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As with many medications, some weight loss drugs have been on the market longer, have generic alternatives, and tend to be more affordable. Even as the range of weight loss medications has expanded, some drugs have been withdrawn based on their lack of efficacy as well as safety concerns. Currently, these medications are administered by injection, but oral weight loss drugs in the same category may soon follow. About 50 percent of employer plans that work with Aon, a benefits consulting firm, cover weight loss medications; many continue coverage under their retiree plans. The lower usage is likely because Medicare doesn’t cover prescriptions specifically for weight loss, the nonpartisan health policy nonprofit says. Learn about other weight loss medications that are available Instead, talk to your health care provider about starting Wegovy for weight loss. The degree of weight loss achieved with surgery is usually much greater and lasts longer than with medications. If the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a different GLP-1 called orforglipron that’s now being studied to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, it also will be about $350 a month. The pill version of Wegovy that was just approved could cost $150 on the website. The long lead time for Part D participation allows plans to include GLP-1s in their drug coverage lists, update their computer systems and fine-tune their marketing before next year’s open enrollment Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. It says there are no approved generic versions of these drug. Experts still recommend that people avoid using Ozempic unless they have type 2 diabetes. Ozempic has a smaller dose of semaglutide than Wegovy. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults with type 2 diabetes. But what does the research say about this use of the drug? Note that Suprenza contains tartrazine, an ingredient to which some people may have an allergic reaction. Side effects include headache, overstimulation, high blood pressure, insomnia, rapid or irregular heart rate, and tremor. It is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.

What other ways can I pay for weight loss drugs?

Among those side effects is "Ozempic face," where skin on the face sags and wrinkles. To lose weight, especially harmful belly fat, combine diet and exercise People with diabetes face higher risk of hearing loss KFF links each drug’s NDC in the dataset to a drug class using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system. Specifically, increased utilization of Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) as well as Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) have contributed substantially to recent growth. Adults with migraines and obesity are good candidates for this weight-loss medication. Combining the two drugs increases efficacy. Interactions may occur during or within 14 days following the use of monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, sympathomimetics, alcohol, adrenergic neuron-blocking drugs, and possibly some anesthetic agents. Some patients may lose about 5% of their body weight by taking phentermine. Phentermine is the oldest and most widely used weight loss medication. Some of the ingredients might increase the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone, but so does food in general when people eat, Jay says. “We are not a pharmaceutical company and we do not make any medical claims.” But the patches don’t contain actual GLP-1 medications — “they have herbs and other random things depending on the patch,” Jay says. Semaglutide treatments can also be used as an alternative to bariatric surgery for some patients who are obese. However, Wegovy contains higher doses of it and is designed for weight loss. It's the first drug approved for this purpose since 2014. Wegovy is a once-weekly injection approved by the FDA in 2021 for chronic weight management. Ozempic, known generically as semaglutide, was approved in 2017 by the U.S. However, GLP-1s accounted for over 8% of all Medicaid prescription drug spending before rebates in 2024 (up from 1% in 2019). Coverage is also required if deemed medically necessary for children under Medicaid’s Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. The new model will include standardized coverage criteria as well as lifestyle supports and is voluntary for state Medicaid programs, Medicare Part D plans, and manufacturers. Even though the Medicare Plan Finder may identify Ozempic as covered, that doesn’t mean you will qualify for coverage. Outside of Medicare, typical requirements include a BMI of 30 or higher or 27 or higher when combined with another health condition. “With obesity, every insurance and every employer follow their own plan,” she says. When deciding what medication to prescribe, Shauna Levy, M.D., medical director of the Tulane Bariatric and Weight Loss Center in New Orleans, says insurance is her number one limiting factor. These medications are not made or packaged by the original manufacturers. In April 2025, they banned the sale of “counterfeit” semaglutide and tirzepatide. However, the FDA warns against buying medications from any source other than a state-licensed pharmacy. These effects can lead to weight loss, which can be an important part of managing diabetes. "Ozempic face" was coined in reference one of these drugs, although any rapid weight loss can cause it. Not all GLP-1s are approved for obesity treatment, and this analysis includes all FDA-approved GLP-1s, including those approved for obesity (Saxenda, Weogvy, Zepbound) as well as those approved for type 2 diabetes (see Table 1). Medicare now covers GLP-1s for diabetes and other approved ailments, such as obesity in conjunction with heart disease. Yes, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 prohibits Part D plans from covering anti-obesity medications as part of the standard prescription drug benefit. In addition to helping with weight loss, GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, have been found to improve heart and liver health and treat sleep apnea in overweight adults.

