Few prescription drugs have generated as much excitement as the new generation of weight-loss drugs, commonly called “GLP-1” medications. You’ve probably heard about Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, even if you don’t want to lose weight.<br>In this episode: How do these drugs work? How to deal with the sometimes-unpleasant side effects? What has the GLP-1 family of drugs been proven to do, and what could they be used for in the future? Plus, details about a new Medicare program that now covers these drugs when prescribed for weight loss for those who qualify.<br>Not a Checkbook member? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for a free 30-day trial to access all of our unbiased ratings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

113 - GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

Consumerpedia

Few prescription drugs have generated as much excitement as the new generation of weight loss drugs, commonly called GLP-1 medications. Fueled by constant media attention, celebrity success stories, social media influencers and catchy commercials, GLP-1 drugs are often portrayed as the magic bullet for people who want to lose a lot of weight, quickly and keep it off. You've probably seen the commercials for Ozempic, Wegovy, ZepBound and Manjaro even if you don't need to lose weight.

This unprecedented public awareness has created record demand for these drugs and some unrealistic expectations about what they can do. And let's not forget, despite all the catchy jingles and happy patience shown in the ads, these are powerful prescription drugs that can cause unpleasant side effects and in rare cases serious complications. I'm Herb Weisbaum, the Consumer Man, a contributing editor at Checkbook.org.

Welcome to Consumerpedia. At Checkbook.org, we're the nonprofit that helps consumers select services, avoid trouble and save money. Because we don't accept any advertising or take money from any business we recommend, you can rely on Checkbook.org to be completely independent and objective. Now, here's the host of Consumerpedia, America's consumer expert, the consumer man, Herb Weisbaum. The GLP-1 family of drugs has taken off like a rocket.

Forbes Health estimates that one in eight adults, that's 30 million Americans, have taken drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovi, Manjaro and Zepp Bound. In this episode, we're going to take a deep dive into these drugs. We'll talk about the side effects and ways to deal with them. Plus, tell you all about a new Medicare program that will mean the federal government for the first time will now cover these drugs for millions of Americans who qualify.

113 - GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

Read the full transcript

The candid version is on a podcast,
not the earnings call.

113 - GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs

Read the full transcript

The candid version is on a podcast, not the earnings call.

The candid version is on a podcast,
not the earnings call.