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Jan 27

Few patients can treat their type 2 diabetes through weight loss alone study – Yahoo News UK

Very few patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are able to treat their condition with weight loss alone, new research suggests.

But people who are able to lose the most weight in the first year arethe most likely to keep the condition at bay, the study found.

The findings suggest that controlling type 2 diabetes through sustained weight loss is possible in real-world settings, but that few patients will achieve normal blood glucose levels through weight management alone, especially over the long term.

Researchers say the study indicates that patients should receive early weight management interventions as a way to increase the chances of them being able to keep blood sugar levels down, and stay off treatment.

Previous clinical trials have suggestedtype 2 diabetes patients can control their blood glucose levels without medication if they lose weight and keep it off.

However, it is unknown how many patients can achieve remission blood sugar levels returning to normal and medication stopped through weight loss alone under real-world conditions.

In the new study, researchers looked at 37,326 people in Hong Kong who were newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes to see whether and for how long patients could control the disease through weight loss.

The research, published in Plos Medicine, found that only 6% of people achieved diabetes remission through weight loss alone by about eight years after diagnosis.

For people who initially achieved remission, two-thirds had elevated blood glucose levels by three years after diagnosis.

The researchers say these rates are significantly lower than in clinical trials.

Andrea Luk of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said: Greater weight loss within the first year of diabetes diagnosis was associated with an increased likelihood of achieving diabetes remission.

However, the incidence of diabetes remission was low with only 6% of people achieving remission over eight years, and half of those with initial remission returned to hyperglycaemia within three years, indicating poor sustainability of diabetes remission in a real-world setting.

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People with a high waist measurement, and those who are overweight or obese are at greater risk of type 2 diabetes.

In the study, people who had a 10% weight loss within a year of diagnosis were more than three times more likely to see a remission in their diabetes, those who had a 5% to 9.9% weight loss were more than twice as likely, and people who had a weight loss up to 4.9% were around a third more likely to see remission than people with weight gain.

The experts suggest that one reason for the discrepancy with clinical trials is that people on trials receive intensive lifestyle interventions, including support for dietary changes, physical exercise and mental health.

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Few patients can treat their type 2 diabetes through weight loss alone study - Yahoo News UK


Jan 11

Can acupuncture help with weight loss? – USA TODAY

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Jan 11

As Zepbound dominates headlines as a new obesity-fighting drug, a nutritionist warns that weight loss shouldn’t be the … – The Conversation

If the buzz surrounding a medication could elevate it to celebrity status, then Zepbound is reaching Taylor Swift rank.

Zepbound is the newest addition to the weight loss drug arena. In November 2023, it joined the list of obesity-fighting drugs administered as an injection to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The key to Zepbounds weight loss potential is its active ingredient, tirzepatide. This is the same active ingredient found in the drug Mounjaro, which is approved to treat Type 2 diabetes.

The relationship between Zepbound and Mounjaro is similar to two other popular drugs making headlines, Wegovy and Ozempic. Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain the active ingredient semaglutide, with Wegovy approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes and Ozempic approved for the treatment of obesity.

Tirzepatide and semaglutide both mimic the digestive hormone GLP-1, which is released by the intestines when we eat to stimulate insulin production and help regulate blood sugar. GLP-1 also suppresses appetite while promoting a sensation of fullness.

Weight loss medications are intended to be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet. But too often, people view them as a silver bullet for weight loss. And the high price tag and variable insurance coverage for these popular weight loss drugs create a barrier for many people.

I am a registered dietitian and dietetics educator. Whether I am counseling patients, teaching students or working in my community to address food access challenges and healthy eating, I focus on overall well-being. I am passionate about helping people make informed and realistic health decisions based on their circumstances and helping them see opportunities to overcome the barriers they may encounter.

The potential impact of these drugs is staggering, since more than 2 in 5 American adults are obese, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Obesity is not just an American issue, nor is it going away. The World Obesity Federation estimates that by 2030, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men will be living with obesity worldwide.

Many serious health conditions are associated with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers and osteoarthritis. By treating obesity, a person can reduce or reverse obesity-related disease and improve both their health and quality of life.

However, long-term weight management depends on a number of complex factors. Meal timing and types of foods eaten can affect energy levels, satisfaction and hunger levels. A persons typical schedule, culture and preferences, activity level and health history must be taken into consideration as well. No single best strategy for weight management has been identified, and research indicates that strategies for weight loss and maintenance need to be individualized.

