Cost and Efficacy Concerns Arise for GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

Studies show that while GLP-1 drugs are popular for weight loss, their high costs and long-term effectiveness remain uncertain.

An analysis by Prime Therapeutics found that GLP-1 drugs, such as Wegovy and Mounjaro, increased healthcare spending by $4,206 per patient within a year, questioning their cost-effectiveness.
Only one in seven patients continued using GLP-1 medications after two years, with many discontinuing due to side effects, high costs, or lack of perceived benefits.
Pediatricians express concerns over prescribing GLP-1 drugs to teenagers, citing unknown long-term effects on growth, bone health, and potential restrictive eating habits.
Despite dramatic weight loss results, studies show that GLP-1 drugs may not significantly reduce obesity-related health complications or medical spending in the short term.
High costs and insurance coverage challenges limit access to GLP-1 drugs, raising questions about their feasibility as a lifelong treatment for weight management.