GLP-1 drugs
Coverage of GLP-1 drugs in the Nexus archive.
- Medicare now covering some GLP-1s for $50. Here's what to know
Medicare is now covering some GLP-1 weight loss drugs at a cost of $50 for many older Americans, making these previously expensive medications more affordable.
- Brewers see big profits in small beers as GLP-1 drugs radically change US drinking habits
Brewers are experiencing increased profits due to rising demand for small beers as GLP-1 drugs significantly alter US drinking habits. The shift in consumer behavior is attributed to the impact of these medications on appetite and metabolism.
- UVM Health to suspend weight loss drug coverage for its employees
UVM Health plans to stop covering weight loss medications for employees starting September 2023, aiming to save $19 million annually. The decision affects GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Zepbound, which are costly out-of-pocket for employees, while coverage for diabetes treatment remains. Employees express concern over financial burden and health impacts.
- Medicare will now help pay for some GLP-1 drugs. Here's what to know
Medicare will now cover some GLP-1 medications for weight loss starting Wednesday. CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Celine Gounder provides an explanation of the policy change.
- Medicare rolls out $50 GLP-1 drugs. ‘Pandemonium’ ahead for Michigan doctors?
A new federal program allows some Medicare Part D beneficiaries to obtain expensive weight loss drugs at $50 per month. Medicare is rolling out this initiative, which may lead to challenges for Michigan doctors.
- Millions of Americans can get Medicare to cover GLP-1s for weight loss starting this week. Here’s how much it costs.
Millions of Americans can now get Medicare coverage for GLP-1 drugs to treat weight loss starting this week. Previously, Medicare only covered these drugs for conditions like Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and stroke or heart-attack risk.
- GLP-1 drugs led to weight loss and reversed depression-like behavior in mice
GLP-1 drugs caused weight loss and reversed depression-like behavior in mice, according to a study. The findings were highlighted in a blog post and discussed on a news commentary platform.
- Trouble Getting Weight Loss Drugs Covered by Insurance? Here’s What To Know
Insurance coverage for GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy is being dropped by many plans due to high costs, leaving patients to seek alternatives. Patients may retain coverage if the drugs are prescribed for related conditions like sleep apnea or diabetes through prior authorization.
- GLP-1 drugs linked to boosting testosterone, sperm count in men
GLP-1 drugs may enhance male fertility by increasing testosterone levels and improving sperm health in men with obesity, according to new research.
- Tenzin Seldon: The GLP-1 boom is the biggest climate story no one is pricing in
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are reducing U.S. consumption of carbon-intensive foods like red meat and sugary drinks, leading to significant declines in food-system emissions. Clinical data shows users cut calorie intake by 21% and grocery spending by 5–6%, with Wall Street projecting billions in lost food sales by 2030. The shift aligns with federal dietary guidelines and could surpass climate policy in reducing emissions.
- Medicare launches pilot program expanding access to GLP-1 drugs
Medicare has launched a pilot program to expand access to GLP-1 drugs. The program will run from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.
- Medicare launches pilot program expanding access to GLP-1 drugs
Medicare has announced a pilot program to expand access to GLP-1 drugs. The program will run from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027.
- GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are reshaping the bridal industry as shops rush orders and require new waivers
GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are causing significant body transformations in brides, prompting bridal retailers to adjust inventory, expedite orders, and issue fit guarantees. Shops now require waivers for dresses that may not yet fit due to ongoing weight loss, with David’s Bridal introducing a 'Fit Guarantee' to address size-related anxieties. Surveys indicate rising GLP-1 usage among couples planning weddings.
- Should everyone be on GLP-1s? What the science really tells us about cancer prevention and other benefits
GLP-1 drugs are being studied for expanded health benefits beyond diabetes and weight loss, including cancer prevention and addiction treatment. However, scientific understanding of their full potential remains incomplete.