In addition, it is critical to note that research on the long-term effects of these newer weight loss drugs is limited. The available research has focused specifically on weight loss, heart health and metabolism and has found that ongoing use of these new medications is necessary to maintain improvements in weight and related health benefits.

Common side effects and the emotional toll experienced by those who regain weight once they stop taking the drugs are trade-offs that need to be considered. More research is needed to better understand the long-term impact of both direct and indirect health consequences of taking drugs for weight loss.

Throughout my years working as a registered dietitian, I have counseled numerous people about their weight loss goals. I often see a hyperfocus on weight loss, with much less attention being placed on the right nutrients to eat.

Societal standards and weight stigma in the health care setting can negatively affect patients health and can lead them to obsess about the number on a scale rather than on the health outcome.

Weight loss may be necessary to reduce risks and promote health. But weight loss alone should not be the end goal: Rather, the focus should be on overall health. Tactics to reduce intake and suppress appetite require intention to ensure that the body receives the nutrients it needs to support health.

Additionally, I remind people that long-term results require attention to diet and lifestyle. When a person stops taking a medication, the condition its meant to treat can often return. If you stop taking your high blood pressure pills without altering your diet and lifestyle, your blood pressure goes back up. The same effects can happen with medications used to treat cholesterol and obesity.

Despite the prevalence of obesity and the emergence of newer drugs to treat it, 95% of the worlds population doesnt get enough of at least one nutrient. According to one study, nearly one-third of Americans have been found to be at risk of at least one nutrient deficiency. Additional research indicates that those actively trying to lose weight are more prone to nutrient deficiencies and inadequate intake.

For instance, a decline in iron intake can lead to iron deficiency anemia, which can cause fatigue as well as an increased risk of many conditions. Adequate intake of calcium and Vitamin D reduce the risk of bone fractures, yet many people get less than the recommended amounts of these nutrients.

It is true that a healthy body weight is associated with reduced health risks and conditions. But if a person loses weight in a manner that does not provide their body with adequate nourishment, then they may develop new health concerns. For example, when a person follows a diet that severely restricts carbohydrates, such as the ketogenic diet, intake of many vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals or biologically active compounds found in plants and fiber are reduced. This can increase risk of nutrient deficiencies and impair the health of bacteria in our gut that are important for nutrient absorption and immune function.

Nutrition recommendations set by the Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans provide guidance and resources to help meet nutrient needs to promote health and prevent disease, regardless of the strategy used to lose weight.

There is no doubt that striving for a healthy body weight can reduce certain health risks and prevent chronic disease. Whether a person strives to maintain a healthy body weight through diet alone or with medications to treat obesity, the following tips can help optimize health while attempting to lose weight.

Adopt an individualized approach to healthy behaviors that promote weight loss while considering personal preferences, environmental challenges, health conditions and nutrient needs.

Focus on nutrient-dense foods to ensure the body is getting required nutrients for disease prevention and optimal function. If medications reduce your appetite, it is crucial to maximize the amount of nutrients in the foods you do consume.

Include exercise in your program. Weight loss as a result of reduced calorie intake can decrease both fat and lean body mass, or muscle. An exercise routine that includes strength training will help improve muscle strength and preserve muscle during weight loss.

Seek professional help. If you are uncertain about how to adopt an individualized approach while ensuring adequate intake of essential nutrients, talk to a registered dietitian. They can learn about your individual needs based on preferences, health conditions and goals to make dietary recommendations that support health.

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As Zepbound dominates headlines as a new obesity-fighting drug, a nutritionist warns that weight loss shouldn't be the ... - The Conversation


Jan 11

The Download: weight-loss drugs, and the future of offshore wind – MIT Technology Review

The latest iteration of a legacy

Founded at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1899, MIT Technology Review is a world-renowned, independent media company whose insight, analysis, reviews, interviews and live events explain the newest technologies and their commercial, social and political impact.

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The Download: weight-loss drugs, and the future of offshore wind - MIT Technology Review


Jan 11

The Power of Iteration: The Secret to Sustainable Weight Loss and Health Improvement – Medriva

Weight loss and health maintenance are often seen as daunting tasks, especially for frontline workers juggling busy schedules and high-stress jobs. However, a group of these workers has debunked this myth, demonstrating remarkable success in achieving long-term weight loss and health improvements. The secret? An iterative approach to behavior change.

