Nutritional Considerations for the Management of Obesity with GLP-1 based Medications

Dr. Radu Pescarus, MD, FRCSC

After completing a Bachelor of Science in Biology at McGill University, Dr. Radu Pescarus continued his medical studies at the University of Montreal. He pursued his general surgery training in the hospitals of the University of Montreal, followed by a one-year fellowship in Bariatric and Minimally Invasive Surgery at McMaster University. Subsequently, he underwent a second clinical fellowship in Portland, USA to further his knowledge of esophago-gastric surgery as well as advanced gastrointestinal therapeutic endoscopy. Upon his return to Quebec, he joined the surgery department of the Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal and is currently an Associate Professor at Université de Montréal. His clinical practice specializes in minimally invasive bariatric surgery, foregut surgery, as well as gastrointestinal therapeutic endoscopy, including third space endoscopic procedures. 

Dr. Pescarus is currently the President of CABPS and is equally involved with the clinical and research training of international bariatric surgery fellows, as well as senior residents during their minimally-invasive surgery rotation every year. His academic interests include clinical outcomes research in revisional bariatric surgery and the endoscopic treatment of upper gastrointestinal surgical complications. 

Ms. Linda Gigliotti, MS, RDN, CDCES, FAND

Linda Gigliotti is a registered dietitian nutritionist from Orange County, CA. She has extensive experience in the clinical practice of adult weight management and multidisciplinary obesity treatment teams, having served as the Program Director of the Weight Management Program at the University of CA, Irvine for 20 years. Other professional experiences include corporate wellness program development, outpatient nutritional support and metabolic management as well as academic appointments. Linda earned her master’s degree in nutrition education from the University of Delaware.

Gigliotti is co-editor of the Health Professionals Guide to Obesity and Weight Management, published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Currently she serves on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation Board of Directors. She is board certified in diabetes care and education and was engaged in the development of the interprofessional Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management (CSOWM) credential. In 2021 she was awarded the Medallion Award by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is also a recipient of the Excellence in Weight Management Practice Award by the Weight Management Dietetics Practice Group in 2017 and the CA Outstanding Dietitian of the Year Award in 2018.   In her spare time, Gigliotti likes to travel, experiment with new recipes and entertain while embracing healthy eating!

Ms. Roshni John, MSc, RD, CBE, CDE

Ms. Roshni John is a Registered Dietitian and a member of the Dietitians of Canada and the College of Dietitians of Ontario. Roshni works with the Bariatric Program at Humber River Hospital, Ontario.  Roshni graduated from University of Mumbai, India with a Master’s Degree in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics in 1998. She is a Certified Bariatric Educator and a Certified Diabetes Educator. She also holds a Certification in Sports Nutrition from Sports Dietitians Australia.

Over the past 21 years, Roshni has worked in many different environments as a RD:  Bariatric Program, acute care hospital- Surgical Program, out-patient Diabetes Education Program, and long-term care facilities. Roshni also thoroughly enjoys her role as a preceptor for Dietetic Interns. Outside of work, Roshni loves travelling and camping with her husband, canning, baking, reading and is a proud pet parent to her dog ‘Truffles’.