CME SESSIONS COMING SOON

CME1:

Foundations of Pharmacological Treatment in Obesity & Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose

Build a metabolic and ethnic-risk framework before introducing newer drugs.

Outline

Obesity as a chronic relapsing disease
Pathophysiology across ethnic groups
UK BMI thresholds vs cardiometabolic risk
Role of metformin and legacy agents
When lifestyle alone is insufficient
Case examples: South Asian vs White British risk profiles

Learning Objectives

· Describe obesity as a chronic, relapsing metabolic disease and its relationship to type 2 diabetes.

· Explain ethnic differences in cardiometabolic risk, including lower BMI thresholds in South Asian populations.

· Compare mechanisms and weight effects of traditional glucose-lowering agents (e.g. metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin).

· Identify when pharmacological escalation is appropriate within UK primary care pathways.

· Apply culturally informed risk assessment when initiating therapy

CME2:

Risk Stratification and Patient Selection in Multi-Ethnic Populations

Purpose

Help prescribers decide who should receive which therapy

Outline

Ethnicity-adjusted risk models
Waist circumference, visceral adiposity
NAFLD, sleep apnoea, PCOS considerations
Cardiovascular vs glycaemic prioritisation
Cultural barriers to engagement
Shared decision-making models

Learning Objectives

Assess cardiometabolic risk using ethnicity-specific indicators (waist circumference, visceral adiposity, early insulin resistance).
Recognise obesity phenotypes commonly seen in South Asian, Arab and Black populations.
Prioritise treatment goals (weight loss, glycaemia, cardiovascular protection, renal outcomes).
Use shared decision-making approaches that account for cultural beliefs and health literacy.
Select appropriate pharmacotherapy pathways based on individualised risk profiles

CME3:

SGLT2 Inhibitors and Other Glucose-Lowering Agents with Weight Benefit

Purpose

Position non-incretin therapies correctly

Outline

Mechanisms affecting weight
Renal and heart failure outcomes
Practical prescribing (eGFR, sick-day rules)

· DPP-4 inhibitors (gliptins) and thiazolidinediones (TZDs, e.g., pioglitazone)— realistic expectations

Ethnic differences in response or risk
Combining with metformin

Learning Objectives

Explain the mechanisms of SGLT2 inhibitors and their impact on weight, cardiovascular and renal outcomes.
Identify which patients benefit most from SGLT2 inhibitors within NICE-aligned prescribing.
Evaluate the role of DPP-4 inhibitors and TZDs in weight-centred diabetes management.
Apply safety principles including sick-day rules, eGFR considerations and dehydration risk.
Integrate SGLT2 inhibitors into treatment plans for ethnically diverse high-risk populations.

CME4:

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Mechanism, Evidence and Trial Representation

Purpose

Scientific foundation for later practical sessions.

Outline

Incretin physiology
Appetite regulation and central mechanisms
Major trials overview
Cardiovascular outcome data
ReCMEof South Asian, Arab and Black populations
Evidence gaps and interpretation

Learning Objectives

Describe incretin physiology and the mechanisms of GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Interpret key trial outcomes relating to weight loss, glycaemic control and cardiovascular benefit.
Critically evaluate reCMEof South Asian, Arab and Black populations in major trials.
Discuss limitations of current evidence when applying results to multi-ethnic UK primary care.
Compare available GLP-1 agents based on efficacy, dosing and safety

CME5:

Practical Prescribing of GLP-1s in Multi-Ethnic Primary Care

Purpose

Real-world Primary Care workflow across General Practice and Pharmacy settings

Outline

NICE indications and escalation
Dosing and titration schedules
Managing GI adverse effects
Ramadan fasting considerations
Injection training and cultural sensitivity
Monitoring weight trajectories

Learning Objectives

Apply NICE guidance to initiate and escalate GLP-1 receptor agonists safely.
Develop titration strategies to minimise gastrointestinal side effects.
Deliver culturally sensitive patient counselling, including injection education.
Manage treatment during Ramadan or periods of fasting.
Monitor outcomes and determine when to continue, switch or discontinue therapy.

CME6:

Dual GLP-1/GIP Agonists (e.g. Tirzepatide): From Theory to Practice

Purpose

Bridge from GLP-1s to next-generation therapies.

Outline

Dual-agonist pharmacology
Weight vs glycaemic efficacy
Patient selection vs GLP-1s
Side-effect comparisons
Primary care implementation challenges
Equity consideration

Learning Objectives

Explain the pharmacology of dual incretin agonists and how they differ from GLP-1 therapies.
Evaluate comparative data on weight reduction and glycaemic outcomes.
Identify patients most likely to benefit from dual-agonist therapy.
Anticipate adverse effects and safety monitoring requirements.
Incorporate dual agonists into real-world UK prescribing workflows.

CME7:

Triple and Multi-Agonist Incretin Therapies: The Next Generation

Purpose

Prepare clinicians for pipeline therapies.

Outline

Triple agonist mechanisms (GLP-1/GIP/Glucagon)
Early trial signals
Potential safety concerns
Anticipated NHS positioning
Ethical considerations in early adoption
Future service models

Learning Objectives

Describe emerging mechanisms behind triple-agonist and multi-target obesity therapies.
Interpret early clinical trial signals relating to efficacy and safety.
Discuss potential risks, unknowns and ethical considerations of future therapies.
Anticipate how upcoming agents may alter obesity and diabetes treatment pathways.
Prepare for evolving prescribing responsibilities in primary care

CME8:

New Formulations and Long-Acting Platforms (Injectable & Oral)

Purpose

Focus on delivery innovation

Outline

Oral GLP-1 pharmacokinetics
Ultra-long-acting injections
Fixed-dose combinations
Adherence challenges in diverse communities
Pharmacy and prescribing logistics
Digital health integration

Learning Objectives

Compare oral versus injectable incretin therapies and their pharmacokinetic profiles.
Assess how ultra-long-acting agents may influence adherence and patient preference.
Recognise service-delivery implications for UK primary care and pharmacy teams.
Address practical barriers to adherence in diverse populations.
Evaluate future prescribing considerations for combination therapies.

CME9:

Integrating Pharmacotherapy with Lifestyle, Culture and Behaviour Change

Purpose

Prevent medication-only thinking

Outline

Culturally adapted dietary counselling
Physical activity barriers in different communities
Faith-related considerations (Ramadan, fasting)
Psychological drivers of weight regain
Medication vs lifestyle expectations
Multidisciplinary team working

Learning Objectives

Integrate pharmacological therapy with culturally adapted lifestyle interventions.
Identify behavioural drivers of weight regain and treatment discontinuation.
Tailor dietary and physical activity advice for South Asian, Arab and Black communities.
Manage expectations around medication versus lifestyle outcomes.
Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to support long-term weight management

CME10:

Equity, Safety and Long-Term Outcomes of Advanced Obesity Pharmacotherapies

Purpose

Programme synthesis + systems thinking.

Outline

Access disparities in UK prescribing
Long-term safety monitoring
Real-world data vs trials
Cost-effectiveness in NHS
Reducing prescribing bias
Advocacy roles for clinicians

Learning Objectives

Recognise inequities in access to advanced obesity medications within the UK.
Implement long-term monitoring strategies for safety and effectiveness.
Critically appraise real-world outcome data across different ethnic groups.
Identify and reduce potential prescribing bias.
Advocate for equitable, evidence-based obesity care within NHS systems