Chapter 8: Conflict with the Academic Society - Controversy over Preventive Medicine

 

Conflict with the academic community and a new path

 

The misconception that it is for cosmetic purposes

In 2023, the Japan Diabetes Society issued a statement opposing the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for cosmetic and weight-loss purposes. However, obesity is recognized by the WHO as "the greatest health problem of the 21st century." Obesity increases the risk of diabetes by 5-10 times and the risk of myocardial infarction by 2-3 times. Is preventing these conditions a "cosmetic purpose"?

 

Shocking Data: 94% Prevention of Diabetes. 3-Year Follow-Up Results from the SURMOUNT-1 Trial:

• Placebo group: 13.3% developed diabetes

• Tirzepatide group: 0.5% developed

• Relative risk reduction: approximately 94%

 

Even after presenting this fact, the medical association responded that "long-term safety has not been established" and "it is not recommended to exclude it from insurance coverage." I countered, "Is it right for a doctor not to use a method that can prevent 94% of cases?"

 

Open letter decision

When the Society threatened to recommend his resignation, he weighed his 40-year career against the interests of his patients. He published an open letter:

 

"My mission is to protect patients from disease. Those who the academic society dismisses as being for cosmetic purposes are the very people at risk of developing diabetes who need to be protected. I will not compromise on this belief."

 

A new form of medical care

This experience has convinced me that medical care should be based on scientific evidence and patient benefit, not authority. GLP1.com is a platform that embodies transparency, patient-centeredness, evidence-based, and flexibility.