Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research (FOEDRC) member, Leon Jons MD, is contributing to innovative clinical efforts at UI Health Care aimed at improving weight management and metabolic health using GLP-1 based therapies. Originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, these medications have gained widespread attention for their ability to promote clinically meaningful and sustained weight loss by targeting key physiological pathways that regulate appetite, satiety, and energy balance. More recently, next-generation agents that combine GLP-1 activity with additional hormonal pathways have further expanded the therapeutic potential of this class, offering greater efficacy in weight reduction and metabolic improvement. As a result, GLP-1–based therapies are reshaping the clinical landscape of obesity treatment and are increasingly viewed as a cornerstone of modern, mechanism-based approaches to cardiometabolic disease management.

Dr. Jons is among the clinicians leading a multidisciplinary pilot program designed to expand safe, coordinated, and financially sustainable access to FDA approved GLP-1 medications. At the six-month mark, the program demonstrated strong patient satisfaction, with 97% of participants reporting positive experiences. Patients have also reported broader health benefits, including increased energy, improved sleep, and in some cases reduced reliance on other medications.

The initiative reflects a comprehensive approach to obesity care, integrating pharmacologic treatment with nutrition counseling, physical activity and behavioral support. Providers involved in the program emphasize that obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition influenced by biological, environmental, and social factors, requiring individualized and patient centered care. 

Dr. Jons’ involvement in this work highlights the FOEDRC’s continued commitment to advancing translational approaches that bridge diabetes research and clinical care, ultimately improving outcomes for individuals affected by obesity and related metabolic diseases. Dr. Jons’s expertise has been certified by the American Board of Obesity Medicine.