• Phentermine by itself (Adipex-P, Lomaira) also is used for weight loss.
• In a Phase 2 study, the medication showed up to 20% average weight loss at 52 weeks for people with obesity or overweight.
• Additionally, drugs targeting hunger or satiety signaling have been actively studied and have shown increased adoption by physicians.
• It is intended for use with a reduced-calorie diet and is also indicated to reduce the risk of weight regain.
• Administration officials expect that percentage to rise to 10 percent, about 7 million people, with the GLP-1 discounts.
• A. Pawlowski is a TODAY health reporter focusing on health news and features.
• These effects can lead to weight loss, which can be an important part of managing diabetes.
• What are the possible side effects of Wegovy®?
• Wegovy is a brand name for semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.

North Carolina eliminated GLP-1 coverage beginning October 2025 due to a budget stalemate in the legislature, but coverage was reinstated in December 2025, bringing the total number of states covering GLP-1s for obesity to 13 as of January 2026. In November 2025, the Trump administration announced reaching a deal with Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk to lower the cost of their GLP-1s for Medicare, Medicaid, and those purchasing the drugs directly from the manufacturers through a new TrumpRx website. Unless Medicaid covers obesity medications, enrollees are unlikely to have access to them given the high out-of-pocket cost even at lower prices. Key drivers include the obesity/diabetes epidemic and expanding uses (e.g., NASH, heart failure). Another is orforglipron, Lilly’s oral GLP-1 analog, which achieved about 10–15% weight loss in trials. Fast-track pathways combined with novel targets suggest that the FDA will continue to approve pioneering drugs until late 2025.

• Understanding upcoming FDA decisions and fast-track designations allows experts to anticipate healthcare shifts.
• And because the program is a test, coverage will end in December 2031 unless the program is extended.
• It could provide a welcome alternative for people who do not want injections.
• "Wegovy® pill is here, and it represents a significant innovation as the first and only GLP-1 pill for weight loss. This moment is about changing what's possible in weight management, and to make that possible, we have worked to ensure Wegovy® pill is affordable and accessible to those who need it, however they choose to receive their care."
• Unless Medicaid covers obesity medications, enrollees are unlikely to have access to them given the high out-of-pocket cost even at lower prices.
• “Because that term is in a lot of people's consciousness.”
• Yes, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 prohibits Part D plans from covering anti-obesity medications as part of the standard prescription drug benefit.

With more options available, doctors will be increasingly able to personalize treatments. Researchers continue to study hormones that play a role in appetite for other ways to target obesity with medication. In Phase 2, participants lost up to 24.2% of body weight at 48 weeks. It could provide a welcome alternative for people who do not want injections. In May 2025, they reported 39 new GLP-1 medications in development.

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Zepbound is approved to treat obesity in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater. (Many more take them for other indications.) According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, public awareness has ramped up, with 32% of adults now saying they have heard “a lot” about these drugs. A study from FAIR Health published in May 2025 reports that more than 2% of U.S. adults took a GLP-1 for weight loss in 2024. Next came a dual receptor agonist, Mounjaro, which is indicated for type 2 diabetes, and Zepbound, which is indicated for obesity.

• None are approved for use in someone who is pregnant.
• If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices.
• Adults with migraines and obesity are good candidates for this weight-loss medication.
• “It's really hard to lose weight, and a lot of people might need a medication or surgery or another medical intervention because obesity is a disease,” Jay adds.
• This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to drive change to help people defeat other serious chronic diseases such as obesity, rare blood, and endocrine disorders.
• Each entry includes the drug name, the developer, the indication, any clinical results or status, regulatory designations, and a PDUFA/targeted action date.
• In March 2024, the FDA approved Wegovy’s use for adults with cardiovascular disease who are also overweight, which opened the door for Medicare Part D plans to cover it.

