Topic of the Month on ModernWeight: Redefining Weight Management Together: Let's Talk Stigma and Solutions
Head to the Social Hub to share your success story or learn about others.
AOMs in the News
This Week's Featured Post
GLP-1 Shortage Ends, But Rising Costs and Access Issues Remain
Link: Verywell Health
The FDA recently marked a milestone by declaring that the GLP-1 drug shortage, including popular medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, has ended. Novo Nordisk, the producer of these drugs, attributes this improvement to significant investment in U.S. manufacturing facilities. Despite this update, compounded forms of GLP-1 drugs may soon become limited as the FDA considers removing the medications from its shortage list, impacting patients relying on more affordable versions. The FDA’s decision could result in costlier alternatives, particularly for patients whose insurance doesn’t cover GLP-1s.
Why It Matters: With many patients still facing high costs or limited insurance coverage for these medications, removing the shortage designation could make GLP-1 treatments less accessible. Compounded versions, often cheaper, have been critical for those affected by supply disruptions and financial constraints. However, as these versions become unavailable, individuals might face financial strain to maintain their treatment plans, raising questions about long-term access for those most in need.
What’s Next: Patients using compounded GLP-1 medications should speak with healthcare providers about alternative solutions. This FDA decision marks a critical moment in balancing supply, affordability, and accessibility, impacting patients' weight management and overall health.
GLP-1 Drug Access Limited by Location, Payer Type, and Demographics
Link: Healio
A new ObesityWeek study highlights how factors like care site, insurance, and demographics influence access to GLP-1 medications. Researchers analyzed a cohort of 111,045 adults with obesity diagnoses, finding that only 2.5% initiated GLP-1 therapy within six months. Women, older adults, and those with certain insurance plans were more likely to access these medications. Conversely, individuals with HMO or exclusive provider plans and inpatient obesity diagnoses experienced lower initiation rates.
Why It Matters: The findings reveal inequities in GLP-1 access, suggesting that demographics and insurance types play a significant role in who receives these medications. Given the critical health benefits of GLP-1 drugs, particularly for those with metabolic health risks, ensuring equitable access is essential for effective obesity and diabetes management.
Looking Ahead: As GLP-1 usage grows, healthcare providers and policymakers may need to address these disparities to ensure broader access and develop policies that mitigate healthcare inequities.
Expanding GLP-1 Access Could Prevent 42,000 Deaths Annually
Link: Drugs.com
Research from Yale highlights that expanding access to obesity medications, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, could prevent 42,000 deaths annually in the U.S. GLP-1s, which help control weight and improve metabolic health, have transformative potential, especially for individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, barriers like high costs, limited insurance coverage, and provider awareness continue to restrict patient access, affecting public health outcomes.
Why It Matters: This study underscores the life-saving potential of GLP-1 medications. By addressing barriers to access, policymakers could make strides toward reducing mortality linked to obesity-related conditions, highlighting the urgent need for healthcare reforms that support affordability and availability.
Broader Impact: Expanding access to GLP-1s could shift public health outcomes, encouraging insurers and policymakers to view these medications as vital, rather than optional, for managing obesity and diabetes nationally.
Will GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Expand into Workers’ Compensation?
Link: WorkersCompensation.com
An emerging trend suggests that GLP-1 drugs could eventually be covered under workers’ compensation, given their potential benefits in improving employee health and productivity. With obesity and metabolic issues impacting workplace attendance and productivity, some experts argue that including GLP-1s in compensation coverage could be a proactive approach for employers. This would represent a major shift in the role of weight management medications within employer-sponsored healthcare.
Why It Matters: Covering GLP-1s in workers' compensation could open new avenues for managing obesity-related health concerns in the workplace. While obesity is not a direct workplace injury, its effects on employee health are substantial, potentially justifying GLP-1 coverage to reduce long-term health costs and improve workforce wellness.
Future Outlook: As interest grows, this development could mark a turning point in healthcare, where obesity and related conditions are managed not only as individual health issues but as economic and workplace productivity factors.
5 Key Insights from the ObesityWeek Conference
Link: Bloomberg
The ObesityWeek conference highlighted new research and trends shaping the future of weight-loss treatments. Major takeaways included the development of next-generation drugs, an increase in compounded medication use, and a shift in focus to broader health impacts beyond weight loss. Notably, drugmakers like Viking Therapeutics and AstraZeneca are advancing oral medications, which may appeal to patients reluctant to try injections. Compounded drugs were also widely discussed as patients look for more affordable, accessible options.
Why It Matters: The insights from ObesityWeek reflect the evolving landscape of obesity management, with innovations in treatment options, patient access, and an expanded view of obesity's impact on overall health. Compounded medications are also becoming crucial in addressing barriers related to costs and shortages.
Next Steps: With more treatment options on the horizon, including oral GLP-1s, the conference signals a future where obesity management could become more accessible and diversified, benefitting both patients and healthcare systems.
---
Expert Tweet of the Week
From @GLP1_News
"The effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on skeletal muscle mass
@TheLancetEndo"
Related Article: The Lancet
---
Our ModernWeight "Weekly Weight Management Insights" newsletter is designed to keep you informed and engaged with the latest in weight management and GLP-1 medications. Visit the Social Hub to join the conversation and connect with our community.
Want to receive this newsletter in your inbox weekly? Create a profile!
Comments