andrew_nyc said:

Dr.PeteFamMed said: ...we don't know the long-term effects of cardiovascular risk...

Senior perspective on cardiovascular risk: I'm 63 years old and started this journey skeptically. My geriatrician recommended it after years of failed interventions.

9 months later: down 51 lbs, more mobile, pain reduced, medications simplified. My quality of life has improved dramatically. I wish this existed 20 years ago.

To other older adults hesitating: the SELECT trial proved benefit in our age group. You deserve to feel good in your body regardless of age.

cory_ATX said:

Positive "side effect" of cardiovascular risk: my blood pressure dropped so much that I'm now off losartan entirely!

Bookmarking. The distinction being drawn above is the one nobody else makes.

andrew_nyc said:

Dr.PeteFamMed said: ...we don't know the long-term effects of cardiovascular risk...

I'm 58 years old and want to share my perspective on cardiovascular risk as an older member of this community.

My doctor was initially hesitant because of my age, but the SELECT trial included patients up to 72 and showed consistent benefit across age groups. We started at the lowest dose with closer monitoring.

16 months later: down 63 lbs, off metoprolol, A1C from 8.6% to 5.2%. My cardiologist is thrilled. cardiovascular risk is absolutely relevant for older adults — don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

FranDenver said:

Prescribed on cardiovascular grounds rather than for weight, and almost everything written for patients assumes the opposite.

FranDenver said:

...we're creating a generation dependent on cardiovascular risk...

I understand the concern, but consider this analogy: are we "creating a generation dependent on" blood pressure medication? Cholesterol medication? Thyroid medication?

Obesity is a chronic disease with biological drivers. Treating it with medication is no different from treating any other chronic condition. The "dependency" framing implies weakness or moral failure — neither of which is accurate.

If ongoing medication is what keeps someone healthy, that's successful treatment, not dependency.

Moderator note: reminder that nothing in this thread is medical advice, and that clinical claims need a source. No action needed from anybody.