Ozempic - Obesity cure or panacea?

Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound and Mounjaro have all been in the headlines a lot lately. These drugs are all members of a drug category called GLP1 agonists. They were originally designed to treat diabetes but over time it was noticed that they also resulted in significant weight loss among diabetics who were taking them.

What is a GLP1 agonist and How Does it Work?
GLP1 agonists are medications primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes. However, recent studies have shown that they can also aid in weight loss for individuals with or without diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists work by mimicking the action of a hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels, slows down digestion, and reduces appetite.

Benefits of GLP1 agonists for Weight Loss

• Effective Weight Loss: Clinical trials have demonstrated that GLP1 agonists can lead to significant weight loss when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. On average, patients may lose around 5-10% of their body weight within a few months of starting treatment.
• Improved Metabolic Health: Apart from weight loss, GLP1 agonists may also improve other aspects of metabolic health, such as reducing blood sugar levels, lowering blood pressure, and improving cholesterol levels.
• Convenience: GLP1 agonists are typically administered once a week via injection, making it convenient for many patients to incorporate into their routine.

Considerations and Challenges
While GLP1 agonists offer promising benefits, there are some considerations and challenges to be aware of. Getting a prescription may not be as simple as you might think.

• Cost: One of the significant challenges associated with GLP1 agonists is their costs. Without insurance coverage, the medication can be expensive at about $1,200 per month. While, many insurance plans do cover GLP1 agonists, copays or deductibles may still apply. In addition, patients must fit certain criteria for BMI and medical conditions in most cases before they will be eligible for coverage. Some insurance companies do not pay for GLP1 agonists under any circumstances
• Insurance Approval: Getting approval from insurance companies for GLP1 agonists can sometimes be a lengthy process. Your healthcare provider may need to provide documentation to support the necessity of the medication for weight loss. The added work load may delay your prescription. 
• Lifelong Treatment: It's essential to understand that GLP1 agonists are not a temporary solution. To maintain its benefits, you may need to take the medication for the long term or even life long.
• Side Effects: Like any medication, GLP1 agonists can cause side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects usually improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication but some patients are never able to adjust to the side effects.
• Unknown Risks: While GLP1 agonists have been extensively studied, there may be long-term risks associated with its use that are not yet fully understood. It's essential to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. For this reason the use of these drugs should be limited to people whose weight is sufficiently high enough that it creates health risks which are greater than the risks presented by the life long use of a drug which may have unknown long term side effects
• Medication Shortages: It's been common for some drugs or some dosages of some drugs to be unavailable for weeks or months. This may require patients to use a different dose or stop the medication completely for some period of time
• Note: The difficulties related to the prescription of these drugs has created such a burden for some physicians and their staffs that some offices no longer prescribe these medications at all. 

Conclusion
GLP1 agonists can be a valuable tool in your journey towards weight loss and improved health. However, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the potential challenges and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider to determine if a GLP1 agonist is the right choice for you and develop a comprehensive plan to help you achieve your health goals.