![]() ![]() A health care system designed for "sick" care - supported by a multibillion-dollar pharmaceutical industry that stands to benefit when we fall ill - does not prioritize disease prevention.Īnd while we should embrace a culture of acceptance of all body types, we also can't ignore the fact that rising rates of obesity are part of a growing health crisis. Our society's easy access to ultraprocessed, calorie-dense foods and our high levels of inactivity contribute to excessive weight gain and related health impacts. The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes - a known consequence of obesity in many individuals - increased from an estimated 10.3% of U.S. A Gallup survey released in December showed the obesity rate increased by 6 percentage points from 2019 to its current level of 38.4%. ![]() Rates of obesity have increased substantially over the last few decades and have continued to climb since the COVID-19 pandemic. Medications also fail to address the root causes of the problem. More than half of employer insurance plans in the United States, as well as Medicare, don't cover the medicines for weight loss. with medications will bankrupt the country and still not cultivate the type of health and vitality we actually want," he said. "Treating everyone with obesity in the U.S. He is seeing positive results among his patients but recognizes cost as a significant barrier. Poison control centers are reporting an increase in calls due to medication overdoses, which can lead to low blood sugar and associated symptoms, like dizziness, irritability and - in severe cases - confusion and coma. Yet even as many may adopt the newest medications, we need to recognize and address their limitations, including a lack of long-term safety data and potential side effects like nausea, vomiting and, rarely, pancreatitis and gallbladder disease. Drugs don't address root causes of America's health crisis adults now classified as obese - and another 30% considered overweight - many doctors and patients are embracing the new drugs as a solution. It's linked to shorter life expectancy and higher rates of disability. For many of those living with obesity, these medicines can feel like a game changer.Įxcess body weight is tied to a range of medical problems, including diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea and many types of cancer. In December, we also learned that in people with cardiovascular disease who are overweight or obese, semaglutide appears to reduce major adverse cardiac events by 20%.įor primary care doctors like me, who have counseled thousands of patients - often unsuccessfully - about their weight, this news is welcome. Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, the drugs are well known to improve control of blood sugar. Those taking the medicines lose, on average, 10% to 20% of their body weight. The scientific literature behind the headlines is impressive as well. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey shared encouraging personal stories. They're usually administered by weekly injection.Ĭlinical trials boasted success comparable to surgery. The medicines, semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), work by slowing stomach-emptying and decreasing appetite. The last few years saw breakthroughs in treatments for obesity, with new weight-loss medicines dominating recent news reports. People who have struggled for decades to shed pounds are finally finding an effective strategy. The headlines are compelling, with phrases like, " The Obesity Revolution," and " A new 'miracle' weight-loss drug really works." The before-and-after pictures are inspiring. ![]()
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