What are the top medical trends showing up in the exam room?

Between social media trends, viral health headlines, and 24/7 news cycles, patients are arriving with more information and questions than ever before.

Clinicians are navigating these questions in real time, weighing what reflects real advances and what’s simply hype. It’s a delicate balance: staying current, providing clarity, and keeping patient care at the center of every discussion.

Recently, on Healthcasts, our community discussed what topics dominated their patient conversations this past year—and what emerging medical trends they're anticipating next.

What topics have patients been bringing into your appointments? Log in or sign up to read the full post, leave a comment, and see the Consensus. 

Question of the week

 Comments

Key takeaways about trending patient questions: 

• GLP-1s lead the conversation
  Weight loss medications (especially GLP-1s) remain the most requested topic across practices. Demand from both diabetic and non-diabetic patients continues to grow, driven by DTC marketing and expanding indications.
  
• The wellness trend is accelerating
  Patients are increasingly asking about peptides, immune therapies, testosterone testing, IV hydration, cosmetic procedures, and supplements, reflecting a broader shift toward longevity and optimization.
  
• Prevention still matters
  Alongside treatment trends, interest in cancer screening—particularly colorectal screening in younger adults—and new chronic disease therapies continues to rise.
  

Family Practice

"1. Vaccines and weight loss medications.

2. I think we will see more of the same, also people asking about cosmetic surgery as beauty standards are shifting among certain demographic groups."

Internal Medicine

"1. Many patients want to discuss GLP-1s. They just want guidance as to which to pick and how to pay for the cheapest out-of-pocket.

2. I see the desire for cancer screening."

Nurse Practitioner

"1. I work in a very specialized patient population area, but weight loss and immune-boosting therapy are common questions I get asked.

2. I'd say the biggest trends are GLP-1 meds and their benefits."

Family Practice

"1. The most frequent requests are for GLP1 therapy for weight loss. Also receiving a lot of requests from male patients for testosterone check, many times just a request as part of 'routine screen,' even if not having any symptoms of hypogonadism.

2. Anticipate seeing newer anti-obesity medications come to market over the next couple of years, as well as novel treatments for hypertension and Alzheimer's dementia."

Family Practice

"1. Weight loss medication requests are endless, either as the reason for the visit or as the by-the-way add-on. DTCs are the fuel, but insurance companies don’t help with their increasingly stringent prior authorizations, and they are very vague when patients ask if the meds are covered.

2. New indications for the GLPs, such as addiction and MASH."

 Internal Medicine

"1. Definitely using GLP one medication for weight loss. Also, there is a lot of hype around peptides. I’m trying to familiarize myself more with these as people are using them for wellness and longevity purposes.

2. I think things may really take off with more of the oral GLP-1 medication coming out. Also, I think we will continue to see increasing trends in peptides."

Internal Medicine

"1. Everyone asks about GLP-1s and wants them, diabetic or not. With the new oral Wegovy, as well as the next generation that is in the pipeline, it will continue to be the hot topic.

2. More focus on weight loss and healthier lifestyle; marijuana use/misuse appears to be a hot topic as well."

Nurse Practitioner

"1. GLP-1 agonist for weight loss, IV hydration, and colorectal cancer screening.

2. Young adults screening for CRC."

Family Practice

"1. Weight loss medications have been a hot topic this past year. Use of the drugs for sleep apnea treatment has been relevant to my patient population.

2. OTC supplements will continue to expand."

Nurse Practitioner

"1. I work in a very specialized patient population area, but weight loss and immune-boosting therapy are common questions I get asked.

2. I'd say the biggest trends are GLP-1 meds and their benefits."

What health trends do you anticipate emerging this year? Share your approach and read all of the comments on the post on Healthcasts.