Episode 67 - Tackling Obesity at Work: Insights on Medication, Lifestyle, and Health Outcomes - with Linda Anegawa

In the latest episode of The Health Literacy 2.0 Podcast, host Seth Serxner welcomes Dr. Linda Anegawa, Chief Medical Officer at Calibrate and recognized leader in obesity medicine, to unpack the evolving landscape of obesity care, GLP-1 medications, and the crucial role of comprehensive, behavior-centered support.

Dr. Linda Anegawa brings more than a decade of expertise in internal and obesity medicine, combining her clinical background with leadership roles in digital health. Linda has dedicated her career to bridging the gap in metabolic care, especially for high-risk populations, and to breaking down barriers to access through innovative, personalized programs. Based in Las Vegas, she’s witnessed firsthand how the right support can help patients reclaim metabolic health and transform lives.

Seth and Linda also discuss:

☑️ The Dynamic Obesity Space: Rapid innovation - especially around GLP-1s - requires adaptable care models and forward-thinking programs.

☑️ Calibrate’s Approach: Purpose-built for employer populations, Calibrate integrates real-time coaching and clinical support, tailoring interventions for each member’s journey.

☑️ More Than Just Medication: Obesity care cannot be fully protocolized - effective programs must provide flexibility, wraparound coaching, and individualized support.

☑️ GLP-1s as Long-Term Therapy: For many high-risk individuals, ongoing GLP-1 use is necessary to maintain metabolic improvements - medicine alone isn’t a short-term fix.

☑️ The Role of Behavior Change: Medications set the biological stage, but sustainable outcomes require focus on nutrition, activity, stress management, and sleep.

☑️ Shifting Perspectives & Health Literacy: Patients increasingly recognize the need to change their relationship with food, routines, and wellbeing - effective programs empower them to seek relevant, personalized information.

☑️ Individualized Coaching: Success comes from understanding each person’s unique motivations and giving them choice - whether tracking sleep, energy, or weight - to foster engagement and self-motivation.

☑️ Tackling Complex Causes: Obesity is influenced by genetics, social determinants, medical therapies, and environment - a comprehensive, non-blaming, holistic approach is essential.

☑️ New Research Frontiers: Four-year data from Calibrate reveals insights on different subpopulations - like those with prior GLP-1 use and various industry profiles - helping refine best practices for diverse groups.

As more tools and support emerge, Dr. Linda Anegawa champions the message that comprehensive, sustained support - not just medication - will ultimately drive lasting health outcomes in the fight against obesity.

Calibrate's 2026 Results Report. For benefits leaders, total rewards teams, brokers, consultants, and health-plan partners need, this report delivers the evidence base to ensure your GLP-1 coverage is driving the outcomes you're paying for.

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