- Weight-loss drugs linked to 'Ozempic ears' and other cosmetic complaints, surgeons say
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic are linked to cosmetic issues such as 'Ozempic ears' and sagging breasts due to rapid fat loss. Surgeons report increased demand for procedures like panniculectomies, abdominoplasties, and breast lifts to address these concerns. The effects are attributed to GLP-1 medications causing body fat reduction, which impacts skin elasticity and tissue structure.
- GLP-1 drugs linked to reduced cancer risk, researchers say
GLP-1 drugs, primarily used for weight loss and diabetes, are associated with reduced cancer risk, including for breast, colon, pancreatic, and liver cancers. Researchers suggest this may be due to weight loss and anti-inflammatory effects, but emphasize more studies are needed to confirm causality.
- Fashion retailers scrambling to sell $5B inventory as GLP-1 craze leads to plus-size surplus: report
Fashion retailers are struggling with a $5 billion inventory surplus as the GLP-1 drug craze reduces demand for plus-size clothing. The trend has led to a significant risk of unsold clothing being wasted.
- GLP-1s drugs like Ozempic may actually boost fertility in men: study
A study suggests GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may improve male fertility by aiding weight loss, which is linked to increased testosterone and better sperm quality in obese individuals.
- New drug could fight ‘Ozempic butt’ — and some other unwelcome side effects of GLP-1 drugs
A new drug may address 'Ozempic butt' and other side effects of GLP-1 drugs, offering a solution for users experiencing these issues. The drug aims to help individuals maintain weight loss benefits without the unwanted side effects.
- STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about employer coverage of obesity drugs, another Sanofi setback, and more
Some employers plan to drop coverage of GLP-1 weight loss drugs in 2027 as usage rises, despite lower prices for medications like Novo Nordisk’s Zepbound and Eli Lilly’s Foundayo. Rapid adoption of GLP-1 drugs in the U.K. has reduced annual grocery spending by $1 billion, with 6.3% of households now including at least one user.
- GLP-1 weight-loss drugs might help protect against breast cancer, study presented at ASCO meeting suggests
A study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference suggests GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound may reduce breast cancer risk by over 30% in women. The observational study analyzed health records of 111,000 women and found those prescribed GLP-1 medications had significantly lower breast cancer incidence, though researchers caution the findings do not prove causation.
- Can California afford to cover Ozempic for public employees?
California's Senate passed a bill requiring health insurers to cover GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic for public employees, but CalPERS opposes it due to projected $437 million premium increases and $187 million state fund costs. Sen. Laura Richardson advocates for a five-year pilot program to cover chronic weight management treatments, citing potential long-term savings from reduced healthcare costs.
- Do GLP-1 pills work as well as injections? Here's what studies show about weight loss, side effects
The article examines whether GLP-1 pills are as effective as injections for weight loss and side effects. It notes that GLP-1 drugs are now available in pill form, making them more accessible to those with needle phobia, but questions remain about their efficacy compared to injections.
- Do GLP-1 pills work as well as injections? Here's what studies show about weight loss, side effects
GLP-1 drugs are now available in pill form for needle-phobes, but studies are examining whether they match the effectiveness of injections for weight loss and side effect profiles.
- The promises and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs
GLP-1 drugs, approved 20 years ago for diabetes treatment, have helped over 30 million U.S. patients reduce weight but are associated with troubling side effects.
- The promises and pitfalls of GLP-1 drugs
GLP-1 drugs, approved 20 years ago for diabetes, have helped over 30 million U.S. patients reduce weight but are associated with troubling side effects. Experts suggest potential use in treating obesity-related diseases like cancer, though patient reactions vary widely.
- Ozempic and similar weight-loss drugs linked to 30% lower breast cancer risk
A large study found women taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound had a 30% lower breast cancer risk. Researchers note the findings are promising but not definitive, with clinical trials planned to test the drugs' preventive potential.
