Five things to know about using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss

The new Wegovy pill – the first GLP‑1 weight‑loss medication you can take by mouth – is creating even more interest in a drug category that was already booming.

Many people who weren’t comfortable with injections may now take a closer look, simply because a daily pill feels easier and more familiar. With that growing interest comes a lot of important questions.

Health plans and employers are paying close attention, too, as demand continues to rise with more convenient options hitting the market. Gary Petruzzelli, Vice President of Pharmacy Strategy & Services at Capital Blue Cross, says the new pill makes it even more important to look at the full picture.

“The introduction of an oral GLP‑1 will likely increase demand even more, which makes it even more important for individuals to understand all the factors involved – including costs, side effects, and whether these medications are the right fit for their long‑term health goals,” Petruzzelli said.

Here are a few things consumers might want to keep in mind:

1. GLP-1 drugs do not work alone

While the drugs can promote weight loss, they generally are not considered a standalone treatment for obesity. These conditions require comprehensive treatment strategies and management, including lifestyle and dietary changes that should be monitored by a healthcare professional.

2. They can have risky side effects

Some of the more common side effects of GLP-1 drugs include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but there also have been reports of issues such as sagging and wrinkling of skin. It’s important to discuss all potential side effects – and the risks they might pose to your overall health – with your healthcare provider.

3. Consumer GLP‑1 prices vary

GLP 1 medications can still have hefty sticker prices brand-name options like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound cost more than $1,000 per month before insurance. But that doesn’t tell the whole story: for many people, the real-world cost is much lower thanks to insurance coverage and direct-to-consumer services that are popping up online.

4. Your health plan might not cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss

A growing number of employers and insurers won’t cover GLP-1s for weight loss, citing concerns about effectiveness, side effects, and cost. Individual healthcare coverage purchased through state or federal exchanges rarely covers GLP-1 drugs for weight management, and Medicare doesn’t cover GLP-1s for weight loss, either.

5. Many find it hard to stay on GLP-1 drugs

Whether it’s due to high cost, unwanted side effects, or both, the majority of people who start using GLP-1 drugs stop taking them before they see any meaningful health benefit. And those who stop taking them typically regain two-thirds of the weight they lost within a year.