News from NYU Langone Health
Health professionals push for balanced approach as GLP-1 demand surges
Long Island Business News
Demand for GLP-1 therapies has surged, and their use has expanded beyond obesity and type 2 diabetes to conditions like fatty liver disease and cardiovascular risk reduction, according to Raymond Lau, MD, director of the Medical Weight Management Program at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island and assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine. He notes that while common side effects are gastrointestinal, they are typically mild and improve over time. Lau adds that guidance now emphasizes minimizing side effects and muscle loss through diet and exercise. However, he states that insurance coverage and affordability remain significant barriers for many patients.
6/25/2026
What is pulmonary hypertension and why would a new GLP-1 help?
STAT
An article explores pulmonary hypertension and the potential for GLP-1 drugs to serve as a treatment, prompted by a case where an unidentified patient received Eli Lilly's experimental drug retatrutide. Experts explain that pulmonary hypertension is elevated blood pressure in the lungs with various causes. Roxana Sulica, MD, associate professor in NYU Langone's Department of Medicine, suggests that for patients with related conditions like obesity, diabetes, and sleep apnea, weight loss drugs could be highly beneficial by addressing the underlying issues. Research into the link between GLP-1s and pulmonary hypertension is ongoing.
6/26/2026
CNN Underscored
An article provides tips and product recommendations for couples to improve sleep quality when sharing a bed. Alcibiades Rodriguez, MD, associate professor in the Department of Neurology and medical director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center-Sleep Center at NYU Langone Health, notes that specialized mattresses can benefit individuals with medical conditions like back or neck pain. For couples with differing firmness preferences, he suggests beds with adjustable sides. Rodriguez also recommends army-style earplugs to block out snoring. The piece covers other solutions, including mattress toppers, cooling pillows, and white noise machines.
6/25/2026
Unapproved Retatrutide Use Challenges Clinicians
Medscape
The investigational weight-loss drug Retatrutide is being sold online and prescribed by some clinicians despite lacking FDA approval, creating what experts call an unregulated human experiment. Rachel Pessah-Pollack, MD, clinical professor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Langone Health, expressed concern over the drug's unsupervised use. She warned that if the treatment is given to patients who do not need significant weight loss, it can lead to loss of lean muscle, gallstones, and nutritional deficiencies. Investigations have revealed widespread availability through online vendors and some clinics, with limited regulatory enforcement.
6/26/2026
