Spotlight: Imbalance in How Healthcare Plans Cover Obesity

 

• Tina Reed
  , author of
  Axios Vitals

6 hours ago -Health

Weight-loss drug restrictions shine spotlight on imbalance in obesity care

Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios

Tightening restrictions on who can receive the remarkably effective class of new weight-loss drugs is putting a spotlight on an imbalance in how health plans cover obesity care.

Why it matters: The explosive growth of Ozempic and other drugs known as GLP-1 agonists has led to greater recognition of obesity as a chronic condition rather than a lifestyle disease. 

• But it's also sparked major concerns about the potential budget-busting costs of treating the more than 40% of Americans who are obese.

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