Leader-Telegram
Letter to the Editor
March 13, 2023
The LT ran and AP story on 3/9/23 entitled "What to know about prescription drugs promising weight loss". As an obesity doctor treating this problem for the past 18 years or so, with low-carb therapeutic nutritional ketosis, I feel obligated to supplement that article with a couple other things to "know".
Wegovy and Mounjaro (mentioned in the article) each sell for well over $1000 per month. One's insurance may cover them, but often do not. I would suggest checking with insurance before calling any doctor about prescribing these.
The studies demonstrating the reported weight loss were conducted over 60+ weeks (Wegovy) and 72 weeks (Mounjaro). ($14,000 to $17,000 worth of medication or more).
These are approved for "chronic use", so after weight loss, if one has not learned a more effective eating strategy long-term, continued use of these to maintain weight loss will be costly.
These studies are done in comparison to placebo, typically a "balanced, calorie reduced diet" plus an exercise routine. They were not compared to low- or very low-carbohydrate nutritional plans. Low-carb eating strategies can often achieve weight loss outcomes equal to or better than expensive medications and can be accomplished with no meds, only grocery store foods, and are very safe long-term.
While I am thrilled that pharma companies are focusing efforts on finding effective weight management tools, I am disappointed that the author would not report the cost of these meds in a "What to know..."-type article.
Further, it begs asking, why does Weight Watchers, a company with 60 years of experience as a successful "diet" firm, need to acquire a $132 Million telemedicine obesity drug prescribing service?
These drugs seem to have great promise. Cost and unknown long-term safety and effectiveness are issues. Beware the sticker shock.
David J. Usher, MD
Link to the published letter: https://www.leadertelegram.com/elections/what-to-know-about-prescription-drugs-promising-weight-loss/article_cad7e7be-2f2a-5bb8-a12b-d19ea467b5f9.html