According to research conducted on frontline workers who achieved significant health improvements, their success was primarily due to their ability to iterate through adversity and self-doubt. They creatively modified healthy behaviors until they were easy and personalized to their lifestyle and schedule. Rather than relying on rigid methods, these individuals adopted a lets see if this works approach, continuously tinkering, tweaking, and adapting their habits to optimize their lives, effectively sidestepping failure and becoming unstoppable.

The failure of current approaches, such as tracking-based diets and mindfulness-based programs, has been attributed to triggering the brains potent failure detector, which often leads to motivation loss and relapse. The success of the frontline workers underlines the need for a more flexible and personalized approach to health and weight loss strategies.

Support workers play a crucial role in meeting the health needs of individuals with intellectual disabilities. They are essential in preventing, identifying, and following up on health problems of people with intellectual disabilities. The consistency in support staff makes it easier to identify and follow up on health needs, emphasizing the importance of the organizational context of health support.

When it comes to diet, a heart-healthy approach is highly recommended. The U.S. News & World Report released its 2024 best diet rankings, including the best heart-healthy diets. The rankings, determined by 43 experts and based on input from a panel of health experts, listed the Mediterranean, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, Ornish, Vegan, and others as the top choices.

The success of the frontline workers in achieving long-term weight loss and health improvements underscores the importance of adopting an iterative approach to behavior change. By personalizing and continuously adapting healthy behaviors, it is possible to avoid the pitfalls of conventional health programs and achieve sustainable results. Additionally, the role of support workers and a heart-healthy diet further aids in promoting overall health and wellbeing.

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The Power of Iteration: The Secret to Sustainable Weight Loss and Health Improvement - Medriva


Jan 11

Should You Take Diuretics for Weight Loss? Here’s What Dietitians Say – EatingWell

Diuretics (sometimes called water pills) have long been used by people hoping to lose a few pounds, but are they truly an effective supplement for weight loss? With the rise in popularity of weight-loss drugs, many people are trying over-the-counter diet pills, like diuretics. This class of substances help the body release water, resulting in quick changes on the scale. Although rapid weight loss may sound appealing, you may be wondering if theyre safe or recommended by experts. This article sheds light on diuretics, including what they are, whether or not they promote weight loss and if nutrition professionals suggest using them.

Diuretics are substances found in food (or medications) that help your body get rid of water, says Lisa Andrews, M.Ed., RD, LD, owner of Sound Bites Nutrition. The body consists of 60% water, and there is a precise balance of fluid and electrolytes within the cells. Certain conditionssuch as high blood pressure, heart failure or kidney issuesmay cause fluid buildup in the body. Too much fluid is often coupled with excess sodium, which can be harmful to the body. The organs work overtime to flush out the fluid and sodium from the body, and this process may result in swelling and trouble breathing.

Diuretics tell receptors in the kidneys to reduce the uptake of sodium and remove it in the urine. In short, diuretics make you pee more, resulting in water loss from your body, says Andrews. Diuretics are most commonly found in medications, but there are diuretics in some foods and beverages. These include caffeine from coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages, and alcohol, lemons, celery, bell peppers, garlic, onions, cucumbers, asparagus, grapes, pineapple and watermelon, says Andrews.

Diuretics are used to treat many health conditions, but they are also popular among those with weight-loss goals. Although urinating more often may temporarily reduce the number on the scale, losing water weight isnt a sustainable weight-loss tactic. Diuretics cause a temporary weight loss due to loss of water, not fat, says Sheri Berger, RDN, CDCES, owner of Sheri The Plant Strong Dietitian. In essence, you are losing body water and drying yourself out, which may appear to be weight loss, adds Andrews. As soon as the water returns to the body, the weight is typically regained.

True weight loss involves losing body fat through calorie reduction and/or increased physical activity, says Andrews. A 2021 review in the Journal of Obesity & Metabolic Syndrome states that maintaining weight loss long-term is a result of complex factors, like the type and amount of food eaten, as well as meal timing. While [diuretic] fruits, vegetables and caffeinated beverages may be part of a weight-loss diet, consumption of them on their own without altering overall calorie intake or exercise may not result in fat loss, says Andrews. For sustained weight loss that results in fat loss and improved body composition (more muscle), focus on healthy habits such as food choices, strength training and cardiovascular exercise, says Berger.

Diuretic medications or foods may result in quick weight loss, but the weight usually returns as soon as the fluid builds back up in the body. Not to mention that sometimes taking a diuretic for weight loss may backfire, as the body may compensate for fluid loss by retaining extra fluid, notes Berger.

