The evolution of GLP-1 RA weight loss coverage: Looking beyond the trend

GLP-1 RA Weight Loss Coverage

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) became wildly popular for weight loss during the pandemic, with social media driving the movement. The medications are longer trending based on celebrity and influencer popularity. The GLP-1 RAs are now a viable treatment for millions of Americans dealing with obesity.

Recently, the World Health Organization issued guidelines backing the use of GLP-1 RAs for obesity treatment. This endorsement, along with the recent release of an oral form of Wegovy, will likely further expand the popularity of the drugs.

GLP-1 RA weight loss coverage has misconceptions regarding the use of the drugs dating back to the pandemic. The misinformation affects everyone from patients and healthcare providers to the healthcare systems and brands themselves. It’s time to update coverage of GLP-1 RAs and build audience trust.

The GLP-1 RA Weight Loss Boom

From 2019 to 2023, the number of patients using GLP-1 RA treatment increased from 21,000 to over 174,000 in 2023. That’s a 700% increase in four years. This explosive trend led to drug shortages and a boom in compounding pharmacies rising to fill the gap.

The pharmaceutical companies have caught up with the explosive popularity of the drugs and are settling in for the long-term. Healthcare providers are catching up with the trend, with more evidence showing the efficacy of the medications’ use not only for diabetes and obesity, but also for heart disease.

As more research identifies the health benefits of GLP-1 RAs, the industry needs to shift away from viewing these medications as mere trends. Focus should shift to help reduce consumer confusion and disappointment when they can’t obtain the drugs.

Persistent name confusion is a problem for consumers. The different names and uses for the same drugs are driving the confusion. For example, the generic semaglutide is known as Ozempic for diabetes use and Wegovy for weight loss—all the same drug, but labeled for different uses.

Added to the name confusion is the ever-changing and poor insurance coverage. GLP-1 RA weight loss coverage is available from fewer than 20% of employer health plans due to the high-cost of these drugs. Plans that once covered the drugs are dropping coverage for weight loss medications altogether. Yet the average consumer is unaware of the limitations for getting the medications.

Consumer Knowledge

To better inform the average consumer, clarifying language that highlights the name and use differences will help reduce confusion. Ideally, this information should accompany every article discussing the medications to help familiarize consumers.

Stories highlighting declining insurance coverage and rising costs should remain a focus. The cost of the medications is cost-prohibitive for many, and the expense is leading to disparities in access based on socioeconomic factors. This cost disparity continues to drive the popularity of compounded versions.

Safety issues persist at some compounding pharmacies, with some organizations providing superior products to others. Discussions about the safety of compounding pharmacies should continue for public awareness. This includes reviewing concerns that go beyond the lack of regulation by the Food and Drug Administration.

Implications for Editors, Brands, or Healthcare Systems

Brands and healthcare systems should continue to provide ongoing information on GLP-1 RA treatment, as this topic is likely to remain relevant for many years. With more research and drug development underway, we are likely to see the GLP-1 RA coverage continue to expand beyond weight loss.

Cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease are already widely treated with the GLP-1 RAs. Emerging future uses for the drugs include addictions, polycystic ovarian disease, neurodegenerative diseases, and liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction.

Editors should consider continued coverage of the risks associated with these drugs as they become more ingrained in daily life. There are documented risks to the thyroid. Mental health and perioperative risks are under investigation, but consumers may not be aware of these risks.

Responsible health communication around GLP-1 RA weight loss coverage needs to continue to evolve as quickly as the drugs themselves. This topic remains relevant and will continue to do so for years. Brands and health organizations should continue to focus on reducing consumer confusion and boosting understanding of the medications, costs, and evolving uses.

By providing ongoing accurate information and clarity, brands will help build consumer trust. This is the lens I bring to health reporting and content development. Evidence first audience awareness.