Over the last few years, the medical world has seen a revolution in the treatment of diabetes and weight loss. What started as treatments for type two diabetes, medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have since been approved by the FDA to treat obesity, offering hope to millions who have long struggled with being overweight due to conditions preventing them from seeing results purely through diet and exercise.
While these glucagon-like peptide-1 injections, or GLP-1s for short, have shown to be effective when taken by those who need it, their promise comes with a hefty price and several obstacles which make them inaccessible to the people who need them the most.
To start, these drugs aren’t cheap. A month’s supply can cost around $936 without insurance, and even for those with it, coverage is often limited as most insurers only approve these medications for diabetes. This leaves those prescribed a GLP-1 for weight loss purposes to cover the full cost out of pocket, but spending nearly a thousand dollars a month on medication isn’t feasible for most of Americans’ wallets.
This is especially troubling when you consider that these demographics are the ones who need access to these medications the most. Studies have shown that there exists a strong correlation between obesity and poverty, as healthy foods like fresh produce and lean proteins are often significantly more expensive than processed meals or fast food, and in recent years, these price gaps have only widened.
The lack of access to affordable, nutritious food can also contribute to long-term health problems like increased insulin resistance and high cholesterol down the road, both of which can be treated with GLP-1's, but, are out of reach for this group of people.
Pharmacies are experiencing a surge in demand for GLP-1 medications from those seeking quick weight loss, while celebrities and the wealthy often secure prescriptions through their connections without genuine medical need. These drugs have gained widespread attention in the media, with public figures like Chelsea Handler and Elon Musk openly admitting to using Ozempic and Wegovy, brand names for semaglutide and tirzepatide, respectively.
“My anti-aging doctor just hands [Ozempic] out to everyone,” said Handler in an interview with Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper.
The misuse of these drugs by individuals who don’t medically need them has led to some unsettling side effects, including what’s been dubbed "Ozempic face" by the online community, referring to the scrawny, aged appearance some celebrities have developed due to rapid weight loss, raising questions about the broader implications of using such powerful medications for purely cosmetic reasons.
This newfound attention has led to a surge in demand for these drugs for cosmetic purposes, creating strain on the supply chain that has only recently become more stable. As a result, prices have gone up and shortages have become more common, making it difficult for those with legitimate medical needs to access their prescriptions consistently. Many patients are now forced to ration their doses and scramble for refills before the drug goes out of stock again.
It’s clear that significant changes are needed to make these drugs more accessible. Lawmakers need to push insurance companies to cover these medications for weight loss, not just diabetes. Obesity is a serious health condition, particularly for those with underactive thyroid glands and other endocrine disorders, and it deserves the same level of treatment and care.
With around 40% of U.S. adults classified as obese, the demand for affordable, effective treatment is evident. It's crucial that those who genuinely need these medications have access, especially when misuse by people without medical necessity further complicates supply issues.
Additionally, pharmaceutical companies need to address the supply chain issues and high out of pocket costs that have made these drugs so hard to come by for those who need them. Streamlining production processes and encouraging competition can help new medications enter the market and reduce costs. Regulatory measures should also be put in place to prevent companies from charging excessively for these drugs, especially since they can be produced for less than $5.
Public education about these medications is also essential. While the buzz around drugs like Mounjaro and Zepbound has grown significantly, many people still don't fully understand their intended purpose. These aren’t miracle cures for losing a few pounds — they’re long-term treatments for people dealing with significant health issues tied to weight. By better educating the public, we can hopefully reduce the number of people using these drugs for cosmetic purposes and ensure that those who really need them have priority access.
The future of weight loss treatments looks promising, but only if we address the issues of affordability and access. With a more just distribution system, these groundbreaking drugs could genuinely transform lives and offer hope to those most susceptible to the challenges of being overweight.
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