The Challenge of Accessing Prescription Weight Loss Medications: Ozempic & Wegovy
Feb 01, 2024
I spend a lot of my time on the phone doing appeals, peer to peers with insurance companies, and writing letters to support patients in getting their needed medications. It’s frustrating for me as a provider to see patients who’ve put the work in from a lifestyle perspective in addition to the medication. It’s frustrating to see the insurance companies shut the door.
Losing weight is a personal and often challenging journey. Yet, many individuals undertake it for various health reasons. Some lifestyle changes like regular exercise and a healthier diet may not be enough. In fact, exercise can be good for weight management (and of course other benefits) but for weight LOSS, you need to consider other factors. And when all other options have been exercised, patients may need the help of prescription weight loss medications. This is when medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy become a necessary part of their plan. Yet oftentimes, these medications cost a lot of money and insurances want patients to try other medications first and FAIL before trying new ones.
Are you having a hard time getting prescription drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy? I'll give you some insight into why that may be.
High Demand, Low Supply
Ozempic and Wegovy are medications originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. Studies have also proven that they help with weight loss. They work by mimicking the hormone that targets parts of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake.
The effectiveness of these medications has led to a surge in demand, particularly among patients who have struggled with obesity for years. Yet, the manufacturing capacity has not kept pace with this rising interest. This causes shortages, leaving many patients without the needed medication. In layman's terms: it's popular right now.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of prescription weight loss medications is another hurdle. These medications can be expensive, and insurance companies often have stringent criteria for coverage. Sometimes, insurance companies consider them to be "lifestyle" drugs rather than necessary medical treatments. This climate makes it exceedingly difficult for patients who are recommended these medications.
Misconceptions and Social Stigma
There is a persistent misconception that weight loss is purely a matter of willpower. Many believe medication should only be a last resort. This attitude underestimates the complexity of obesity. We should treat it like the chronic disease it is.
Very often there is a medical need for intervention in certain situations. More stigma isn't needed. The stigma affects how the public sees these drugs. It also affects how insurers and healthcare providers treat them.
The Importance of Accessibility
For many people, these weight loss drugs are a vital tool to their health and wellness. They also help in their battle against health conditions linked to obesity. This includes conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. Being able to access these drugs can mean the difference between progress and stagnation.
So what can be done?
- Advocacy for Better Insurance Coverage. It is crucial to push for changes in insurance policies. They need to recognize the need for weight loss medications for eligible patients. Most healthcare providers will advocate on a patient's behalf if necessary.
- Increase Drug Production. Encouraging manufacturers to produce more. They must do this without cutting quality and safety- this will help meet demand.
- Education. Dispelling myths surrounding weight loss medications can improve public perception and clinical practices.
- Research and Development. Investing in research for new weight loss treatments can offer options. They can replace current medications- making new treatments will be more readily available.
Weight loss can be a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach. Ozempic and Wegovy are medications that can play a significant role in weight loss plans for people who struggle despite making substantial lifestyle changes. We must address the barriers to access.
These drugs are essential for the well-being of people and the health of our communities.
If you struggle with weight loss and think that medicine may help, talk to a provider. Together, you can create a plan that works for you.