Ozempic and Wegovy drugs for weight loss by CBS News

Thank you CNN and Deidre McPhillips for including me in this thoughtful piece! The underlying theme for so many discussions around weight management and therapies is that this is chronic, long term therapy. Quick results may not mean long term results, especially if treatment time is short. Insurance companies need to get on board and admit that weight management is chronic, and we see the greatest long term success when we combine lifestyle modifications with chronic therapy. https://lnkd.in/gevXebUU

Blue Health Intelligence released a brief looking at factors predicting GLP-1 agonist treatment persistence. This particular brief only includes Saxenda (liraglutide 3.0 mg daily) and Wegovy (semaglutide 1.7mg or 2.4mg weekly). I share the most important highlights below. • > 50% of people prescribed one of these drugs for obesity stopped taking it in less than 12 weeks, which would not be enough time to see benefit • People were more likely to continue treatment beyond 12 weeks if the drug was prescribed by an obesity physician or endocrinologist—this might be due to these clinicians being better at coaching patients through the early period when side effects are most common • Patients < 35 years old were less likely to continue treatment past 12 weeks • Patients with the most social vulnerability were the least likely to continue treatment past 12 weeks • Those with more frequent healthcare visits were more likely to continue treatment past 12 weeks This is a health insurance study, not a scientific study. Nonetheless, it suggests that coaching and guidance from medical providers is an important factor in continuing these medications. Link in comments. #obesitymedicine #semaglutide #wegovy #liraglutide #saxenda #obesity

Dr. Haggerty has published a lot of papers, but this may be one of the most important ones. With her research team, she conceptualized it, implemented it, and published it amazingly quickly. Patients around the country are experiencing unprecedented benefits from GLP1 anti-obesity medications only to have access to those medications stripped from them mid-treatment if insurance plans stop coverage. This is the first qualitative study to assess the impact on these patients. Insurances must do better. They should have strategies to get the right people on the right treatments for obesity and should not take people doing well off of treatment. https://lnkd.in/eq5RV97R

Ozempic, Wegovy and semaglutide. Mounjaro, Zepbound and tirzepatide. It isn't too often that drug names become media headlines for all the right reasons. We can't deny the hype and enthusiasm that has followed these medications for several years now, but there's a lot that we don't know yet. These innovative treatments are more than just weight-loss aids - they’re transforming how society tackles diabetes, heart disease, and even the risk of many cancers by improving insulin resistance & metabolic health. There are still a few things to figure out: who is the right audience for these medications? How will people combine these drugs with the positive lifestyle changes needed for long-term weight loss? Will the real world evidence be as strong as some of the clinical trials? For the insurance industry, questions around how anti-obesity medication may change underwriting and claims activity are front of mind today. In our latest publication, Prachi Patkee, John Schoonbee and I dive into this and more as we investigate the boom of GLP-1 drugs. Sergio Lopez Jimenez, Natalie Kelly

Lipedema was first described over 70 years ago, but still, a lot is unknown. This makes diagnosing and teaching doctors and patients about the condition difficult. European doctors have progressively identified, diagnosed, and treated lipedema. As a result, in Europe, lipedema has been formally recognized as a disease, enabling both education and support for treatment. In the United States, lipedema is a relatively unknown condition in medicine. Most physicians have never heard of it, and those who have oftentimes lack additional knowledge to diagnose, guide, or help patients. It is considered a disorder in the United States rather than a formal disease. This is an important distinction because this characterization limits societal, emotional, medical, and financial (e.g., insurance companies) support. Nevertheless, there is growing attention on lipedema around the world. Current estimates are that 1 out of 9 women have lipedema. That means 11% of adult women, or approximately 14 million women, have lipedema in the United States alone. The chances are you have seen a woman with lipedema in the last 7 days of your normal activities. Organizations have started to create more awareness of lipedema, particularly in the United States, and to support medical research. (An excellent starting point with a wealth of information is FDRS at www.fatdisorders.org). Social media has become a pivotal tool for patients with lipedema. With Facebook groups in every state, patients are becoming connected, empowering them to learn about lipedema, support one another, and improve their quality of life.

Despite being a significant independent risk factor for heart attacks and strokes, and regularly talked about by leading voices in longevity health like Peter Attia, why is Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a) and [pronounced "L P little a") so highly under-measured in the US? About 20% of the US population has a high volume of this largely genetic atherogenic lipoprotein, yet estimates are that only 2% of the population has had their Lp(a) measured. If you think you may be at elevated risk for an ASCVD event (you probably are, whether you admit it or not), ask your healthcare provider to check your Lp(a) at your next doctor's visit. Most insurance doesn't cover the lab test, but your out-of-pocket cost should be about $30 (at most). Learn more here: https://lnkd.in/gs-DrQpV

🚨 **Breaking News in Biosimilars** 🚨 Cigna's Evernorth Health Services is shaking things up again with $0 out-of-pocket biosimilars for Johnson & Johnson's **Stelara** (used for Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and plaque psoriasis). 🌿 This follows their replacement of AbbVie's **Humira** with **Cyltezo**. 📋 **Key Highlights:** - No cost for eligible patients through **Accredo**. - Helping save patients thousands per year! 💸 - Reducing barriers to life-changing treatments. #Stelara #Humira #Cyltezo #Biosimilars #Cigna #Evernorth #Accredo #PatientCare #Healthcare [Learn more](https://lnkd.in/dRs2HCib)

For cardiovascular patients, finding the right combination of medications can take a prolonged period of trial and error. So what happens when the insurance company then compels patients to switch from their stable treatment? Learn more:

💉 Over-the-counter insulin can make diabetes care more affordable. For those without insurance, this option can help save up to 80%! But is it right for everyone? Learn which insulins are available and what you should know before making a switch. Taking control of your health shouldn't break the bank! #breakthebank #insulin #control #option Read the full article to learn more👉https://loom.ly/NsRVHKo

As the Chief of Care at Digbi Health, I want to highlight the significant impact of insurance policies discontinuing coverage for GLP-1 drugs, the safest and most effective obesity medications available today. A recent qualitative study underscores the emotional and physical toll on patients abruptly deprived of these life-changing treatments, leading to feelings of hopelessness, anger, and perceived stigma. At Digbi Health, we harness advanced data tools to personalize the best treatment route for each individual. Our comprehensive approach integrates genetics, gut microbiome analysis, and personalized nutrition. For many, this tailored plan includes GLP-1 support alongside our Food-as-Medicine program, ensuring the most effective and holistic care. The sudden withdrawal of medication coverage undermines patient progress and highlights the urgent need for policies that recognize obesity as a chronic disease requiring continuous, multifaceted support. Our mission is to provide innovative, personalized care that addresses the root causes of obesity and supports our members’ health journeys. #healthcare #obesity #GLP1 #insurancecoverage #personalisedmedicine Digbi Health