All articles tagged with #weight loss medication
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are effective for weight loss and health benefits but can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, dehydration, and more serious risks like pancreatitis and gallstones. Proper management includes staying hydrated, monitoring symptoms, and consulting doctors for persistent or severe side effects, while being aware of the unknown long-term risks.
Eli Lilly and Company announced a $3 billion expansion of its Pleasant Prairie facility, expected to create 750 jobs and boost production of its popular weight loss medications, Mounjaro and Zepbound. The expansion aims to address supply chain issues and meet rising demand for these injectable drugs, which help with weight loss and diabetes management. Construction is set to begin next year, following the facility's acquisition from Nexus Pharmaceuticals earlier this year.
Women who became pregnant while taking weight loss medications like Ozempic are reporting intense symptoms such as extreme hunger and rapid weight gain after quitting the drugs cold turkey to protect their baby's health. Experts suggest that hormonal changes associated with pregnancy could intensify the withdrawal symptoms from these medications. Rapid weight gain during pregnancy can pose health risks to both mother and baby, especially for women with diabetes who need to ensure their condition is properly managed after quitting the drug. It's important for women who find out they are pregnant while taking weight loss drugs to consult with their doctors immediately.
Marcela Romero, a woman with fertility issues, got pregnant within two weeks of taking weight loss medication Mounjaro, joining a growing number of women who have conceived while on similar drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications, which target hormones in the brain to suppress appetite and trigger weight loss, may be correcting hormonal imbalances caused by obesity and metabolic disorders, improving fertility odds. However, experts warn against using weight loss drugs to try to get pregnant, as research on animals suggests potential risks of miscarriage and birth defects if taken during pregnancy.
Medicare will now cover Wegovy for patients at risk of heart disease, following the FDA's expanded approval for the weight loss medication. While Medicare won't cover Wegovy for weight management alone, it will provide coverage for those at risk of heart disease. This decision could grant millions of patients access to the expensive drug, but experts warn of potential financial strain on Medicare due to the drug's high cost. Medicaid will also be required to cover Wegovy for reducing heart disease risk, and private insurance companies offering supplemental Part D coverage may need to consider their response to this change.
Oprah Winfrey resigned from the WeightWatchers board to avoid a conflict of interest ahead of her upcoming special, "An Oprah Special: Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution." She explained that she wanted to be able to talk about whatever she wants and not have the appearance of a conflict of interest. The media mogul also revealed that she donated all of her shares to the National Museum of African American History. Winfrey's special, her first in 13 years, comes after she revealed she was using weight-loss medication last year and aims to address the stigma around obesity.
Brooke Burke shared her thoughts on the potential benefits and dangers of Ozempic, an injectable diabetes medication that has gained popularity as a weight-loss drug. She emphasized the importance of a purposeful plan and a holistic approach to health, advocating for sustainable lifestyle changes over quick fixes. Burke, who battles autoimmune diseases, credits biohacking for managing her health and fitness. She is set to host a wellness retreat focusing on fitness, mindfulness, and self-care, emphasizing the transformative experiences attendees can expect.
Oprah Winfrey discussed her decision to leave the Weight Watchers board due to a potential conflict of interest with her upcoming ABC special on weight loss. She cited the company's inclusion of weight loss drugs like Wegovy as a factor. Winfrey also emphasized the importance of addressing weight health as a critical topic and expressed her personal experiences with weight struggles.
Novo Nordisk's weight loss injectable, Wegovy, has received FDA approval for its ability to help prevent heart attack, heart disease, and stroke in adults with cardiovascular disease and either obesity or overweight. The drug, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, has shown significant heart health benefits in a large-scale human trial. Despite its popularity, insurance coverage for Wegovy remains limited, leading some patients to seek unregulated alternatives. Cardiologists hope that insurers will recognize the drug's potential as a crucial treatment for at-risk patients.
Oprah Winfrey faced criticism after announcing her use of weight-loss medication following her departure from WW International. The backlash stemmed from her previous comments about such drugs being "the easy way out." However, the reality of battling obesity often involves complex struggles and societal stigma. Many individuals, including the author, have experienced the challenges of weight loss and understand the need for various tools, including medication, in addressing this chronic condition. It's important to recognize the medical necessity of weight-loss drugs and to support individuals in their weight-loss journeys.
Oprah Winfrey is stepping down from the board of directors at WeightWatchers after revealing her use of weight loss medication. She will not seek re-election and plans to donate her earnings from WeightWatchers stock to charity to avoid any conflict of interest. Winfrey aims to continue advocating for health equity and addressing obesity as a chronic condition. Her decision comes after opening up about the shame surrounding weight loss drugs and emphasizing the importance of addressing obesity as a disease.
The multi-billion dollar weight loss drug market, including medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Moujaro, is causing a race to the pharmacy due to off-label use of diabetes medications for weight loss. The demand for these drugs has led to supply shortages, impacting both weight loss and diabetic patients. Medical professionals are urging patients to use only FDA-approved weight loss medications to ensure access for diabetic patients. However, supply chain issues and online scams are complicating the situation, with the market expected to exceed $100 billion by 2030.
Many patients who have found success with powerful new weight loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are facing insurance denials, leaving them with difficult choices. Most employer insurance plans and Medicare do not cover these medications, and some employers are now narrowing the criteria for coverage, creating hurdles for patients. Economists argue that while the medications are expensive, they could lead to substantial cost savings by preventing other serious medical conditions. However, insurers are hesitant due to uncertainties about the long-term effects and a misalignment of incentives. Patients and healthcare providers are struggling with time-intensive prior authorizations and changing coverage requirements, leading to tough discussions and tough choices for patients like Macarena Khoury, who has resorted to using a compounded version of her old weight loss drug after insurance denials.
Medicare and Medicaid do not cover weight loss medications like Wegovy due to three-decade-old restrictions reflecting outdated cultural and clinical attitudes toward obesity, despite the emergence of highly effective weight-loss drugs and a shift in understanding obesity as an illness. Efforts to reform these restrictions, such as the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, have been ongoing, but discussions about cost-benefit considerations and long-term health effects continue as the debate over coverage and access to these medications persists.
Fans have expressed concern over Oprah Winfrey's rapid weight loss after she revealed she is taking weight-loss medication. Social media users noticed her slimmer appearance and pointed out inconsistencies in her previous statements about her weight loss journey. Some criticized her for previously shaming weight-loss drugs, while others defended her as the "Queen of relatable struggles." Despite the debate, a few questioned the media's obsession with Winfrey's weight, highlighting her long history of discussing weight-related issues.