Thousands of older Americans are abandoning weight loss medication in large numbers, sparking concerns over the long-term health implications.
Mary Bucklew, a 75-year-old retiree from Delaware, had tried various diets and exercise routines to lose weight, but nothing seemed to stick. That was until she started taking Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar levels and curb appetite. With the help of her nurse practitioner, Bucklew began taking the medication in 2023, when her body mass index had reached severe obesity levels.
As expected, the drug quickly kick-started weight loss, with 25 pounds shedding off over six months. She reported feeling less tired and more energetic as she walked and biked regularly. However, just a year into treatment, Bucklew's Medicare Advantage plan informed her that it would no longer cover Ozempic due to a lack of coverage for non-diabetic patients.
Bucklew is now part of a growing group of older adults who have stopped taking weight loss medications like Ozempic, citing concerns over cost, gastrointestinal side effects, and muscle loss. According to studies, more than 60% of people aged 65 and above with diabetes discontinue semaglutide – the medication behind Ozempic – within a year.
These numbers are alarming, as older adults represent a prime target group for weight loss medications due to the rising prevalence of obesity in this age group. According to John Batsis, an obesity specialist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, "The prevalence of obesity hovers around 40%" among people aged 65 and above.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that nearly half of patients taking semaglutide discontinue treatment within a year due to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some users reported muscle loss, which can lead to frailty, falls, and fractures.
The high rate of discontinuation has sparked concerns about the sustainability of weight loss medications in older adults. According to Ezekiel Emanuel, a health services researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, "A large part of it is money." Expensive drugs like Ozempic are not always covered by insurers, leading patients to stop treatment due to financial constraints.
However, there's some good news: Medicare has recently capped out-of-pocket payments for prescription medications, including weight loss medications. The Biden administration has also authorized annual price negotiations with manufacturers, which may lead to lower costs for these medications.
The bigger question remains whether Medicare will amend its original regulations to cover weight loss medications more broadly, including for obesity treatment. Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy researcher at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, describes this as an "archaic policy."
Ultimately, it's crucial that we better understand the long-term effects of weight loss medications on older adults and address concerns over cost, side effects, and sustainability. With proper support, guidance, and access to these medications, many older Americans can successfully manage their weight and improve their overall health.
Mary Bucklew, a 75-year-old retiree from Delaware, had tried various diets and exercise routines to lose weight, but nothing seemed to stick. That was until she started taking Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps regulate blood sugar levels and curb appetite. With the help of her nurse practitioner, Bucklew began taking the medication in 2023, when her body mass index had reached severe obesity levels.
As expected, the drug quickly kick-started weight loss, with 25 pounds shedding off over six months. She reported feeling less tired and more energetic as she walked and biked regularly. However, just a year into treatment, Bucklew's Medicare Advantage plan informed her that it would no longer cover Ozempic due to a lack of coverage for non-diabetic patients.
Bucklew is now part of a growing group of older adults who have stopped taking weight loss medications like Ozempic, citing concerns over cost, gastrointestinal side effects, and muscle loss. According to studies, more than 60% of people aged 65 and above with diabetes discontinue semaglutide – the medication behind Ozempic – within a year.
These numbers are alarming, as older adults represent a prime target group for weight loss medications due to the rising prevalence of obesity in this age group. According to John Batsis, an obesity specialist at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, "The prevalence of obesity hovers around 40%" among people aged 65 and above.
A recent study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that nearly half of patients taking semaglutide discontinue treatment within a year due to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Some users reported muscle loss, which can lead to frailty, falls, and fractures.
The high rate of discontinuation has sparked concerns about the sustainability of weight loss medications in older adults. According to Ezekiel Emanuel, a health services researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, "A large part of it is money." Expensive drugs like Ozempic are not always covered by insurers, leading patients to stop treatment due to financial constraints.
However, there's some good news: Medicare has recently capped out-of-pocket payments for prescription medications, including weight loss medications. The Biden administration has also authorized annual price negotiations with manufacturers, which may lead to lower costs for these medications.
The bigger question remains whether Medicare will amend its original regulations to cover weight loss medications more broadly, including for obesity treatment. Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy researcher at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, describes this as an "archaic policy."
Ultimately, it's crucial that we better understand the long-term effects of weight loss medications on older adults and address concerns over cost, side effects, and sustainability. With proper support, guidance, and access to these medications, many older Americans can successfully manage their weight and improve their overall health.
1 in 5 older folks who try Ozempic are bailing due to the $$$ 
. Like Mary Bucklew, a ton of seniors are ditching the meds because they can't afford 'em anymore 
. And yeah, side effects like nausea and muscle loss ain't helping 
. I'm all for people getting healthy, but we gotta make sure these meds are affordable and safe for our elderly loved ones 
.
... think about it, 60% of seniors with diabetes are already dropping out after just a year because of side effects 
... but I guess the real issue is affordability 
. It's all about finding that balance between helping people lose weight and not breaking the bank 
. And hey, even if Ozempic isn't an option for everyone, there are still plenty of other ways to stay healthy and active 
... like exercise and a balanced diet, right? 
.
. It's scary because my grandma has a history of osteoporosis and falls are such a risk 
. We need better support systems in place for older adults who are trying to manage their weight and health.
. If we're not going to cover weight loss medications for everyone, then what's the point of even having them? 
We need to make sure that older adults have access to these meds, even if it means making some changes to Medicare regulations 
.
. She deserves to feel healthy and confident in her own skin 
.
. It's not just that, though - it's also the cost 
.
and side effects 
.
. The sustainability of weight loss medications is a pressing concern that demands attention from policymakers, manufacturers, and healthcare professionals alike 
.
gotta find ways to make these meds more affordable & accessible esp for seniors cuz they need all the help they can get 
. And what really gets me is that Mary Bucklew, who was supposed to be a success story with Ozempic, had to stop taking it because her plan wouldn't cover it anymore 
. That's just crazy talk! I mean, I know healthcare costs are through the roof these days, but shouldn't we be able to afford what's gonna help us live longer? 
. I think it's time to rethink how these meds are regulated & covered by Medicare 
. We should be exploring alternative solutions that prioritize long-term health over short-term gains 
. It's time for some serious thinking & policy changes 
!
.
cost is definitely a factor, but what about all the people who can't afford it even after med prices are capped out-of-pocket? 
. We need to think critically about why ppl are dropping the meds - it's not just cos of cost, but also side effects & muscle loss. The healthcare system's focus on quick fixes might be doing more harm than good. What if we instead invest in prevention & lifestyle changes that actually work for life? 
. can we pls get more affordable options & better support 4 these ppl? 
. It's crazy how expensive these meds are, even with Medicare capping out-of-pocket payments 
. If people are giving up on weight loss meds after just a year due to side effects and financial constraints 
. Ozempic might be helping some people lose weight, but at what cost? The muscle loss thing is scary 
.
, but we need to do more to address these underlying issues 
.
.
. What if all the people who've been taking this medication are going to have to stop because of cost? 