Recently, NBC published a news story about what it would take for insurance companies to start covering weight loss medications. It was a fascinating article about what is happening in the insurance industry regarding these medications.  

One of the main reasons insurance doesn’t cover weight loss medications is that Medicare does not cover them. In 2003, a law was passed NOT to cover weight loss medications. Weight loss was considered as “cosmetic”.     

But now we have these “skinny shots.” These skinny shots have impressive results. Semaglutide results in about 15% body weight loss, and Tirzepatide results in about 20% body weight loss. Previous to this,  other weight loss drugs resulted in a 1-5 pound weight loss total!    Semaglutide is being studied to help reduce the risk of cardiac and stroke events. This is a huge deal. 

Being obese can contribute to many health issues, including diabetes, stroke, coronary heart disease, and even death. I don’t know about you, but these issues don’t sound “cosmetic” to me. They are all severe health issues. 

Human resource executives, who help choose their employer’s health insurance coverage, demand that weight loss medications be covered. They know when employees lose weight, their health improves, they feel better, they visit the doctor less, and they are at work more.  

For those of you who have input into your company’s health insurance plans, weight loss medications are essential issues to consider. Do you think anyone wants to be obese? Do you think those of us who are obese enjoy feeling terrible love being short of breath as we walk up a set of stairs? 

The answer is a resounding NO! These medications are life-changing. They work. Some days, I can hardly believe they helped my body shed 40lbs. Forty fewer pounds for my joints to carry and forty fewer pounds for my body to support. Forty fewer pounds for me to struggle with getting out of bed in the morning.   

The Freedom from the extra weight is absolute, and it is time to demand that our health insurance companies support us on the road to better health.