Rebecca Shenkman

Director of the MacDonald Center for Nutrition Education and Research | M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing Villanova University

  • Villanova PA

Rebecca Shenkman, MPH, RD, LDN, is an expert in nutrition, weight management, and using food to help prevent and control disease

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5 min

As Popularity of Weight Loss Medicine Soars, Professionals Caution Against “Magic Pill” Mindset

A growing weight-loss fad has been dominating headlines this summer. No, it isn’t a new type of trendy diet, exercise regimen or social media influencer-touted superfood. It’s two medications – Ozempic and Wegovy – that have skyrocketed in popularity as more Americans turn to these once-weekly injections to aid in their weight loss efforts. But, while acknowledging the drugs’ effectiveness, their intended patient populations and appropriate usage has become far more nuanced and situational, and the intended outcome of long-term weight loss and health is dependent on more than just taking either of these medications once a week. “While these medications can be helpful for some people who struggle with weight loss, it's important to remember that they are not a magic solution,” said Rebecca Shenkman, MPH, RDN, LDN, director of the MacDonald Center for Nutrition Education and Research at Villanova University’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. First, it’s important to understand the components and histories of both Ozempic and Wegovy. They are prescription medications of the same drug, semaglutide, which belong “to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes,” per Shenkman. It was discovered by researchers that significant weight loss was a side effect of semaglutide. Ozempic is the 2017 FDA-approved drug used to help treat diabetes. Currently, it is not FDA approved for weight loss and typically not covered by health insurance when used for that purpose, per Shenkman, but is often prescribed off label for “weight management in certain individuals who do not have diabetes, but struggle with obesity or [are] overweight.” Wegovy was approved by the FDA in 2021 as an anti-obesity drug used for individuals living with obesity or individuals with excess weight, but not classified as living with obesity, who also have other associated health problems. “When used correctly, the drugs can have many benefits,” Shenkman said. “[Semaglutide] is shown to improve diabetes and body weight in addition to seeing improvements in cardiovascular health and risk factors.” However, “correct use” is what concerns Shenkman and other health and nutrition professionals. “Anti-obesity drugs are a valuable tool for people who have not experienced adequate benefit from self-directed or professionally directed lifestyle treatment,” she said. “However, what we are seeing more and more of now is that people are requesting anti-obesity medications without meeting eligibility criteria for drug use, [such as] body mass index and weight criteria, [or] having the foundational knowledge and application of healthy lifestyle behaviors prior to medication use.” To Shenkman’s first point, there are several factors, especially in American society, driving those who may not meet the criteria for these medicines or even truly need them to request and ultimately receive the drugs. The media’s portrayal of ideal body image is an enormous influence, which can lead to “body dissatisfaction and a desire for quick weight loss solutions,” said Shenkman. Advertisements for these drugs often promote those ideas, and even downplay side effects, making them more appealing. Intrinsically tied to body image is the struggle many individuals have with psychological issues related to food, such as emotional or binge eating. “They feel that their self-worth is tied to their weight, and they will do almost anything to lose weight, whether it be five or 50 pounds.” Shenkman said. “These individuals might believe that medication will help them control their eating habits more effectively.” Identification of such issues prior to prescription approval is something that providers need to be aware of and screen for, Shenkman said. “It is so important for providers to complete a comprehensive pre-treatment assessment of their patients who start on weight loss medications. Unsupervised or improper use can lead to malnutrition, unhealthy weight loss, or even a worsening of an undiagnosed and/or undertreated eating disorder or mental health condition.” But even users who meet all pre-treatment criteria may be turning to the drugs in haste, or believe that they alone will solve their problems, and do so quickly. “Americans are known for having that ‘quick-fix mentality’ where people often seek quick solutions to their problems, including weight loss,” Shenkman said. “Weight loss medications might promise faster results compared to lifestyle changes, which can take time and dedication.” Compounding this “quick-fix mentality” is the frustration many feel when they fail to see results after multiple unsuccessful attempts at weight management. “The abundance of information on diets, exercise routines, and weight loss programs can be overwhelming… Some may turn to medications as they seem more straightforward and require less effort to understand,” explained Shenkman. But, as health care providers know, they are far from straightforward. All drugs, including Ozempic and Wegovy, come with the potential for side effects, which can vary with the individual. Headlines this summer focused on reports of users experiencing gastroparesis, described by Shenkman as the “the slowing down or ‘paralysis’ of the digestive system and gastric (or stomach) emptying.” Though most often reported to cause nausea and vomiting, complications of gastroparesis can be quite serious. “If someone continues the medication and experiences chronic gastroparesis, complications to be aware of include malnutrition, dehydration, acid reflux, blood sugar control and even bowel obstruction,” Shenkman said. The American Society of Anesthesiology also recently issued guidance on the use of such drugs prior to surgery, given potential life-threatening complications. “When prescribing anti-obesity medication, it is the responsibility of healthcare providers to inform patients about potential side effects and risks associated with the medication,” Shenkman said. “It is also the right of the patient/consumer to ask questions and understand what they are putting in their body. A thorough discussion about benefits and possible adverse effects can help patients make informed decisions about their treatment.” Many users may also not fully understand that these drugs are usually taken long-term, even after reaching a desired weight. Stopping without the knowledge of how to keep the weight off may lead to its return. Considering the pros and cons of the drugs, Shenkman’s advice is simple. “Weight loss medications should always be used as part of a comprehensive weight management plan, which includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and lifestyle changes. Relying solely on medications without addressing other aspects of weight management is not likely to lead to long-term success no matter how long you stay on a medication.”

