The University of Alberta’s medicine department has teamed up with the Edmonton Public Library to deliver a series of sessions aimed at fighting medical misinformation the general public may find online. Let’s Talk Health began this month and will run until June 2027. The library partners with U of A doctors to discuss common misconceptions about health advice you’re likely to find on social media – the truth behind healing your gut, for example, or protecting your heart, kidneys or joints. It also plans to tackle burnout. First on the list, though: GLP-1s, a class of medications that work to manage Type 2 diabetes and are increasingly being used for weight loss. Millions of Canadians are reported to be using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, or as they’re marketed up north, generic semaglutides. Dr. Narmin Kassam says the sessions are meant to address rising “misinformation and commercialization of these drugs.” “There is a lot of evidence that shows effectiveness, particularly in multiple conditions associated with obesity and the impacts of it,” she told CTV Your Morning Edmonton. “However, what’s really evolving is the number of drugs and formulations becoming available, so that is the piece we need to keep up on.” She says the seminar, which has since passed, encouraged consultation with a primary care physician to ensure you’re aware of how you’re taking the drugs. The partnership between U of A and EPL, she added, stems from a long-standing memorandum of agreement to team up. The next virtual webinar, which will cover vaccines will take place on Oct. 14.