Simply put, most health professionals dont advise using diuretics for weight loss. Taking diuretics may result in dehydration, as well as electrolyte abnormalities in your blood, namely potassium and sodium, which are needed to maintain blood pressure and normal cardiac rhythm, says Andrews.

Berger notes that it does not hurt to eat foods that contain diuretics, since they contain plenty of additional nutritional benefits. However, diuretic supplements should always be approved by your doctor first since they can interfere with medications and many are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Diuretic medications should only be taken for the condition in which they are prescribed by your health care team.

Diuretics are a type of substance that helps rid the body of excess water. Although the thought of quickly losing a few pounds may sound enticing to some, taking diuretics is not a safe or effective way to lose weight sustainably. Water weight fluctuates daily and does not play a role in long-term weight loss and maintenance. To lose weight in a healthier way, focus on an overall healthy eating pattern and exercise behaviors that you enjoy and can keep up with for the long haul.

Up Next: The #1 Habit You Should Break to Lose Weight, According to a Dietitian

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Should You Take Diuretics for Weight Loss? Here's What Dietitians Say - EatingWell


Jan 11

People Swear By the ‘5:2 Diet’ for Weight Loss: ‘It Will Work’ – Eat This, Not That

Social media is jam-packed with viral workout and diet trends from people who have tested them out, documented their journeys, and swear by them. One of the more popular eating regimens that's taken TikTok by storm is the "5:2" diet for weight loss. But is it a sustainable lifestyle adaptation in the long term? Losing weight is a unique process for everyone, so we here at Eat This, Not That! spoke with Lisa Young, Ph.D., RDN, the author of Finally Full, Finally Slim, a nutritionist in private practice, and a member of our Medical Expert Board, who shares everything you should know about the 5:2 diet for weight loss and whether it could be a solid choice for you.

Keep reading to learn more, and when you're done, be sure to check out the 10 Best Breakfast Foods for Losing Weight & Gaining Muscle.

According to Young, "The 5:2 diet is a form of intermittent fasting which involves regular eating for five days a week and restricting calorie intake to 500 to 600 calories for the remaining two days. The 5:2 diet focuses on when to eat rather than specific food choices, thus it is more of a lifestyle than a strict eating plan. For some people, this method of eating is easier to maintain compared to conventional calorie-restricted diets." 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

RELATED: 10 Essential Grocery Store Buys for Weight Loss

This diet comes with some benefits. Because the 5:2 diet calls for you to restrict calories for two days per week, you establish a calorie deficit, which can lead to weight loss. "During periods of reduced caloric intake insulin levels decrease, thus the body uses stored fat for fuel," Young explains. "The body shifts to utilizing stored fat as a primary source of energy, and as a result, leading to fat loss over time. The diet may be effective to reduce insulin levels and improve insulin sensitivity."

That being said, Young points out she doesn't think this particular fasting method will be sustainable for everyone in the long term.

RELATED: 10 Common Nighttime Habits That Can Make You Gain Weight

TikToker @lauraleadbeaterl0 revealed she decided to give 5:2 a try and took her viewers on the journey with her. "As long as you stick to your 500 calories on your fast day, it will work," she said in one video. "The benefit of fasting is not just to lose weight; it's also amazing for your health." In another video, she stated, "So I've just weighed myself after doing two fasts this week. I did a fast on Tuesday, and I did a fast on Thursday. I actually woke up not even feeling hungry and I've lost four and a half pounds! So I'm over the moon, nearly there to my six-pound target, just so I can eat and drink what I like when I go on my holidays I feel actually really, really good this morning."

RELATED: 5 Best Morning Workouts To Speed Up Weight Loss

Another TikTok user, Tony Drake, a weight loss coach, backed up the 5:2 diet, explaining in his video, "If you're doing the 5:2 method of intermittent fasting, this will definitely workespecially if you're doing the following three things. Number one: During your feeding window, you still wanna make sure that you're nourishing your body with the right amount of macronutrients [and] micronutrients, and you're loading your body up with fiber. Number two: On the weekend, treat your body the same way as you would during your 5:2 fasting Monday through Fridaymake sure you're doing the same thing Saturday and Sunday instead of just having a cheat weekend or a cheat meal, because you're literally just gonna go right back into Monday, back at square one. Number three: Stick to staying hydrated. Stick to staying active during the weekend."