“It creates a lot of demand, and it creates openings for people to exploit that demand,” Jay tells TODAY.com. They’re injected, but a pill form may be available next year. “Because that term is in a lot of people's consciousness.” Though some GLP-1s have been FDA-approved for weight loss, others have not. On average, the trendy GLP-1 medications have helped people lose 12 percent of their total weight. These medications also can help with weight loss because they make you feel fuller faster. And BAGSVÆRD, Denmark, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Wegovy® pill is now available, providing those seeking help with their weight the revolutionary science of GLP-1 medicine in a pill for the first time. When taken orally, some of these ingredients might lead to a 1-to-3-pound weight loss, but they haven't been studied for going through the skin at all, he adds. When people swallow berberine supplements, they may lose a very modest amount of weight — 2 to 4 pounds, White notes. The company describes the patches as “crafted to support healthy weight management and appetite control.” Setmelanotide is a melanocortin-4 receptor agonist indicated for chronic weight management in adult and pediatric patients six years and older, with obesity due to certain rare genetic disorders. If more than 5% weight loss is not achieved after 12 weeks of the maximum dose, the weight loss pill should be gradually discontinued. It was originally used as a short-term medication to jump-start weight loss, but now newer medical guidelines have added it to long-term therapy. It is also semaglutide, but approved to treat type 2 diabetes. The top anti-obesity medications (AOMs) at that time were phentermine, marketed as Lomaira and Adipex-P, and orlistat, marketed as Xenical and Alli. The pharmacological treatment of obesity is a fast-changing landscape, and care providers must strive continuously to stay current. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that empowers people to choose how they live as they age. This story, originally published Sept. 13, 2023, was updated to reflect the FDA’s recent approval of a pill form of Wegovy and CMS’s two-step plan to lower prices for Medicare Part D enrollees. In March 2024, the FDA approved Wegovy’s use for adults with cardiovascular disease who are also overweight, which opened the door for Medicare Part D plans to cover it. Novo Nordisk calls it part of a pilot program to add obesity to the list of covered medical conditions and expects that most Part D beneficiaries would be covered. Drugs prescribed for weight gain, cosmetic purposes, fertility, hair growth and treatment of sexual or erectile dysfunction also aren’t allowed to be covered. Analysis of all patients regardless Percent weight reduction at 64 weeks1 A. Pawlowski is a TODAY health reporter focusing on health news and features. “Our natural GLP-1 lasts seconds to minutes in our bodies, whereas the (prescription GLP-1) medications last over a week,” she notes. Drug manufacturers often have programs to help with drug costs and copayments for people without insurance. You typically need to have a certain BMI and participate in a weight loss coaching program. Medicare spent $2.6 billion on Ozempic in 2021 and $4.6 billion in 2022, making it one of the 10 drugs it spends the most on. The FDA approved the first GLP-1 drug in 2005. GLP-1 is a class of medications created to treat type 2 diabetes by helping the pancreas release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high. When used for overweight or obesity, the drugs are typically prescribed in higher doses than when prescribed for diabetes. Any savings on health spending because of obesity drugs may take many years and may not accrue to the Medicaid program if individuals experience shifts in coverage, so states may not be factoring long-term savings into coverage decisions. However, almost four in ten adults and a quarter of children with Medicaid have obesity, meaning expanding Medicaid coverage of these drugs could provide access to effective obesity treatments for millions. Insurance coverage varies and will affect many patients’ choices about going on weight loss medications. Some weight loss medications have been on the market for many years, and new ones emerge frequently. For each individual case, the doctor and patient should discuss the patient’s current health issues, other medications, and family medical history. Most medications are prescribed for someone with a BMI of 30 or greater, or a BMI of 27 or greater if the person has weight-related health conditions. Determining whether someone is a candidate for weight loss medications begins with BMI. Novo Nordisk offers access to a health coach for diet and exercise to help people taking Wegovy. By July, CMS will launch its own short-term program to allow eligible Medicare Part D prescription plan beneficiaries to pay $50 a month for GLP-1 medications for the rest of the year. And because the program is a test, coverage will end in December 2031 unless the program is extended. AARP’s Medicare experts share tips and updates to help manage your health care costs. If you have medical questions or would like to make an appointment or find out about the referral process, please call UCDAVIS. Doctors have been prescribing GLP-1s for weight loss because studies have found that losing 5 percent to 10 percent of your weight can have positive effects on your health. The FDA approved the first GLP-1 pill for weight loss earlier this week, and the oral form of Wegovy is expected in pharmacies in early January 2026. However, semaglutide is approved for weight loss under the name Wegovy. For years, people have been trying all sorts of methods and medications in search of the perfect weight loss solution. After a renaissance led by semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound), the next wave of obesity drugs is already emerging. In 2025, nearly all health plans covered GLP-1s for diabetes and 49 percent of plans from companies with 500 or more employees for weight loss, according to Mercer’s National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans. Ozempic, which the FDA first approved for diabetes and then for kidney disease, is popular for weight loss, but Medicare has been covering it only when it’s prescribed for diabetes or kidney disease. In drug trials sponsored by manufacturer Novo Nordisk, the Wegovy pill resulted in an average weight loss of more than 16 percent for those who took it as directed. It is intended for use with a reduced-calorie diet and is also indicated to reduce the risk of weight regain. The most common side effects include nausea, constipation, headache, vomiting, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, and diarrhea. Side effects include abnormal sensations, dizziness, altered taste, insomnia, constipation, and dry mouth. Some online healthcare providers claim to sell Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound at reduced prices. None are approved for use in someone who is pregnant. Older AOMs also have indications based on BMI and may be contraindicated for use with certain other medications. Weight-positive medications in the tricyclic antidepressant category include amitriptyline, doxepin, and imipramine. This relationship can allow for dosage adjustments or alternative medications if one seems like a better fit for the patient.

