Let’s Talk About Weight Loss Injections With Dr Werd Al-Najim and Aisling Morris

Weight loss injections have sparked considerable debate since the decision in March 2023 by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) to approve their use within the NHS for managing overweight or obesity. In today’s episode, we'll discuss the different types of injections and how they function as well as reviewing the evidence for their efficacy. We’ll also ask our guests about the unintended consequences of celebrity endorsements of these drugs and if the injections are perpetuating weight bias. To help discuss this important topic, it is my pleasure to introduce two professionals with extensive experience in this field – Dr Werd Al-Najim a Registered Dietitian and Research Fellow at University College Dublin and Senior Metabolic Dietitian Aisling Morris. Dr. Werd Al-Najim is a Registered Dietitian specialized in weight management. Her qualifications include a BSc in Nutrition Science from Kingston University, a Masters in Nutrition and Dietetics from University College Dublin, and a PhD from Imperial College London. During her doctoral studies, Dr. Al-Najim conducted research focusing on eating behaviour and food preferences after innovative obesity treatments. Since relocating to Dublin in 2016, she dedicated her time to the Metabolic Medicine Group, contributing significantly to establishing the Obesity Clinical Research Programme at the University College Dublin Diabetes Complications Research Centre. Currently, Dr. Al-Najim efficiently manages the largest European obesity research project, IMI SOPHIA, at University College Dublin, while also overseeing her private practices, Prohealth365 Physiotherapy & Nutrition and BeyondBMI. Aisling Morris graduated in 2015 and quickly developed a passion for the areas of chronic disease - Weight Management, Type 2 Diabetes, and Bariatrics, and chose to specialise her career in these areas for the past nine years. Aisling has worked in specialist weight management and bariatric services in the UK, both in the NHS and privately, as well as in the public and private health sectors in Ireland. As a dietitian, she is drawn to supporting people to lose weight and improve chronic health conditions. Show Notes: UK Government Press release for drugs to tackle obesity: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-drugs-pilot-to-tackle-obesity-and-cut-nhs-waiting-lists Novo Nordisk article: https://www.ft.com/content/591772df-0451-4348-9bad-f375ed4b7ede Werd’s Instagram: @werd_al_najim Werd’s X: @werdalnajim Aisling’s website: https://www.aislingmorrisdietitian.com