Fallacies as they break down these latest news stories:

• Once-a-month injection to control opioid addiction? Buprenorphine has shown enormous promise

Buprenorphine has helped many people overcome opioid addiction. Ideally given monthly as an injection, the drug binds opioid receptors, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms, as well as the risk of overdose if someone takes a high dose of an illicit substance like fentanyl. Unfortunately, patients often struggle to access Buprenorphine because burdensome federal regulations restrict which pharmacies can dispense it and which doctors can prescribe it. Could changing these policies save lives?

• The world wastes billions of tons of food each year. Here’s how we can transform it into clean energy

Climate change is a serious problem, and so are the billions of tons of food waste we produce annually. Emerging research suggests that we may be able to address both of these challenges simultaneously—by turning food waste into carbon-neutral energy. How viable is this proposal, and what hurdles prevent it from coming to fruition?

• Tirzepatide: Drug that can help you shed 50 pounds or more is as effective as bariatric surgery and in trials

It’s no secret that losing weight and keeping it off permanently poses a significant challenge to millions of people, jeopardizing public health and driving up health care costs. A new drug making its way through clinical trials on the way to FDA approval may prove to be a vital tool in the fight against obesity. Recent research shows that tirzepatide improves glycemic control in adult type-2 diabetics, helping severely overweight patients lose up to 22 percent of their body weight—50 pounds in some cases. Can the drug live up to the hype surrounding these promising results?

Kevin M. Folta is a professor, keynote speaker and podcast host. Follow Professor Folta on Twitter @kevinfolta

Cameron J. English is the director of bio-sciences at the American Council on Science and Health. Visit his website and follow ACSH on Twitter @ACSHorg