- Gounder Fills In Details Behind Ebola, GLP-1, and Trump Headlines
Céline Gounder discussed studies linking ultraprocessed foods to dementia risk, the Ebola outbreak in central Africa, U.S. health funding cuts, and GLP-1 drugs' potential to reduce breast cancer risk in women. She also addressed President Donald Trump's new medical report and creatine supplements on CBS News programs.
- Scientists discover why ozempic may not work for some people
Scientists have identified genetic variants that may reduce the effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs for treating Type 2 diabetes in about 10% of the population. These variants appear to cause 'GLP-1 resistance,' making carriers less likely to achieve healthy blood sugar targets during clinical trials of these medications.
- Popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs linked to lower risks of addiction and overdose
A study of over 600,000 U.S. veterans found that GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide are associated with reduced risks of developing substance use disorders involving alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, cocaine, opioids, and other drugs. These medications also correlate with fewer overdoses, hospitalizations, emergency visits, and drug-related deaths among individuals already struggling with addiction.
- STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re reading about GLP-1 drugs and knees, FDA cell and gene therapy guidance, and more
Cigna will stop covering GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound in its employee health plan starting July 1, directing users to cash-pay options. A study suggests long-term use of GLP-1 drugs could reduce knee replacement risk by up to 5% over eight years. Prices for these drugs are declining in 2026 with new oral versions.
- Breaking down findings of new study on weight loss drugs and breast cancer
Researchers from Penn Medicine found that women taking GLP-1 drugs are less likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer, according to a new study. Dr. Celine Gounder analyzed the findings to determine if the drugs caused the difference.
- Retatrutide results spark questions about how rapid weight loss affects the body
New-generation GLP-1 drugs like retatrutide are achieving higher weight loss rates, raising questions about the safety and limits of rapid weight loss.
- GLP-1 drugs linked to major slowdown in breast cancer, prostate cancer and more: new study
A new study found that GLP-1 weight-loss medications may slow the spread of several obesity-related cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, and liver cancers.
- Can GLP-1 drugs save the mall?
The rise of GLP-1 drugs is influencing diet-related shopping, which could be crucial for retailers. The article explores how this trend may impact mall businesses.
- Ozempic-style drugs linked to major slowdown in cancer spread, new study finds
A new study suggests GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide may significantly slow the progression of obesity-related cancers such as lung, breast, colorectal, and liver cancers. Conducted by Cleveland Clinic and to be presented at the 2026 ASCO Annual Meeting, the retrospective analysis found GLP-1 users had up to 50% lower risk of cancer advancing to stage 4 compared to patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors.
- Trump Bought Stock in Eli Lilly as His Policies Gave the Drugmaker a Big Boost, Documents Show
President Trump purchased between $680,000 and $1.18 million in stock in Eli Lilly and West Pharmaceutical Services in early 2025, shortly before the administration implemented policies that significantly benefited these companies, including advancing Medicare reimbursement for GLP-1 drugs and cracking down on cheaper generic competitors. Government ethics experts have raised concerns that the stock purchases undermine public trust by creating the appearance that Trump is personally profiting from administration actions. Congressional Democrats are calling for legislation to ban presidents from owning and trading stocks.
- GLP-1 drugs may reduce the risk of cancer progressing, study suggests
A new study suggests that GLP-1 drugs, commonly used for diabetes and weight loss, may help reduce the risk of cancer progression. The research indicates potential benefits of these medications beyond their primary therapeutic uses. Further investigation is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this protective effect.
- Popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic slash heart attack and stroke risk
An international review demonstrates that GLP-1 weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and premature death. Researchers indicate these medications could serve as a major therapeutic tool against cardiovascular disease beyond their current use for obesity and diabetes treatment.
- Some people lose far more weight than others on GLP-1s like Wegovy. Here’s why.
Research reveals that some individuals, referred to as 'super-responders', experience significant weight loss when taking GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, while others do not respond at all. This variation in response is a key finding in emerging research on GLP-1 medications. The difference in response rates among patients may lead to more personalized treatment approaches.