Covering weight loss medications will be a significant expenditure for payers on the pharmacy benefit but could potentially result in long-term savings. Arguments against coverage aside from the steep cost include the lack of historical data on efficacy and reports of gastrointestinal disturbances such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain
Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that targets regions of the brain that control food intake and appetite
Conditions such as binge eating disorder or emotional eating may require additional psychological support alongside pharmacological treatment
Would you be better served by a different approach
People comparing phentermine versus GLP-1 approaches or phentermine versus semaglutide specifically should factor in how each option interacts with existing diabetes management
It should only be handled by qualified laboratory professionals and must not be misrepresented, misused, or mislabeled as a drug, food, cosmetic, or medical device