FDA approves Novo Nordisk's Wegovy® pill, the first and only oral GLP-1 for weight loss in adults

"Wegovy® pill is here, and it represents a significant innovation as the first and only GLP-1 pill for weight loss. This moment is about changing what's possible in weight management, and to make that possible, we have worked to ensure Wegovy® pill is affordable and accessible to those who need it, however they choose to receive their care." When consumers hear about the medications being effective for weight loss, they’re desperate to get them, adds Dr. Melanie Jay, director of the NYU Langone Comprehensive Program on Obesity Research. Most side effects of GLP-1 drugs are not serious. Gastrointestinal symptoms — nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation — are by far the most common side effects of GLP-1 drugs. In people with type 2 diabetes, the body's cells are resistant to the effects of insulin, the body does not produce enough insulin, or both. Medicare Part D plans can cover Wegovy for adults who have cardiovascular disease or the liver disease MASH and are also overweight. Some plans require you to try other medications first. “People call their insurance and ask if Ozempic is covered, and they say it is, but if you don’t have diabetes, it’s not covered.” “Ozempic is a medication for diabetes,” Levy said before its approval for kidney disease. While state Medicaid programs must cover nearly all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs, a long-standing statutory exception allows states to choose whether to cover weight-loss drugs under Medicaid. Weight-loss drugs aren't an easy answer to weight loss. It's one of four similar weight-loss drugs approved for use for less than 12 weeks, called short-term use. Six weight-loss drugs have been approved by the U.S. Many people gain back some of the weight they lost when they stop taking weight-loss drugs. Just know that you need to use prescription weight-loss drugs in addition to — not instead of — a healthy diet and exercise. Find an obesity medicine specialist near you who can assist in finding the best weight loss medications for you. While no specific vitamin or supplement is considered a “treatment” for obesity or overweight, certain ones help support metabolic health. Medicare does not cover weight loss drugs. “The dietary supplement industry is the Wild West, but people have kicked it up another notch by borrowing the name GLP-1,” White tells TODAY.com. There are currently no GLP-1 medications that can be absorbed through the skin, says C. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. PLUS, you'll get the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts, and special offers on content from Harvard Health Publishing. 25 Gut Health Hacks is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive health information from Harvard Medical School. Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic and Wegovy have the same underlying product, but they come in slightly different dosages and are approved for different reasons. It was not included among the medications in the November White House announcement. Rybelsus was the first-ever GLP-1 pill to be given the FDA’s OK. In January 2025, CMS selected Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy, all GLP-1s manufactured by Novo Nordisk, for its second round of Medicare drug price negotiations. Understanding upcoming FDA decisions and fast-track designations allows experts to anticipate healthcare shifts. The chart above (by Grand View Research) illustrates regional growth projections – North America leads usage, with Asia-Pacific markets surging as obesity rises. The treatment paradigms in oncology will be reshaped across rare diseases, immunology, endocrinology and endocrinology. Self-pay patients can start at around $5/day ($149/month) for the starting dose of 1.5 mg. Wegovy® is available through a range of options including US pharmacies such as CVS and Costco, select telehealth providers including Ro, LifeMD and Weight Watchers, NovoCare® Pharmacy, GoodRx and others. In OASIS 4, common adverse reactions were similar to those previously seen in clinical trials with Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.1

