Sales of new weight loss drugs soaring as patients see results
ALABASTER, Ala. (WBMA) — For those who have struggled for years with their weight, some are calling a class of diabetes drugs a miracle when it comes to weight loss. The success stories from Hollywood and social media are fueling a high demand. But do the drugs live up to the hype?
Tom McMillan's weight hovered around 250 pounds. Now he's dropped 71 pounds in six months. He says he feels fantastic and is more mobile than he's been in some time. "I can tie my shoes without a plan to do it and get on the floor with my grandkids," said Tom McMillan. He's a Type2 diabetic. His A1C which had been up around 7 is now down to 4.9.
He credits Mounjaro for his weight drop and dropping other medications. His wife Karen has lost 60 pounds and is off blood pressure medication. "It's a very nice side effect," remarked Karen McMillan. She initially started taking Ozempic to control her diabetes.
"This is the best I've felt in a very long time," said McMillan.
They're known as a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. The diabetes drugs have an added benefit of curbing hunger and reducing cravings. "One of the biggest effects is to slow down gastric emptying. The time food is in the stomach is longer. That means you're fuller quicker and you eat less at the next meal," explained Dr. David Fieno with Heart South in Alabaster.
WE CHECKED IN WITH BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ABOUT INSURANCE COVERAGE:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama does cover GLP-1 drugs (glucagon-like-peptide 1 agonists) that are FDA approved for treating type 2 diabetes such as Ozempic, Trulicity, and others. Additionally, Blue Cross will cover Mounjaro for patients with type 2 diabetes starting on March 1st. To ensure appropriate use consistent with FDA approval, Blue Cross now requires a healthcare provider to verify these drugs are being used for type 2 diabetes for coverage. Drugs such as Saxenda and Wegovy are only FDA approved for weight management and coverage through Blue Cross depends on a member’s benefit package. There are currently no branded products approved to treat both type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
ABC3340 News has also reached out to other insurance companies for comment.
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Ozempic is approved for diabetes, Wegovy for weight loss. There are reports of shortages the drugs are so popular.
Cardiologist Dr. David Fieno says studies are finding the drugs have an added cardiac benefit. "I feel like in the next few years diabetics and non diabetics will get real benefit in hopefully reducing cardiac disease," said Dr. Fieno.
He recommends if you are concerned about your weight or are pre-diabetic, have a conversation with your doctor. "This drug is the most popular we have right now for weight maintenance improvement and diabetic parameters," explained Dr. Fieno.
The medications are given in weekly injections. Potential downsides include nausea, constipation, and pancreatitis.
The cost is an issue. With a coupon the McMillan's pay $25 a month, but when those run out it's around a $1,000 a month. Their insurance does not cover the medications for weight loss. "That's something that's not sustainable for most people," remarked McMillan.
Patients hope to see coverage expand. "Definitely a revolutionary drug. I've struggled with weight my entire life," said Karen McMillan.
Roughly two out of three U.S. adults are overweight or obese and and one out of three are obese.
