How to Improve GLP-1 Treatment Outcomes With Patient Education

In the final video of the series, PA Ledyi Ballesteros focuses on how patient education can improve outcomes with GLP-1s. She highlights the importance of setting expectations, addressing misinformation, and preparing patients for common side effects and long-term treatment considerations.

PA Ballesteros also provides practical strategies for counseling patients on nutrition, lifestyle habits, and side effect management to support adherence and success. Clinicians will gain insight into how proactive, patient-centered education can enhance treatment effectiveness and improve long-term outcomes in obesity care.

Key Takeaways:

Nutrition is a priority for patients on incretin mimetic therapies both for improved outcomes and mitigation of adverse events.
Obesity management medications are a long-term commitment.
Preparing our patients for what to expect makes a big difference in their likelihood of success.

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Speaker

Click on the photo below to learn more about the speaker.

Ledyenska Baez Ballesteros, MPAS, PA-C

References and Additional Resources:

American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee for Obesity. Pharmacologic treatment of obesity in adults: Standards of care in overweight and obesity. BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. 2026;13(Suppl 1):e005729. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41529914/

Ceasovschih A, Asaftei A, Lupo MG, et al. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and muscle mass effects. Pharmacol Res. 2025;220(107927):107927. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40858197/

Liu QK. Mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of GLP-1 and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024;15:1431292. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11304055/

Langer HT, Gilmore NK, Hayden CMT, et al. Weight loss with GLP-1 medicines does not result in a disproportionate loss of muscle mass or function in obese mice and humans. Cell Rep Med. 2026;7(3):102665. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41850248/

Marshall AS. How to Tame GLP-1 Side Effects: 6 Tips. GLP-1 Side Effects: How to Win Weight Loss Without the GI Woes. Accessed May 5, 2026. https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-balance/glp-1-side-effects/

Mozaffarian D, Agarwal M, Aggarwal M, et al. Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: A joint Advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2025;33(8):1475-1503. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40445127/

Prado CM, Phillips SM, Gonzalez MC, Heymsfield SB. Muscle matters: the effects of medically induced weight loss on skeletal muscle. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol. 2024;12(11):785-787. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39265590/

Urbina J, Salinas-Ruiz LE, Valenciano C, Clapp B. Micronutrient and nutritional deficiencies associated with GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy: A narrative review. Clin Obes. 2026;16(1):e70070. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41549912/

Supported by

Ledyenska Baez Ballesteros, MPAS, PA-C

Ledyenska (Ledyi) Ballesteros is a board-certified PA of 18 years with concentrations in internal medicine and obesity medicine. She received the Obesity Management in Primary Care Certificate in 2019, followed by the Certificate of Advanced Education in Obesity Medicine in 2020.

Since 2011, PA Ballesteros has practiced internal medicine at Gonzaba Medical Group in San Antonio, Texas. In 2015, she created the clinic’s obesity medicine program, which she still runs. She is also active in educating her peers in the medical community on obesity and its management through local, state and national conference presentations, social media platforms, and online webinars.

PA Ballesteros has been faculty in various organizations including GatherEd, The Obesity Society, and AAPA.

PA Ballesteros currently serves as President of PAs in Obesity Medicine and secretary and co-founder of the newly developed San Antonio Obesity Society.