• Currently, these medications are administered by injection, but oral weight loss drugs in the same category may soon follow.
• Read about primary care and why you should partner with a provider for your health
• Prescription drugs are medicines that a health care provider prescribes for you.
• These drugs also act in the brain to reduce hunger and act on the stomach to delay emptying, so you feel full for a longer time.
• It was FDA-approved for obesity in November 2023 under the brand name Zepbound.
• Because GLP-1 drugs slow digestion, you may need to stop taking them a few days beforehand to ensure you have an empty stomach before receiving anesthesia.
• Liraglutide also is used to manage diabetes.

These programs apply only to self-pay patientsand are not covered by insurance. A patient who stops these may regain some or all of the weight. For example, some are approved by the FDA for up to 12 weeks. Even when a patient is engaging in exercise and other lifestyle adjustments, medications can help with hunger, cravings, and metabolic preservation. His commitment to obesity medicine comes from personal and family struggles with obesity, guiding his holistic approach that connects obesity to health issues, including mental health. Some patients have taken these alternatives, which are generally more affordable, without ill effects. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved. Phentermine-topiramate is a combination of a weight-loss drug called phentermine and an anticonvulsant called topiramate. They may switch you to a different weight-loss drug. How long you take a weight-loss drug depends on whether the drug helps you lose weight. About Wegovy® pill Wegovy® pill is the first oral GLP-1 medicine for obesity in the US, and is used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity for adults with obesity, or with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to help them lose weight and keep it off. “It's really hard to lose weight, and a lot of people might need a medication or surgery or another medical intervention because obesity is a disease,” Jay adds. It's the faster pace of weight loss that occurs with GLP-1 drugs that can make facial changes more obvious. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headache, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased lipase, and renal insufficiency. Liraglutide is also approved for Type 2 Diabetes, under the brand name Victoza. Ozempic may be a more familiar name to some patients. It is intended to be used indefinitely, in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. This progression can help to alleviate side effects, which include gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, dizziness, and fatigue.

• Some weight management medications are designed for short-term use and others for long-term use.
• Note that Suprenza contains tartrazine, an ingredient to which some people may have an allergic reaction.
• These programs apply only to self-pay patientsand are not covered by insurance.
• The treatment paradigms in oncology will be reshaped across rare diseases, immunology, endocrinology and endocrinology.
• “People call their insurance and ask if Ozempic is covered, and they say it is, but if you don’t have diabetes, it’s not covered.”
• Some weight loss medications have been on the market for many years, and new ones emerge frequently.
• It is being studied for use in patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity.
• On Nov. 6, the White House announced that leading GLP-1 manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will lower prices for the popular medications when they’re purchased through Medicare.

To fight obesity, Medicare — and Medicaid — will cover GLP-1s at a reduced cost starting in mid-2026

