Health data indicates that powerful weight-loss drugs in the U.S. are being used more widely as patients who begin taking them are often diagnosed with obesity-related conditions or seek them to qualify for other services. An analysis of electronic patient records by Truveta shows a slight increase in diagnoses of sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes shortly after the initial prescription of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs between 2020 and 2024. In addition to treating obesity-related conditions, some patients are prescribed these drugs to lose weight and qualify for services such as organ transplants or fertility treatments. The weight-loss drugs from companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly have demonstrated significant weight loss results. While the impact of these drugs on overall healthcare usage is still uncertain, early detection of conditions may lead to cost savings in the long run. Patients with obesity are often hesitant to seek medical care due to stigma, but the availability of these drugs has encouraged some to engage more in their healthcare. For example, a patient named Phil, who had previously avoided doctors, gained the courage to ask for help with various health issues after starting a GLP-1 prescription. The Truveta analysis revealed an increase in diagnoses of type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and cardiovascular disease among patients prescribed GLP-1 drugs. The most obese patients were more likely to receive these diagnoses compared to less overweight individuals. The analysis was based on a significant number of first-time GLP-1 prescriptions for overweight or obese patients. Lilly did not directly comment on the data but emphasized the importance of appropriate care for adults with obesity.
Access to evidence-based care is crucial for patients seeking medical treatment. Novo Nordisk has chosen not to provide direct comments, emphasizing its commitment to addressing unmet needs across a broader spectrum of patients.
When it comes to qualifying for surgeries, ResMed, a company specializing in sleep apnea devices, experienced an 11% revenue growth in their fiscal year ending in June. This growth was partly attributed to the efficacy of GLP-1 drugs. According to ResMed CEO Michael Farrell, these medications are significantly increasing the number of patients seeking primary care services.
Sara Stahl, the director of healthcare research at the market analysis firm AlphaSense, suggests that weight-loss drugs, such as GLP-1 medications, could potentially pave the way for a rise in joint replacement surgeries. As individuals achieve lower BMIs through these drugs, they may become eligible for surgeries that were previously out of reach. While the impact may not be substantial at present, industry experts anticipate a growing trend in the future.
Recognizing the potential benefits of weight loss in surgical eligibility, the University of Chicago Medicine established a weight-loss clinic dedicated to assisting prospective organ transplant candidates in shedding excess weight. GLP-1 drugs play a significant role in this initiative. Anesia Reticker, the clinical pharmacist specialist at the center, highlights the importance of providing support for patients who need to meet specific weight criteria for life-saving surgeries.
One such individual, Bensabio Guajardo, a retired steelworker from Indiana, found himself prescribed with Ozempic at the weight-loss clinic after being deemed too overweight for a double lung transplant due to pulmonary fibrosis. Guajardo’s success story underscores the effectiveness of the drug in aiding weight loss and improving overall health outcomes. Following significant weight loss and a successful surgery, Guajardo continues to benefit from Ozempic to manage his high blood sugar levels post-operation.
The weight-loss clinic at the University of Chicago Medicine has become a beacon of hope for individuals like Guajardo, receiving numerous referrals from transplant centers in the Chicago area. The collaborative efforts between healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and patients are paving the way for transformative outcomes in the field of surgical eligibility and patient care.
Deena Beasley, along with additional reporting by Chad Terhune in Los Angeles and Patrick Wingrove in New York, sheds light on the evolving landscape of healthcare driven by evidence-based care and innovative treatment modalities. The narrative underscores the vital role played by pharmaceutical advancements in revolutionizing patient outcomes and expanding access to life-saving surgeries. Through collaborative efforts and a patient-centered approach, healthcare institutions are striving to meet the diverse needs of individuals seeking medical intervention.
