Employers face pressure to add coverage of Ozempic, other weight-loss drugs

Summary

Why some health groups are banding together to push for a range of obesity-care options in workplace-sponsored insurance.

Source: The Business Journals

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Q1: What is the role of semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic, in managing obesity?

A1: Semaglutide is an anti-diabetic medication that is also marketed for long-term weight management under the brand name Wegovy. It acts as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, helping to reduce appetite and manage weight. It was approved for medical use in the U.S. in 2017 and is commonly prescribed for both diabetes and weight management.

Q2: Why are employers under pressure to include weight-loss drugs like Ozempic in insurance coverage?

A2: Employers face pressure to add weight-loss drugs to insurance coverage due to increasing demand for obesity-care options. With the rise in popularity of medications like Ozempic for weight loss, there is a push from health groups to offer comprehensive obesity-care solutions in workplace-sponsored insurance plans.

Q3: What are the latest trends in media coverage regarding semaglutide for weight loss?

A3: Recent media coverage of semaglutide for weight loss has focused on social and popular aspects of GLP-1 agonists, along with basic medication information, harms, and benefits. Print media tends to report more on the cash price, lack of insurance, and cost-effectiveness compared to online sources.

Q4: How has the use of semaglutide impacted the frequency of bariatric surgeries in the U.S.?

A4: There has been a reported 30% drop in bariatric surgeries in the U.S. in the past year, which can be attributed to the increased use of GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide for weight management.

Q5: What side effects are associated with the use of semaglutide?

A5: The most common side effects of semaglutide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. These side effects are typical for medications that act as GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Q6: What criteria are used to recommend bariatric surgery as an alternative to weight-loss medications?

A6: Bariatric surgery is recommended for adults with a BMI over 35 or those with metabolic syndrome and a BMI of 30-35. It is also considered for adolescents with a BMI greater than 120% of the 95th percentile for age and sex. This procedure is often considered when traditional weight loss methods have proven insufficient.

Q7: What is the significance of semaglutide's approval for weight management in the U.S.?

A7: Semaglutide's approval for weight management signifies a shift towards pharmaceutical solutions for obesity, offering a non-surgical option for weight loss. As of 2022, it was one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., highlighting its acceptance and demand in the medical community for managing obesity.