Medicare Part D Expands Coverage to Include Weight-Loss Medication Wegovy
Medicare Part D is expanding its coverage to include the weight-loss medication Wegovy for patients at risk of heart attacks or strokes. While efforts have been made to amend Medicare Part D to cover GLP-1s for obesity treatment, the legislation has not been enacted. Cost remains a significant barrier, with monthly list prices exceeding $1,000, despite Medicare receiving rebates to reduce costs.
Metsera Emerges in Health and Medicine with Focus on Obesity Drug Development
Metsera, a new player in the health and medicine industry, is making waves in obesity drug development with a substantial $290 million in seed and Series A financing. Backed by top investment firms like Population Health Partners and ARCH Venture Partners, Metsera has strategically licensed drug candidates and assembled a team of industry veterans. With a diverse portfolio and significant funding, Metsera is set to revolutionize obesity treatment and carve out a promising future in the field of health and medicine.
Unexpected Pregnancies on Weight Loss Medications Lead to ‘Ozempic Babies’
Learn about the growing trend of ‘Ozempic babies’ as women share their experiences of unexpected pregnancies while on weight loss medications. Discover the challenges faced by women who abruptly stop these drugs to protect their unborn children, experiencing intense hunger and rapid weight gain. Experts suggest hormonal changes during pregnancy may exacerbate withdrawal effects, emphasizing the need for prompt consultation with doctors, especially for those using medications like Ozempic for diabetes treatment.
Understanding Ozempic: Mechanism of Action and Concerns
Learn everything about how Ozempic works, from its mechanism of action to its impact on weight loss. Understand its classification as a semaglutide and how it mimics a naturally occurring hormone to promote weight loss. Discover expert opinions on concerns over Ozempic usage and the emergence of a natural alternative, Berberine.
The Unexpected Impact of Weight-Loss Drugs on Fertility and Pregnancy
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are unexpectedly impacting fertility and pregnancy, leading to the trend of ‘Ozempic babies’ on social media. Some women taking these medications have reported unexpected pregnancies despite fertility issues or while on birth control. Dr. Tara Narula explains the potential explanations for these unexpected pregnancies and emphasizes the importance of seeking medical advice for women considering or planning a pregnancy while taking weight-loss drugs.
New Study Suggests Exercise Can Help Avoid Weight Regain After Stopping Weight Loss Drugs
Half of weight loss drug users stop treatment within a year, but a new study suggests exercise may prevent weight regain. GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic can help patients lose 15% of body weight, but side effects lead to discontinuation. University of Copenhagen study found that those who exercised maintained weight loss, while those who didn’t regained 70% of lost weight, mostly in the form of fat.
FDA approves Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug Wegovy for reducing cardiovascular risk
The FDA has approved Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug, Wegovy, for reducing the risk of serious cardiovascular complications in adults with obesity and heart disease. This could expand insurance coverage for the drug, addressing a major barrier to patient access. Wegovy has been shown to reduce the overall risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular-related death by 20%, marking a significant milestone in public health for adults with obesity and heart disease.
Scrutiny over Restrictions on Weight-Loss Drugs Reveals Disparities in Obesity Care Coverage
Healthcare organizations and insurers are facing scrutiny over the restrictions placed on weight-loss drugs, shedding light on the disparities in obesity care coverage. The rise of highly effective weight-loss medications has brought attention to the unequal treatment of obesity within health plans, sparking initiatives like the EveryBODY campaign to advocate for comprehensive coverage. The debate surrounding coverage for obesity care has also been influenced by pharmaceutical companies, with some advocating for broader coverage to expand their customer base. Zeke Emanuel, a medical ethicist, highlighted the disparities in obesity care coverage as a reflection of deep-seated societal biases, emphasizing the need for a more equitable approach to obesity care coverage.
Survey Reveals American Perceptions of Weight-Loss Drugs and Their Impact on Obesity
A recent Pew Research Center survey reveals Americans’ perceptions of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, with 53% believing they are viable options for individuals with obesity. Despite high demand and supply shortages, only 16% of respondents expect these drugs to significantly reduce obesity in the U.S.
Prevalence of Nonprescribed Weight-Loss Product Consumption Among Adolescents: 5 Key Takeaways
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA uncovered 5 key takeaways about the prevalence of nonprescribed weight-loss product consumption among adolescents, shedding light on this concerning trend.