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Alexa Mellardo

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People Swear By the '5:2 Diet' for Weight Loss: 'It Will Work' - Eat This, Not That


Jan 11

New Year, Healthiest You: Real Talk About Weight Loss Medication – WCPO 9 Cincinnati

When we think about health goals which often include weight management, there is no avoiding the white hot topic of weight loss meds. With stats showing 7 in 10 American adults are overweight or obese, its no surprise the conversation around weight loss medication has taken off like wildfire and its not stopping anytime soon. Even Oprah recently got on the bandwagon. But, there are big challenges around the cost, being able to access the medication, and the long term success of treatment.

The solution? Leading health & wellness platform, Hims & Hers, recently launched Weight Loss by Hims & Hers, a comprehensive and customizable prescription based alternative to the GLP-1s (i.e. Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro) that have dominated headlines this year. Addressing the major roadblock of cost, accessibility and lasting results - this personalized weight management program is affordable (no insurance needed), offers ORAL based medication (NO injections!), and provides customers with supportive content and coaching throughout their weight loss journey. By addressing underlying factors that contribute to weight gain including nutrition, behavior, and movement - Hims & Hers creates a tailored holistic plan in order for customers to lose and keep off the weight leading to long-term health benefits.

Pete Scalia spoke with medical experts with Hims & Hers, the leading health & wellness platform, Dr. Craig Primack and Dr. Jessica Yu.

For more information, visit hims.com or forhers.com

#WCPO9Sponsor

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New Year, Healthiest You: Real Talk About Weight Loss Medication - WCPO 9 Cincinnati


Jan 11

Almost one in ten young girls taking diet pills and weight loss supplements, survey finds – Yahoo News UK

Almost one in ten girls have taken diet pills, weight loss supplements or laxatives in the past year, according to a survey (File picture) (PA Archive)

Almost one in ten girls have taken diet pills, weight loss supplements or laxatives in the past year, according to a survey.

Researchers evaluated data from 604,552 children aged 18 and under who took part in 90 separate studies from different countries.

Diet pills were found to be the most commonly used weight-loss product among teenagers, followed by laxatives and diuretics.

Around 5.3 per cent of children from both sexes used non-prescription weight loss products, the study found.

The use of weight loss products was significantly higher in girls than boys, with nearly one in ten adolescent girls found to have used a weight loss aid in the past year.

Researchers said the findings were a "public health concern" because of the link between use of weight loss products and low self-esteem among girls, as well as "parental influence to lose weight" and "media or social media influences promoting unrealistic beauty standards".

The use of weight loss products was "significantly higher" in North America compared with Asia and Europe.

Nonprescribed weight loss products are not recommended for children as they pose safety concerns and are linked to unhealthy weight gain in adulthood. They have also been found to increase the chances of developing an eating disorder within several years of onset of use.

The authors, led by the School of Public and Preventive Health at Monash University in Melbourne, said: Non-prescribed weight loss products in children are not medically recommended for healthy weight maintenance as they do not work, are dangerous, are associated with unhealthful weight gain in adulthood, and increase the risk of being diagnosed with an eating disorder within several years of onset of use.

Furthermore, childhood use of non-prescribed weight-loss products has been associated with low self-esteem, depression, poor nutritional intake, and substance use.

They added: "These findings suggest that, given the ineffectiveness of these products for weight loss coupled with their harmful long-term health consequences, interventions are required to reduce use of weight-loss products in this group."

Story continues

Figures published last year showed that children and young people in London with an eating disorder face the longest wait for treatment following a routine referral of any region in England.

Tom Quinn, director of external affairs at eating disorder charity Beat, said of the study: "Were incredibly saddened and alarmed that so many children and young people have been able to access diet pills and laxatives.

Theres an enormous pressure on young people to lose weight, and we often hear from people who are struggling with low self-esteem and body image as part of their eating disorder.

Weight loss medications are very dangerous, especially if taken without a prescription, but the promise of quick results is often very attractive to people with eating disorders even if it harms their health.

There must be stricter laws to ensure that weight loss products are never sold to people with or vulnerable to an eating disorder."

