In recent years, prescription weight loss medications have become increasingly popular and common among consumers around the world.
At the same time, access to weight loss drugs like GLP-1 can be challenging due to the associated costs with the medication. CNBC’s report on obesity drug insurance among employees found that 76% of companies surveyed provided GLP-1 drug coverage for diabetes but not for weight loss. On the other hand, only 27% provided coverage for weight loss.
At the same time, smaller businesses have an even harder time providing coverage for weight loss medications. Many smaller employers rely on off-the-shelf plans offered by insurance carriers to do so, and while there are plans that cover GLP-1 drugs, the cost can be a lot for many small businesses. More importantly, companies also have to consider the potential impact on employee wages or other benefits by offering coverage for weight loss. Additionally, small businesses that want to provide coverage for weight loss drugs may need to switch insurance providers and end up paying more.
Based on findings from a recent Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) most health plans offered through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace cover GLP-1s for diabetes, but not for weight loss. For employees who may be overweight or obese, this can be concerning as weight loss and weight management are essential for health maintenance. 
How weight loss medications work
The most common weight loss medications simulate GLP-1, which the body produces naturally. However, for people with type 2 diabetes, the body may not be producing enough of the hormone. As such, these drugs help by stimulating the body to produce more insulin and help lower or maintain blood sugar levels. It makes sense, then, that GLP-1 agonists were initially FDA-approved for treating diabetes.
However, studies have found that using GLP-1 for weight loss also works. These medications can slow digestion and increase satiety, making you feel fuller between meals. GLP-1 agonists activate receptors in the body that respond to GLP-1, regulating insulin and controlling blood sugar, yes, but also curbing appetite and minimizing cravings or thoughts of food. As such, GLP-1 weight loss drugs can lead to weight loss of about 10.5 to 15.8 pounds, or an average of 15% in body weight.
Meanwhile, combining these drugs (such as semaglutide) with healthy lifestyle changes has been linked with a weight loss of about 33.7 pounds, more than four times the amount in those who didn’t use the drug. Since then, the FDA has approved the use of semaglutide and high-dose liraglutide to help treat obesity in patients who have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or those who classify as overweight (BMI between 25 and 29.9) and have other weight-related conditions.
The supply and demand problem
One of the key problems emerging from the rising popularity of weight loss medications is a supply problem struggling to keep up with steep demands. In our previous post discussing the high cost of weight loss prescriptions, we highlighted the disparity in access to weight loss medications like Wegovy, Rybelsus, and Ozempic. At the same time, many insurers remain reluctant to cover these drugs for weight loss. Medicare is legally barred from providing coverage for weight loss drugs unless a patient poses serious health risks. As a result, over two-fifths of American adults who are obese are left with no coverage options.
This pressing concern regarding the supply and demand of weight loss medications have also led to new medications entering the market. Nowadays, people may resort to buying and using compounded semaglutide, a medication that uses the same active ingredients as Wegovy and Ozempic, albeit without the FDA approval. People have found these compounded drugs to be just as effective as their real counterparts, as well as being an affordable and accessible substitute to deal with the brand-name shortage. However, health experts are also concerned about the potential risks associated with these newer and cheaper drugs. The FDA has stated that it allows compounding pharmacies to make alternative medications of brand-name drugs, but the agency also doesn’t verify these drugs’ safety, effectiveness, or quality.
Boosting the efficacy of weight loss medications
For those who do have access to safe and approved weight loss medications, however, it’s also important to note that, while highly effective, these drugs are often prescribed alongside healthy lifestyle and behavior changes to support sustainable weight loss. Due to the high costs and lack of health plan coverage, many rely on additional support and guidance to make the most of their medication.
Aside from diet and exercise, for example, some people may opt to join a GLP-1 program to receive tailored care and nutrition guidance. These programs are specifically designed for those taking weight loss medications and include access to tools such as daily targets for protein, water, fruit, and veggies intake, as well as activity goals to ensure people can maintain muscle and stay active as they lose weight. Another crucial component of joining a GLP-1 program is access to an online community and support system, allowing people to consult with expert coaches and like-minded community members with similar weight and health goals.
While weight loss medications are certainly effective and have shown repeated weight loss results, health experts continue to reinforce the need for daily exercise and a healthy diet. A study exploring the relationship between exercise and GLP-1 treatment found that weight loss is more easily sustained when combined with a healthy diet and routine exercise. Researchers also found that abdominal fat percentage decreased significantly when combining liraglutide intake with exercise compared to those who only take the weight loss drug.
The public health perspective on weight loss drugs
Ultimately, while we’re yet to see improvements in terms of GLP-1 insurance coverage for users who need it, a future where these drugs are more accessible and affordable can help promote healthy and sustainable weight loss. Today, the public’s view on weight loss drugs is a little hesitant and there still is a lack of awareness despite their popularity. About three-quarters of Americans say they have heard of Ozempic, Wegovy, and other similar drugs used for weight loss. 12% of those surveyed do admit that these drugs are good options for people seeking to lose weight but don’t have a weight-related health condition.
Today, about four in ten American adults are obese, according to the CDC. Moreover, there’s been a significant increase in the rate of obesity among Americans over the past two decades. Obesity is linked to a number of severe health conditions and diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes, and accounts for billions of dollars in health care costs each year.
About The Author: Anna Cruise is a freelance writer and mother of two. She is particularly interested in business and health stories in her line of work. When she’s not working on her next piece, you can find Anna playing video games with her kids.