Rebecca Shenkman

3 min

The Rise of "Don't Weigh Me" Cards

Stepping on the scale is an inherent part of the American healthcare experience. But does it have to be? Healthcare professionals and patients say not necessarily. For patients struggling with mental health, eating disorders, or other body-related concerns, being forced to step on the scale may cause significant distress. Because of this, the "don't weigh me" card has become increasingly popular. Born from the desire to make a trip to the doctor a more inclusive, less stressful experience, the cards sit in waiting rooms across the country and allow patients to discreetly make a choice: Would I like to be weighed today? Similar in size and shape to a business card, patients may grab a card and hand it to the provider before the start of the appointment, indicating the patient should not be weighed and that any discussion around weight should only occur if permission is given. According to Rebecca Shenkman, MPH, RDN, LDN, director of the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education at Villanova University, "to be effective and emphatic providers, it is important to ensure a safe and comfortable environment and for the patient to feel seen and heard—and one such way is asking permission to be weighed (if the medical situation does not require a weight)." "This shows patients that their provider respects their voice and choice” Shenkman says. "'Don't weigh me" cards are a tool that providers should recognize as a good 'pause button' that allows them to re-center patient care on the individual and not have a conversation guided by a scale number or attribute certain symptoms or conditions to weight." Healthcare providers may express weight biases that prevent patients from receiving effective care. The provider may correctly or incorrectly attribute a patient's health concerns to weight and overlook additional factors not correlated with obesity. And while obesity is certainly a chronic and progressive medical disease that should not be ignored, there is more to a patient than a number on a scale. "A barrier to effective healthcare utilization is the prevalence of weight bias towards individuals with obesity. A first step to reducing bias is to acknowledge the issue exists and to recognize one's own biases, which may intentionally or unintentionally result in unfavorable behaviors and attitudes towards individuals with obesity," says Shenkman. While communication about weight-related health is important and many times necessary, to center the dialogue on weight alone means missing out on other potential issues. "By letting patients lead the conversation, having an open dialogue and practicing shared decision-making, and approaching the discussion around eating habits and weight-related behaviors within the broader context of health, patients are likely to be more receptive to medical advice given and seek future care." When patients are allowed to choose to be weighed, they are empowered to make their own decisions surrounding their care. "Don't weigh me" cards help provide peace of mind and a comfortable environment for all people, allowing providers to act more effectively and patients to seek out effective care more often.

