Patients Deserve Safe, FDA-Approved Obesity Treatments—Not Risky Knockoffs
(The Obesity Society)
- Obesity is a chronic disease affecting over 100 million Americans. Despite its prevalence and serious health consequences, widespread insurance barriers limit access to FDA-approved GLP-1 treatments.
Fortunately, that may be changing. The Trump administration and FDA-approved GLP-1 manufacturers recently announced a partnership to expand access to these potentially life-saving medications by lowering monthly prices to $299 for cash-pay patients and covering millions of Medicare patients with a $50 monthly copay. It’s time for states—who, under the deal, can purchase FDA-approved GLP-1s on the same terms as Medicare—and private insurers to step up and do their part by covering these treatments. Otherwise, some patients may continue to turn to unsafe compounded GLP-1 knockoffs.
Patient Safety Is at Risk
Compounding is meant to be a narrow solution for those with unique medical needs that cannot be met by FDA-approved medicines. But large-scale compounders are unlawfully selling mass-produced GLP-1 knockoffs that are not vetted by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality and often include untested changes—posing a serious public health risk.
For instance, some compounders are adding ingredients like B12 without medical indication and falsely claiming their products are personalized, when in fact they are making the same changes to all their unapproved knockoffs without regard to patient need. These knockoffs carry significantly higher risks, including over twice the rate of hospitalization.
Access to FDA-approved GLP-1s Is More Important Than Ever
Obesity management medications are critical interventions for a serious chronic disease that is related to several other health conditions, and they can help reduce long-term spending on the many costly health complications associated with obesity. This is why it is critical that states, employers, and commercial insurers expand coverage for FDA-approved treatments.
Meanwhile, patients should take precautions by speaking with a trusted healthcare provider and avoiding risky compounded products that falsely claim to be proven safe and effective.
For credible, science-based guidance on comprehensive obesity care, visit www.obesity.org.
-
“The Heart of It's a Wonderful Life” by Jimmy Hawkins
“Quinn Goes to the Farm” by Mary Mueller
“Journey to the Land of Integrity” by Bruce Beck
“Wings of Madness” by R. John Dingle
- Until now, one of the most widely used Internet of Things (IoT) networks has operated quietly behind the scenes, powering smart cities, tracking shipments, and protecting public spaces. For years, it has connected the world around us and now, the same technology that powers smart cities is starting to enter your home.
- On December 2nd, the world came together for Giving Tuesday—a day of generosity and impact. At Marine Toys for Tots, Giving Tuesday transformed into Giving TOYSday—the perfect day to support the Program’s mission of delivering toys and hope to children in need.
- As autonomous vehicles (AV) continue to evolve, consumers may be on the cusp of a new age of autonomous mobility, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.
- Social interaction is more than just a nice-to-have, it’s key to aging well.
-
“God Storys” by Victorya Wright
“Reflections on Life’s Illusions” by Jane Gallagher
“Souls Adrift” by Max MacCaigh
“Touch Me” (Dark Sides, Book One) by Lynn Crandall
- Let’s face it, a cracked windshield or shattered window never comes at a good time. Between work, errands, and upcoming holiday travel, most people just want to get it fixed fast… without stretching their budget.
Because life happens. And sometimes, so do cracked windshields!
-
“Slices of Life: A Comic Montage” by Qu
“From Doctor to Healer” by Erica M. Elliott, M.D.
“Maya, Dead and Dreaming” by Lana Sabarwal
“If Today You Hear His Voice” by Irene Lynch
- November is Prematurity Awareness Month, a time to focus on the more than 380,000 babies born too early in the U.S. each year. For families whose little one arrives weeks or months earlier than expected, understanding advances in premature infant nutrition can help reduce complications during the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) journey.