GOVERNMENT AND POLICY: BALANCING POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES
Governments have a vested interest in the uptake and use of GLP-1 agents due to their potential to reduce obesity-related diseases, which could alleviate the strain on overburdened healthcare systems.
However, the high demand for these drugs has led to supply shortages, making consistent access a challenge for patients. This is compounded by the high cost of GLP-1 treatments, which makes them prohibitively expensive for many.
At the same time, insurance coverage varies greatly, raising concerns about equitable access for patients based on their socioeconomic status, geographic location, and other factors. Companies offering out-of-pocket payment options for GLP-1s further highlight the disparity in access between those who can afford these treatments and those who cannot.
Middle-income Americans are most interested in weight-loss drugs
of Americans making less than $50,000 a year
of Americans making $50,000-$100,000 a year
of Americans making more than $100,000 a year
The percentage of Americans who say they would be interested in a medication that helped reduce cravings for eating generally, resulting in weight loss.
Source: The Ipsos Consumer Tracker, a poll of 1,024 Americans fielded Oct. 15-16, 2024
Governments and regulatory bodies are increasingly attentive to the need for a multi-faceted approach to GLP-1s. To date, approaches have included regulatory approvals for new drugs and indications, public health initiatives to raise awareness about obesity and its treatment, and exploration of insurance coverage options to improve affordability and access.
Ultimately, collaboration among stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, insurance providers and policymakers will be essential if we are to ensure equitable access to GLP-1 treatment options, and to obesity-related education and prevention programs.