Do health experts recommend Ozempic for weight loss purposes? It is vital that those involved in clinical development and regulatory affairs, as well as commercialization, keep track of these new drugs, from weight-loss agonists to gene therapies. About Novo Nordisk Novo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company that's been making innovative medicines to help people with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives for more than 100 years. Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg is used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to help children 12 years and older with obesity to lose weight and keep the weight off Wegovy® pill is also indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) such as death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease.3 On Nov. 6, the White House announced that leading GLP-1 manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will lower prices for the popular medications when they’re purchased through Medicare. It also allows the government’s Medicare Plan Finder to include the information as potential enrollees shop for standalone Part D prescription plans and Medicare Advantage coverage. “Today’s announcement builds upon our … goal of democratizing access to weight-loss medication, which has been out of reach for so many in need,” says Dr. Mehmet Oz, CMS administrator. With a growing selection of weight loss medications available, patients may ask what the strongest or most effective weight loss prescription medication is, and which one is best for them. Before 2012, there were few weight loss medications approved by the FDA. In June 2024, pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly submitted a study to the FDA of tirzepatide for treatment of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea and obesity, and the FDA approved its use in December 2024. Before late 2024, Medicare had not been covering Zepbound because the FDA has approved it for weight loss only. So your provider will need to check your blood pressure regularly at the start of treatment. Bupropion-naltrexone is a combination drug. Ask your insurance company about your coverage. And ask about the possible benefits and risks of each drug. Mild side effects, such as nausea, constipation and diarrhea, are common. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It is not known if Wegovy® tablets are safe and effective for use in people under 18 years of age. Wegovy® contains semaglutide and should not be used with other semaglutide-containing products or other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. Commercially insured patients pay as little as $25/month with the Wegovy® savings offer.† The 4 mg dose will also be available for $149/month through April 15, 2026, then $199/month after, and the highest doses of Wegovy® pill will be available for $299.

• GLP-1 is a class of medications created to treat type 2 diabetes by helping the pancreas release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high.
• It says there are no approved generic versions of these drug.
• All weight loss medications work best in the context of a healthy eating plan and exercise.
• Novo Nordisk continues to pursue innovative delivery models and strategic collaborations to meet people where they are, reaching more patients in more ways.
• Some online healthcare providers claim to sell Ozempic, Wegovy, or Zepbound at reduced prices.
• No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
• With fervent consumer demand for weight loss medications, combined with rising obesity rates, more medications are bound for the market in the coming years.

These drugs are produced by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly, which both recently announced agreements with the Trump administration to lower prices. In response to growing criticism of the cost of their drugs, Novo Nordisk, the company that manufactures Ozempic and Wegovy, reported last year that rebates and other fees (across all payers) accounted for about 40% of the cost of the two drugs and that they expected rebates to grow. Those prices and spending numbers do not account for rebates, and states typically receive substantial rebates on brand drugs. Some patients may lose 5–10% of body weight, especially with the higher dose of liraglutide. Tirzepatide was previously approved to treat type 2 diabetes as Mounjaro, and it goes by that name only in some countries. Like semaglutide, it works by reducing appetite and is meant to be used in combination with diet and exercise to lose weight.

• The other drugs in this group aren't often prescribed.
• The medication’s cost and side effects will also affect the decision.
• Further, the recent announcements will not impact costs for Medicaid enrollees as they already pay little or no copays for prescription drugs, and the costs of purchasing drugs directly from manufacturers through TrumpRx will likely still be prohibitive for people on Medicaid who must have a low income to qualify for the program.
• Novo Nordisk is developing an oral version of semaglutide (50 mg)specifically for obesity.
• Compounded versions of medications are made by compounding pharmacies, often to tailor a medication to specific patient needs, like an allergy to an inactive ingredient.
• In addition to impressive weight loss, studies show improvements in cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic markers.
• Drug manufacturers often have programs to help with drug costs and copayments for people without insurance.
• Wegovy® pill is also indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) such as death, heart attack, or stroke in adults with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease.3
• This brief discusses the current landscape of Medicaid GLP-1 coverage and examines recent trends in Medicaid prescriptions and gross spending on GLP-1s.

Keep in mind that obesity is a disease, and no drug can permanently “cure” it. Some weight management medications are designed for short-term use and others for long-term use. The following medications can potentially cause variable weight gain in some individuals.

Are ‘GLP-1 Patches’ Safe?

