LEXINGTON, Ky. — Medications meant to manage diabetes have been found to help people lose weight. Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro have become popular.

While this may be a benefit for individuals, experts say that they could also be good for the economy.

What You Need To Know

  •  Medications meant to manage diabetes have been found to help with weight-loss

  •  According to Goldman Sachs, experts say that weight-loss drugs could have a positive impact on the economy

  •  Dr. John Mullins at Marshall Lifestyle Medicine has incorporated weight-loss drugs into a program and has seen how effective they are

  • Mullins and other medical professionals say that the weight-loss drugs should be taken under the guidance of a person's health care provider

Dr. John Mullins began Marshall Lifestyle Medicine almost nine years ago.

After the pandemic, he began the “Marshall Success Program” to help patients have long-term success with weight-loss. Through the program, clients have access to several things, including personal trainers and health coaches.

When drugs meant to regulate diabetes were found to help with weight-loss, Mullins began incorporating them into his program and has found them to be effective.

Most clients take the medication until they’ve reached their goal weight, while some continue with a lower dosage to maintain their weight.

“I think these things can change the course of our society,” said Mullins. “We’re going to save money on the, from just a health care management perspective and then an individual person will be a much more productive, a much happier version of themselves that lives a lot longer and lot more optimally.”

There are estimates that weight-loss drugs could add .4% to America’s gross domestic product, according to research from Goldman Sachs.

However, Mullins and Brooke Hudspeth with the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy say there should be oversight when taking the medications.

“It’s really important for patients to take these in conjunction with a more comprehensive weight management program if they are using those for weight management and that they are doing that under the care of their health care provider,” said Hudspeth.

Mullins says this is especially important for women of a certain age to protect their bone density and muscle mass.

“The general public just needs to do their research before deciding on a person that’s going to perhaps give them access to these kind of medications so that they are using them in the proper way that they’re intended,” said Mullins.

While the medications are well-covered for patients with diabetes, Mullins says the vast majority of people can’t get insurance to cover weight-loss drugs.

The higher demand for them has caused an increase in price. It costs about $980 for a month’s supply of Ozempic and about $1,000 a month for Mounjaro, according to 46brooklyn.

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