Access to Popular Weight-Loss Drugs Faces Challenges Amid Cost and Coverage Issues

While GLP-1 weight-loss medications show promising health benefits, high costs and limited insurance coverage create significant barriers for many individuals.

GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy not only aid in weight loss but may also reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
A recent survey found that only 20% of large U.S. companies include these costly weight-loss drugs in their health plans, raising concerns about widening health disparities.
Compounded versions of these medications, which are not FDA-approved, provided a lower-cost option during shortages but face discontinuation as supply normalizes.
Patients like Janet McCaskill, who relied on compounded drugs due to high costs, now face uncertainty about continued access to affordable medication.
Experts emphasize the importance of following dosing schedules and maintaining a balanced diet and exercise routine when using GLP-1 drugs for effective results.