Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have discovered that powerful weight loss medications are not reaching those who could benefit the most. Barriers such as obtaining a prescription, finding a pharmacy with the medication in stock, and affording the cost of the medication are preventing many individuals from accessing potentially life-changing drugs.
Despite the proven impact of weight loss medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound) on obesity, the uptake of these drugs remains limited. A study of 18,000 patients at a Johns Hopkins outpatient clinic found that only 2.3% were prescribed a weight loss drug, despite having insurance coverage for the medication.
Various factors contribute to the low rate of prescriptions, including cost, copays, obtaining prior authorization, and discomfort among physicians in discussing obesity. Additionally, disparities were found in prescription rates, with white adults more likely to receive a weight loss drug than Asian or Black adults, even when adjusting for conditions such as severe obesity and hypertension.
Adults in their 40s and women were more likely to receive a prescription than other age groups and men, respectively. Experts believe that increasing physician training in obesity medicine and addressing the broader issue of equitable access to weight loss drugs are necessary steps to improve the situation.
The study’s findings highlight the need for greater awareness and action to ensure that weight loss medications reach those who could benefit from them the most. Addressing barriers to access and reducing disparities in prescription rates are crucial in the fight against obesity.
