• scintilla@crust.piefed.social
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    2 days ago

    I’m glad for those that these drugs have helped. But seriously this is so low on the priority list right now I’m surprised anyone even still cares.

    • greyfox@lemmy.world
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      12 hours ago

      From an insurance perspective these drugs are one of the largest reasons for premium increases in the last couple of years. The high cost combined with the number of Americans that medically qualify to get these covered (usually requirements are just high BMI or other diabetes risks) has increased insurance costs considerably.

      So if they are trying to lower insurance premiums (or keep them in check at least) this is a good way to do it.

      From a Medicare perspective losing weight is one of the best preventative things you can do for long term health, so getting these covered by Medicare could easily translate to long term savings.

    • shalafi@lemmy.world
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      13 hours ago

      In my opinion, the number one health issue in America is obesity. Getting those people fit and out of medical care lowers prices and increases access for all of us.

    • moobythegoldensock@infosec.pub
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      14 hours ago

      It’s actually a big deal. Medicare currently does not cover any weight loss drugs, so getting even partial coverage is huge.

    • boonhet@sopuli.xyz
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      2 days ago

      They’re also diabetes medicine.

      Excerpt from mayo clinic

      Semaglutide injection is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is used together with diet and exercise to help control your blood sugar. This medicine is also used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in patients with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart or blood vessel disease.

      • moobythegoldensock@infosec.pub
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        14 hours ago

        Zepbound and Wegovy are weight loss formulations, not diabetes formulations.

        Zepbound is identical to Mounjaro, except Mounjaro is prescribed just for diabetes while Zepbound is prescribed for obesity and sleep apnea. Wegovy is the same drug as the diabetes medication Ozempic, but it has different dosing once you get over 1 mg.

        • boonhet@sopuli.xyz
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          3 hours ago

          Ah, didn’t know that bit. Even so, getting the general populace to lose weight is going to save a lot on healthcare costs so IMO it’s a good thing.