'Do you take any of this stuff, Howard?' Trump roasts his cabinet about their weight while announcing blockbuster Medicare Ozempic deal | Fortune

"Known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, the drugs have soared in popularity in recent years, but patient access has been a consistent problem because of their cost - around $500 a month for higher doses - and insurance coverage has been spotty. More than 100 million American adults are obese, according to federal estimates. Coverage of the drugs for obesity will expand to Medicare patients starting next year, according to the administration, which said some lower prices also will be phased in for patients without coverage."

""(It) will save lives, improve the health of millions and millions of Americans," said Trump, in an Oval Office announcement in which he referred to GLP-1s as a "fat drug." Thursday's announcement is the latest attempt by the Trump administration to rein in soaring drug prices in its efforts to address cost-of-living concerns among voters. Pfizer and AstraZeneca recently agreed to lower the cost of prescription drugs for Medicaid after an executive order in May set a deadline for drugmakers to electively lower prices or face new limits on what the government will pay."

"The obesity drugs work by targeting hormones in the gut and brain that affect appetite and feelings of fullness. In clinical trials, they helped people shed 15% to 22% of their body weight - up to 50 pounds or more in many cases. Patients usually start on smaller doses and then work up to larger amounts, depending on their needs. They need to stay on the the treatments indefinitely or risk regaining weight, experts say."

GLP-1 receptor agonists have become widely used for weight loss but remain costly, with higher-dose injections around $500 per month and uneven insurance coverage. More than 100 million American adults meet obesity criteria. Coverage will expand to Medicare patients starting next year, and some lower prices will be phased in for those without coverage; new pill formulations would start at $149 per month if approved. Clinical trials showed 15–22% body-weight reductions, but treatment typically requires ongoing use to avoid weight regain. Sales gains have markedly benefited manufacturers.

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