How Weight Loss Drugs are Changing the Game in Healthcare

Disclaimer: The following article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about changes to your lifestyle and medication.

Weight loss/management medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound are transforming healthcare.

These drugs were originally made for people with Type 2 diabetes, but they also help with weight loss. Now that they are approved for weight loss by the FDA, they are some of the highest-selling drugs in the world.

In this post, we’ll explain what weight loss drugs are, how they work, why they’re so popular, and what they could mean for you.

What's going on?

Weight loss drugs help control your appetite and your levels of insulin, which regulates your blood sugar. Because of their effect on blood sugar, they were first used for type 2 diabetes and patients, but studies showed they also help people lose weight.

Despite being very expensive, all of these medications have become very popular. Many insurance plans, including Medicare, now cover these drugs to some extent, but many complain that they still can’t afford them.

But for those who have taken them, the drugs have had widespread success in helping people lose significant amounts of weight. Many patients also report improved energy levels, better mobility, and better control of other chronic conditions including high blood pressure. There are even studies that suggest they may help with addiction. 

These drugs aren't perfect, though. Some people have side effects that impact their quality of life. Some side effects are severe. We also don't fully understand the long-term effects yet, as we still need time to observe their impact.

It's important to talk to your doctor about whether these drugs are right for you based on the risks, benefits, and costs. Tell your doctor about any and all conditions you have and medications you take, as these considerations affect whether you can take weight loss drugs safely. 

If you are taking one of these drugs already, make sure that you are monitored closely by your primary care doctor or endocrinologist to ensure your safety and progress. 

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re thinking about whether weight loss drugs are right for you, here’s what you should know:

• Who can prescribe them? Primary care doctors like those at AstroDoc can prescribe them, and AstroDoc's virtual, $0 per visit plan is ideal for patients who want to be closely monitored for safety and progress. You don't need to see a specialist to get a prescription.
  
  

• What do they cost? It depends. Not all insurance plans cover these drugs and patients' cost varies even when they are covered. If your insurance won't cover these drugs, they typically cost several hundred, if not more than $1,000 per month. Check with your doctor and look for financial assistance programs.
  
  

• What about “compounded” options? Some of these medications can be “compounded” at independent pharmacies around the country. These options can make the medications easier to afford, particularly for those without insurance coverage. The important thing is to ensure the compounding process of the pharmacy is safe, and without other active ingredients that could have additional side effects. Primary care doctors at AstroDoc can prescribe compounded weight loss medications.
  
  

• What are the risks? These drugs aren’t for everyone. Your primary care doctor will consider any other conditions you have and medications you take when deciding if these drugs are safe for you. Weight loss drugs can also cause a range of side effects, and digestive issues like nausea are most common. Some people experience severe side effects that force them to go to the hospital. Anyone interested in these drugs should talk to their primary care doctor about their personal risk.
  
  

• How do you maximize their effect? These medications work best when combined with healthy eating and exercise. They’re a tool to help you, not a replacement for healthy habits.
  
  

• What are some other helpful tools? A continuous glucose monitor like the Dexcom G7 or Abbott Freestyle Libre is an extremely helpful tool for monitoring and managing your A1C/ glucose levels. They are covered by many insurance providers, including Medicare, if the patient qualifies.

These medications are changing healthcare, but it’s important to have realistic expectations, be aware of the risks and costs, lead a healthy lifestyle, and stay informed.

What This Means For You

Weight loss drugs are opening up new possibilities for people who struggle with weight management. Here’s what you need to know:

1. You Can Improve Your Health: These medications can help improve weight and manage conditions like diabetes, leading to a better quality of life.
   
   

2. You Should Understand the Risks: Talking to a primary care doctor who has a full understanding of your health will help you know if these drugs are right for you.
   
   

3. Carefully Assess the Affordability: Understanding your insurance coverage and options is key to deciding if these drugs are right for you.
   
   

4. Care For Yourself: Combining weight loss medications with lifestyle changes will get you the best results.
   
   

5. Monitor Closely: Working with a virtual care provider like AstroDoc helps you keep a close eye on your progress and safety, and you never have to worry about copays.

What You Can Do Now

To get started with weight loss medications:

1. Check in with your primary care doctor: Your doctor can explain the benefits, risks, and costs.
   
   

2. Check your insurance coverage: See if your insurance covers these medications and explore other payment options if needed.
   
   

3. Focus on what you can control: Combine medications with healthy habits like good nutrition and exercise.

Learn More

Weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Zepbound are reshaping healthcare by offering new ways to tackle weight and chronic conditions. As these treatments become more common, they provide exciting opportunities to improve health and well-being.

Stay informed by checking back in on our journal regularly. We’ll keep you up-to-date about the latest developments in healthcare, and how they impact you. 

Learn more how AstroDoc’s virtual primary care solutions can help you navigate your journey to better health.