Rebecca Shenkman

2 min

Start Your Children's Day Off Right So They Can Be Productive at School

Though the 2020 school year may be very different from past years, it's still an ideal time to get kids back on track—with their activity, nutrition and overall wellness to support a productive and happy school year. Breakfast is an important meal for kids and should not be overlooked. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, kids who eat breakfast in the morning are more alert during the school day and perform better. If you don’t have a lot of time for a sit-down breakfast, try brown-bagging it with a banana, a bag of trail mix made with whole-grain cereal, shelled pistachios and a favorite dried fruit (like diced apricot, pineapple or mango). "When it comes to school lunches, even if lunch break this year means your child is sitting at your kitchen table and not at the school cafeteria, that does not mean you can't have fun and pack a nutritious lunch," says Rebecca Shenkman, MPH, RDN, LDN, director of the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education at Villanova’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. A continued favorite lunch box fad for kids is the Bento Box lunch. "These sleek lunch boxes offer an easy way to provide a visually appealing meal for kids while helping parents compartmentalize and assemble a healthy meal by placing a different food group in each section," says Shenkman, who suggests cut-up grapes, whole wheat crackers with peanut butter, cheese sticks and sliced cherry tomatoes—"anything to get kids to eat healthier and that you can keep in the fridge until they're ready to eat knowing that you provided them nutritional energy for the day."

Rebecca Shenkman
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Areas of Expertise

Childhood Obesity
Diet and Behaviors
Nutrition
Nutrition & Disease Prevention
Nutrition & Lifestyle Changes
Weight Management

Biography

Rebecca Shenkman, MPH, RD, LDN, is an excellent quotable source on healthy eating and how to use food to help prevent and control disease. She can speak to how men, women and children can tackle these problems by planning ahead for meals, incorporating new foods into one’s diet, and increasing physical activity to live improved, healthier lives.

Education

Aramark Dietetic Internship

RDN

New York University

MPH

University of Pennsylvania

BA

Affiliations

  • Member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Member of the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Select Media Appearances

Medical Phenomenon: Ozempic's Impact on Fertility Issues Leading to Unexpected Pregnancies

MDLinx  online

2024-03-28

The connection between weight and fertility is an established one. Obesity affects hormonal levels and can cause excess estrogen, leading to irregular menstrual cycles. “Obesity can have a significant impact on fertility,” says Rebecca Shenkman, MPH, RDN, LDN, Director of the MacDonald Center for Nutrition Education and Research at Villanova University. “Evidence shows that the risk of infertility has been shown to be threefold higher in women with obesity than in women without obesity. Overweight women and women with obesity need a longer time to conceive. The impact of obesity on reproductive function is highly attributable to dysregulation of hormone mechanisms such as lower production and circulation of hormones needed for optimal fertility potential.”

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From Meds to Mindset, Tips on Dieting and Nutrition

KYW Newsradio "In Depth" Podcast  online

2024-01-18

Guilty pleasures, genetics, and access to quality food are just some of the factors that make maintaining a healthful diet so challenging. Two nutrition experts - Rebecca Shenkman and Tracy Oliver, both from Villanova University’s M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing - share insights on how to combat and contextualize diet and nutrition-related issues like obesity, while offering strategies about how to improve your lifestyle.

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No One Likes the Flu, but These 25 Foods Might Just Help Your Body Recover Faster

Parade  online

2020-08-01

Rebecca Shenkman, director of the MacDonald Center for Obesity Prevention and Education at Villanova University says to “try putting a few slices of raw ginger root in boiling water if you experience nausea or vomiting when you have the flu.”

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Select Academic Articles

Unveiling Lived Experiences: Exploring the Health and Lifestyle Effects of COVID-19 on Healthcare Workers.

Nutrients

Shenkman, R.; Diewald, L.; Murray, M.B.; Oliver, T.L.

2023

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Weight bias reduction intervention among nurse practitioner students using simulation-based experiences.

Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners

Oliver, T. L., Burrell, S. A., Furman, G. E., Diewald, L. K., Mariani, B., Starck, M. R., & Shenkman, R.

2023

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Achieving a healthy home food environment: perspectives on parents’ nutrition education needs when living with food insecurity.

Nutrire

Oliver, T., Diewald, L., McKeever, A., and Shenkman, R.

2023

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