Welcome!
Explore this page for more information and an overview of some of the common obesity medications and their origins.
Whether you are a:
- A healthcare provider looking looking to expand your knowledge in obesity care or for a quick review or reference;
- A family member researching medications to support your teen, or
- A Black adolescent girl in current care or not, looking to learn more about what types of medications are being prescribed
This page has some important information for you.
How are weight loss medications made?
The Development of Obesity Medication
Anti-obesity interventions have progressed significantly over the past decade.
Research from randomized controlled trials showed that a diabetes medication (approved for the treatment of diabetes in 2005) was also highly effective at reducing appetite and food intake. Pharmaceutical companies quickly moved to alter this medication and allow it to target obesity specifically.
Thus, Glucagon-Like Peptides-1, or GLP-1's, were born.
These medications increase fullness, slow stomach emptying, and improve blood sugar control, with added benefits for heart and kidney health.
So... who has access to these medications?
Millions of Black and Hispanic adults who are overweight or obese and qualify for these medications, but are unable to afford this life-changing treatment option.
How Obesity Medications are used in Treatment
Use in Obesity Medicine
Anti-obesity medications are prescription drugs designed to help people lose weight by targeting appetite, metabolism, or how the body processes food. They are commonly prescribed by bariatric specialists, gastroenterologists, and endocrinologists. These medications are also strongly recommended to be used alongside nutrition, movement, and behavioral support.
GLP-1 medications can be effective, with newer options helping people lose 10–20% of body weight on average in clinical trials.
Common Types of Obesity Medications
Cost Barriers in the Black Community
Disparities in Obesity Care & Treatment Access
In addition to the challenges with insurance coverage of anti-obesity medications (AOMs), there may be other barriers to the use of semaglutide, especially for Black women.
In this population, various factors related to Black women's Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) are affected.
Recent analysis suggests that among the semaglutide‐eligible population of adults in the US, Black and Hispanic adults were more likely to be:
- Uninsured
- Lack access to care
- Have low family income or low educational attainment
When compared to White adults, prohibiting them from getting treatment using the anti-obesity drugs.
Finally, Black women also have differing experiences with in treatment with their Healthcare Providers; and Healthcare Provider‐related factors that likely contribute to the racial and ethnic disparities mentioned above in the prescription of the anti-obesity medication for the Black population.
Key Takeaways:
Remember that Black Adolescent girls in this population deserve healthcare and support that is not one size fits all, and that includes access to interventions and treatments that any peers are accessing.
Consider what role you CURRENTLY play in helping this population address a significant health issue, and then consider if that role needs CHANGING.
Costs of Obesity Medications
Black communities, along with other marginalized communities, are being systemically "Priced out" of access to these medications.
Current Estimated GLP-1 Costs:
Out-of-Pocket Cost:
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Many of these medications cost $1,000–$1,500 / per month without insurance.
Costs using Insurance:
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Even if patients can use insurance, copays, deductibles, and restrictions can make them unaffordable.
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Some medications have monthly copays of $45 with insurance coverage
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Medicare often DOES NOT cover weight-loss medications, & Medicaid coverage varies by state
Finish your journey based on your background below:
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