For Floridians, 2024 was a year of weight loss and emerging revelations about anti-obesity medications.
- Increased Usage: More than an estimated million Floridians are now using weight-loss medications, with experts predicting a continued rise. Nationally, about 15 million adults have used injectable medicines for weight loss.
- Measurable Effects: About 10 million Americans believe they have benefited from the injections, contributing to the first decline in the U.S. obesity rate in over a decade, particularly among women and adults aged 66 to 75.
- Medications on the Market: There are currently three FDA-approved medications for obesity (GLP-1s) — Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda. Others like Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Rybelsus are approved only for Type 2 diabetes.
- Florida's Approach: Florida law allows medical providers to prescribe anti-obesity drugs in person or via virtual visits, with specific requirements including a body mass index of 30, informed consent, and follow-up care every three months.
- Challenges: The high cost of medications like Wegovy, which can exceed $1,350 for a 28-day supply without insurance, has led some to seek surgical treatment as a more affordable long-term solution.
- Concerns Over Knockoffs: The popularity of weight-loss drugs has seen some Floridians turn to compounded versions sold at lower costs, raising concerns over the safety and quality of these knockoffs.
- Realizations: Users need to stay on anti-obesity medications indefinitely to maintain weight loss, and a high-quality protein diet is essential to mitigate risks.
- Looking Ahead: Developments include the potential for weight regain after stopping medication, Zepbound's approval for treating obstructive sleep apnea, ongoing studies on semaglutide's effect on Alzheimer’s risk, and a potential link between Ozempic/Wegovy and an eye condition causing vision loss.
The trend towards anti-obesity medications in Florida reflects a broader shift in addressing obesity, highlighting both the potential benefits and the challenges that come with these treatments.