In rare cases, people have had serious liver injury with orlistat. Orlistat can cause side effects such as passing gas and having loose stools. Liraglutide also is used to manage diabetes. Common side effects include nausea, headache and constipation. You can’t contribute to a health savings account after you enroll in Medicare, but if you’ve already accumulated money in an account, you can withdraw it tax-free at any time for eligible expenses. Eli Lilly has a Mounjaro savings program available to adults with an on-label prescription for type 2 diabetes, but you’ll need proof of your condition to enroll in the savings program. Pharmaceutical assistance programs are usually limited to FDA-approved use. If your doctor prescribes Ozempic for type 2 diabetes or kidney disease rather than weight loss, Medicare Part D can cover it. But that definitely does not mean it will be covered by your plan as a weight loss medication, even if it’s covered for diabetes” or sleep apnea, Cubanski says. “You can get your doctor to write you a prescription for off-label use as a weight loss drug. There are also no FDA-approved drug products containing berberine, the agency adds. GLP-1 drugs are available only with a prescription and cost hundreds of dollars a month, while anyone can buy the patches and they may cost less than $1 per unit. GLP-1 drugs mimic a hormone the body produces after eating, which can decrease appetite. The drugs have large molecules that make that very difficult, if not impossible, he notes. Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. If "Ozempic face" side effects are significant, they can be treated with plastic surgery.

Perspectives from employers on the costs and issues associated with covering GLP-1 agonists for weight loss

• GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs were originally developed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar levels but have gained widespread attention for their effectiveness as a treatment for obesity.
• Before choosing a medicine for you, your health care provider thinks about your history and health challenges.
• The FDA approved the first GLP-1 drug in 2005.
• One other difference is that Ozempic is typically covered by health insurance, while Wegovy is often not covered.
• You can pay out-of-pocket, taking advantage of the lower prices expected to be available on drug manufacturers’ websites linked to from TrumpRx.
• If "Ozempic face" side effects are significant, they can be treated with plastic surgery.
• Medicare spent $2.6 billion on Ozempic in 2021 and $4.6 billion in 2022, making it one of the 10 drugs it spends the most on.
• As with many medications, some weight loss drugs have been on the market longer, have generic alternatives, and tend to be more affordable.

Before choosing a medicine for you, your health care provider thinks about your history and health challenges. You can't buy them off the shelf in a drug store like you can buy nonprescription medicines. Have you tried diet and exercise but haven't been able to lose enough weight? Study the pros and cons of medicines to treat obesity.

Medicaid Coverage of and Spending on GLP-1s

Expanded obesity drug coverage can increase Medicaid spending and put pressure on overall state budgets, and states are now facing tighter budget conditions and longer-term fiscal uncertainty, due in part to the federal Medicaid cuts in the 2025 reconciliation law, causing state Medicaid programs to re-evaluate their obesity drug coverage. Due to their cost, however, coverage of GLP-1s for obesity treatment in Medicaid, ACA Marketplace plans, and most large employer firms remains limited, and GLP-1 coverage in Medicare for treatment of obesity is prohibited under current law. Most prescription weight-loss drugs work by making you feel less hungry or fuller. Taking these drugs for a year can mean a loss of total body weight of 3% to 12% more than that lost with lifestyle changes alone. For example, you shouldn't take prescription weight-loss drugs if you're trying to get pregnant, are pregnant or are breastfeeding. Wegovy® pill is available to all eligible patients with multiple affordability options. This is designed to help patients obtain authentic, FDA-approved medicines and avoid potentially unsafe, unapproved alternatives. Novo Nordisk continues to pursue innovative delivery models and strategic collaborations to meet people where they are, reaching more patients in more ways. For Wegovy® pill based on baseline body weight of 235 lb., and for placebo based on baseline body weight of 231 lb.1 If all patients stayed on treatment Nearly half of 50 new biologic and molecular therapies approved by 2024 will be first-in-class agents. With a US presence spanning 40 years, Novo Nordisk US is headquartered in New Jersey and employs over 10,000 people throughout the country across 12 manufacturing, R&D and corporate locations in eight states plus Washington DC. What are the possible side effects of Wegovy®? In addition, tell your doctor that you take GLP-1 drugs if you are having surgery or a procedure that involves general anesthesia. These drugs also act in the brain to reduce hunger and act on the stomach to delay emptying, so you feel full for a longer time. GLP-1 drugs, also called GLP-1 agonists, are shortened names for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. The analysis also includes tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound), which is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and GLP-1 agonist (and classified under “A10BX” or other blood glucose lowering drugs, excl. insulins). The SDUD is publicly available data provided as part of the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP), and provides information on the number of prescriptions, Medicaid spending before rebates, and cost-sharing for rebate-eligible Medicaid outpatient drugs by NDC, quarter, managed care or fee-for-service, and state. In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, adults with obesity or overweight (without diabetes) taking tirzepatide achieved up to 22.5% average body weight reduction at 72 weeks. Based on the latest clinical trials and real-world data, tirzepatide (Zepbound) currently stands out as the most effective FDA-approved prescription medication for weight loss. More detailed information about each of the above weight loss medications can be found in the latest edition of Obesity Medicine Association’s Obesity Algorithm®. Studies have also evaluated drugs that target metabolic tissues—such as adipose tissue or muscle—to promote weight loss; however, to date, nothing has carried on into clinical practice.” All weight loss medications work best in the context of a healthy eating plan and exercise. In a Phase 2 study, the medication showed up to 20% average weight loss at 52 weeks for people with obesity or overweight. With fervent consumer demand for weight loss medications, combined with rising obesity rates, more medications are bound for the market in the coming years. And it has a savings card for people without insurance. Retiree health insurance. You can pay out-of-pocket, taking advantage of the lower prices expected to be available on drug manufacturers’ websites linked to from TrumpRx. Its approval for sleep apnea and obesity allowed Medicare Part D plans to cover it for those reasons. But plans will decide on prior authorization requirements showing that people meet the cardiovascular or liver disease risks. A medical device rather than a medication, Plenity was FDA-cleared in 2019 for people with a BMI of 25 to 40. It is being studied for use in patients with acquired hypothalamic obesity. Some patients may lose about 5% of their body weight. Some patients may lose 5–10% of body weight. Some patients may lose an average of 5–10% of body weight. We cannot diagnose conditions, provide second opinions or make specific treatment recommendations through this website. However, an off-brand version of the drug has been seen at compounding pharmacies across the U.S. The FDA warns people of the dangers of using "generic" Ozempic and Wegovy. Read about primary care and why you should partner with a provider for your health