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Almost one in ten young girls taking diet pills and weight loss supplements, survey finds - Yahoo News UK


Jan 11

Federal weight loss drug coverage is 30 years out of date – STAT

Few medications have captured the national attention like Wegovy and for good reason. In a country with a well-documented obesity epidemic, Wegovy and other members of a new type of weight-loss drug are highly effective: In clinical trials, people on Wegovy typically lose 15% of body weight, and a similar medication, retatrutide, has shown up to 24% weight loss. There is now evidence that they confer benefit beyond weight loss, including a recent large clinical trial demonstrating protection against cardiovascular disease.

Yet Medicare does not cover Wegovy, or any other weight loss prescription. State Medicaid programs may decide to cover weight loss drugs, and only a fairly small number currently offer Wegovy.

Its easy to assume these restrictions emerged amid hesitation about cost, and for good reason: These new medications are expensive Wegovys annual list price is approximately $16,000 and patients likely have to stay on them indefinitely to keep off the weight. With trials of potential long-term benefits of these medications still ongoing, the jury is out on whether their potential benefit justifies the cost. For example, a recent informal report from the Congressional Budget Office concluded that while current evidence suggests the cost of these new medications exceeds savings from improved health, the cost-benefit picture remains incomplete with long-term trials underway.

The origin of federal restrictions of anti-obesity medications has nothing to do with these current cost-benefit considerations, however: The Medicare and Medicaid policies are three-decade-old restrictions on weight-loss medication in general a legislative legacy reflecting a different cultural and clinical understanding of obesity.

The Medicaid restriction became law in 1990 as part of the federal Medicaid Drug Rebate Program. The law states that certain classes of medications may be excluded from Medicaid coverage: In addition to weight-loss drugs it excludes a small number of other medicines, notably those used for cosmetic purposes or symptomatic relief of cough and cold. In 2003, Congress used this same 1990 Medicaid text as the starting point for Medicares restrictions under Medicare Part D, refusing to cover any anti-obesity medications.

These restrictions on anti-obesity medicines reflected the times. They reflected the attitudes of many that obesity was an individual failing: we consider obesity as the presenting symptom of a basic personality disorder, wrote one physician in the mid-20th century. They reflected a troubled history of anti-obesity medications through the 20th century, of agents introduced and later restricted after serious side effects became clear. Perhaps most infamously, the manufacturer of fen-phen pulled the drug combination off the market in 1997 after its association with heart damage. The laws also reflected the attitudes of the medical community. In 1996, the United States Preventive Services Task Force wrote that there was not convincing evidence that weight reduction decreases mortality. Or as a 1998 New England Journal of Medicine editorial summarized: we should remember that the cure for obesity may be worse than the condition.

Cultural and clinical attitudes toward obesity have since shifted. Human genetics studies have established that our DNA predisposes some of us to develop obesity. In 2004, the Department of Health and Human Services recognized obesity as an illness, and in 2013, the American Medical Association did as well. And with medications like Wegovy, there are now highly effective weight-loss agents. All the while, the obesity epidemic worsened: Between 1999 and 2017, the rate of obesity among American adults increased from 31% to 42%.

Despite this shift, the Medicare and Medicaid restrictions still remain law of the land, though there are signs of legislative change. Among the most sustained efforts at reform is the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, federal legislation which would allow Medicare to cover anti-obesity medications; the act has been introduced annually in Congress since 2013 and currently has bipartisan support. In 2023, the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program, which sponsors health insurance for millions of government workers, directed its insurers to provide coverage for at least one drug like Wegovy.

Some might suggest that these decade-old restrictions bring unintended benefit by limiting coverage, they allow analysis of the pros and cons of the medications to proceed. Without a doubt, there are crucial ongoing discussions, most notably about cost-benefit considerations. Its clear these medications are expensive, and their long-term health effects and side-effect profiles are still emerging in clinical trials.

As this debate continues, though, we must recognize the origin of the status quo these restrictions came to be in a cultural and clinical environment surrounding obesity that today is nearly unrecognizable: Obesity is no longer discussed alongside cosmetic conditions as it was in 1990 its a disease we treat.

Ill be a resident physician later this year, and there are many legitimate reasons why my patients might be reluctant to take these medications: perhaps burdensome copays; perhaps hesitation about common gastrointestinal side effects; perhaps wariness about adding another long-term medication. What Id hate to be in our way are insurance restrictions reflecting a cultural and clinical legacy many decades out of date.

Daniel Weiner is an M.D./Ph.D. candidate at Harvard Medical School. He would like to thank Dr. Jason Block and Dr. Aaron Kesselheim for their helpful suggestions.

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Federal weight loss drug coverage is 30 years out of date - STAT



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