8 Key Takeaways
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1
Mary Bucklew lost 25 pounds using Ozempic.
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2
Coverage for Ozempic was later denied by her Medicare plan.
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3
High discontinuation rates exist among older adults using GLP-1s.
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4
Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues.
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5
Experts suggest reconsidering insurance coverage for obesity treatments.
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6
Obesity is recognized as a serious health condition.
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7
Upcoming policy changes may affect Medicare drug coverage frequently.
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8
Research on muscle loss with weight loss drugs is ongoing.
Mary Bucklew, a 75-year-old retiree, struggled with weight loss until she started taking Ozempic, a GLP-1 medication, which helped her shed 25 pounds in six months. Despite its effectiveness in managing diabetes and obesity, her Medicare plan later denied coverage for the drug, leading her to join many older adults who discontinue GLP-1 medications due to cost and side effects. As discontinuation rates are high among older patients, particularly those experiencing gastrointestinal issues, experts debate the need for better accessibility and insurance coverage for these essential medications.
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