Weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound have been hailed as a revolution. Yet the high cost and lack of insurance coverage make them largely unattainable.

Dr. Laure DeMattia, a bariatric medicine specialist in Norman, Oklahoma, feels the frustration of her patients as they struggle to lose weight.

Almost all of her patients at a weight-loss clinic in the suburbs south of Oklahoma City could be helped by the new class of medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy — if they could afford them.

“My patients have already done Weight Watchers, Nutrisystem. They’ve done the high protein, low carb,” she said. “They’ve already done as much as they thought was physically possible to alter their diet and exercise.”

What many of them haven’t done is take a monthly injection of semaglutide or tirzepatide. DeMattia can give them a prescription for Wegovy or Zepbound, but that’s just the beginning. They then face a complicated, often frustrating battle to pay for the expensive medications.

“Our Medicare and Medicaid populations are some of the most at-risk and they do not have access to any anti-obesity medication,” she said.

  • Ms. ArmoredThirteen@lemmy.ml
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    9 months ago

    Yes because people with asthma, sciatica, ataxia, arthritis, amputees, or any number of other physical disabilities don’t exist. Also literally everyone has access to safe places to jog and the time for it so we’re in the green there too. Or feedback loops where weight gain can cause depression which leads to weight gain, haven’t those people ever thought of just not being depressed and overweight?

    Congrats, where so many have failed before, you rose above and solved the obesity epidemic with the power of squishy shoes

    • runjun@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      To tag unto this great response.

      There was a point in my life that I was no longer losing any weight even while doing 5 hours of cardio every week on top of 5 hours of weight training. I was also only eating one meal a day. However, I wasn’t counting calories. Once I started counting calories I was able to fit in alcohol and junk food in moderation and still lose weight. Both of which helped curb binge eating.

    • KevonLooney@lemm.ee
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      9 months ago

      Do you think disabled people don’t exercise? Do you think literally no one can benefit from this advice?

      Did you know that problems don’t have to be solved by a silver bullet? Solutions can be made up in pieces, and yes “squishy shoes” are good advice for fatasses who want to get fit.