A Comprehensive Look at Obesity Medications
Currently, two great classes of medications exist to help people who desire weight loss. One class includes a daily injection of Saxenda or a weekly injection of Wegovy. The second class includes a daily pill called Qsymia.
Each of these medications is started by your prescriber at the lowest dose and increased as tolerated by the patient and indicated by prescribing information.
Any good weight loss plan also includes changes in exercise habits and the foods you eat. We advise a visit with our Registered Dietician to evaluate current caloric and nutrient intake and to hear suggested modifications.
The reality of weight loss medications is that they work with CONSISTENCY. Consistency in taking the medications – each medication is recommended to be taken for a lifetime. And consistency in exercise habits and diet modifications.
A second reality of weight loss medications of which most patients are unaware is their insurance plan limitations. If an insurance plan has a Weight Loss Rider, then weight loss medications are covered by that plan. Patients may or may not have a co-pay to cover. If the insurance plan does not have a weight loss rider, then the plan with not pay for any weight loss medications – the patient would have to pay out of pocket. Medicare plans to not cover weight loss medications – again the expense is out of pocket.
Out-of-pocket costs of these medications can range from approximately $1200/month for Saxenda/Wegovy or approximately $250/month for Qsymia. Several discount cards are available online to reduce costs. Patients are responsible for obtaining some of these discount cards. Patients with Medicare cannot use discount cards at the pharmacy.
As a reminder, weight loss can be achieved with modifications to diet and exercise alone and our Registered Dietician can provide suggestions for changes in diet required for weight loss. We also offer our Cornerstone Weight Management program. This program is designed to help a person to lose excess fat while retaining lean muscle.
