"GLP-1s are near-miracle drugs. On obesity alone they make a huge difference-resulting in about 15 to 20 percent weight loss in randomized trials. And although weight does not define health, and BMI is an overused number, the data are clear that obesity is a risk factor for a variety of diseases and is associated with higher mortality. Individuals experiencing obesity at age 40 have a life expectancy, on average, three to four years shorter than those who are in the normal weight range."
"As is well known, drugs now exist that can dramatically reduce obesity and its related health risks. But most of the roughly 37 million adult Americans on Medicaid-an estimated 14 million of whom suffer from obesity-do not have access to these drugs, known as GLP-1s. The reason is simple: These medications are hugely expensive, and the cost of covering them could seriously stretch state budgets in the short term. America should do it anyway."
An estimated 100 million American adults, over 40 percent of the population, are classified as obese, posing a major public-health crisis with elevated mortality. GLP-1 medications yield about 15 to 20 percent weight loss in randomized trials and are linked to improvements in diabetes, liver and kidney disease outcomes, and reductions in substance abuse, dementia risk, and cardiovascular disease. Roughly 37 million adults are enrolled in Medicaid, about 14 million of whom have obesity, yet most lack access to GLP-1s because of high costs that would strain state budgets. Broader long-term health benefits argue for expanded Medicaid coverage.
Read at The Atlantic
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