GLP-1 diabetes and weight-loss drug side effects: "Ozempic face" and more

He promotes wellness through lifestyle changes, emphasizing exercise, healthy eating, and supportive relationships in addition to traditional metric goals. ABOM, is a board-certified family medicine and obesity medicine physician currently at Norman Regionals Primary Care South OKC clinic. For about two years, compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide were permitted in the U.S. due to shortages. Compounded versions of medications are made by compounding pharmacies, often to tailor a medication to specific patient needs, like an allergy to an inactive ingredient. Ozempic can help people lose weight, which can reduce the risk for many other serious health conditions, such as heart problems. Ozempic has lower doses of semaglutide and was developed specifically for type 2 diabetes patients. Learn about weight loss medications, like Wegovy, and whether they're right for you Find out if weight loss medications can actually help you lose weight Then your provider talks with you about the pros and cons of prescription weight-loss drugs. Your health care provider may suggest a weight-loss drug for you in some cases. Prescription drugs are medicines that a health care provider prescribes for you. The guidelines for tirzepatide (Zepbound) and semaglutide (Wegovy) state that a patient should have a BMI of 30 or a BMI of 27 with weight-related health problems. With prescription medications, a healthcare professional can weigh all factors affecting the patient’s lifestyle and BMI and monitor progress and side effects. From Medicaid data publicly available, there is no way yet to disentangle how much of the growing use of GLP-1s is related to treatment for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or sleep apnea versus obesity, or a combination. By 2024, Ozempic had surpassed Trulicity, also approved for type 2 diabetes (not obesity) to make up the largest share of GLP-1 prescriptions and spending (39% in 2024). Prescriptions and spending on Ozempic, approved for type 2 diabetes (not obesity) in 2017, have grown considerably over the period. You take it as a weekly shot to manage obesity. Semaglutide also is used to help control type 2 diabetes. Other possible side effects include an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, insomnia, constipation, and nervousness. Phentermine has the potential to be misused because it acts like a stimulant drug called an amphetamine. But researchers haven't found that the drug causes liver injuries. But practicing healthy lifestyle habits may help limit weight gain. Weight-loss drugs can be expensive and aren't always paid for by insurance. That's why it's important to ask your health care provider about all treatment choices. But losing 5% to 10% of your total weight and keeping it off can have important health benefits.