A Yale and University of Florida study reveals that broadening access to effective weight-loss drugs could prevent over 40,000 deaths annually in the U.S., highlighting the need for better drug affordability and coverage.
Expanding access to highly effective weight-loss medications could prevent more than 40,000 deaths each year in the United States, according to a pivotal study led by researchers at Yale School of Public Health and the University of Florida. These findings underscore the urgent need to remove existing barriers that hinder access to these lifesaving treatments, which are crucial in combating the national obesity crisis.
The study points out that approximately 74% of Americans are categorized as overweight, with around 43% of these individuals being obese, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Obesity is a major public health issue, contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, thereby significantly increasing mortality risk.
Recent advancements in pharmaceutical interventions, particularly the introduction of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and dual gastric inhibitory polypeptide and GLP-1 (GIP/GLP-1) receptor agonists like tirzepatide, have shown remarkable efficacy in promoting weight loss. These medications are revolutionizing weight management and health outcomes for patients struggling with obesity.
The researchers aimed to quantify the potential reduction in mortality rates by enhancing access to these weight-loss drugs. Integrating data on mortality risks linked to different body mass index (BMI) categories, obesity prevalence and current access limitations due to high costs and insurance restrictions, the study estimated that expanded access could lead to 42,027 fewer deaths annually. Notably, this includes approximately 11,769 deaths among individuals with type 2 diabetes, a group particularly susceptible to obesity-related complications.
However, the study highlights a significant disparity in drug access due to their prohibitive costs, which can exceed $1,000 per month without insurance. Medicare, one of the largest insurance programs for older adults, does not presently cover these drugs for weight loss. Medicaid coverage of such medications also varies widely by state, and even individuals with private insurance face high deductibles and copays, limiting their affordability.
“Expanding access to these medications is not just a matter of improving treatment options but also a crucial public health intervention,” co-corresponding author Alison P. Galvani, the Burnett and Stender Families Professor of Epidemiology (Microbial Diseases) at the Yale School of Public Health, said in a news release. “Our findings underscore the potential to reduce mortality significantly by addressing financial and coverage barriers.”
The study also examined regional and socioeconomic impacts, noting that states with high obesity and diabetes rates, such as West Virginia, Mississippi and Oklahoma, would benefit most from increased availability. Expanding access in these regions could lead to the most significant per capita reductions in mortality.
Nonetheless, several challenges remain. The high price of these medications is a fundamental obstacle, posing challenges related to the pharmaceutical industry’s profit margins. Additionally, supply constraints and production limitations further impede widespread availability.
“Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach,” co-corresponding author Burton H. Singer, an adjunct professor of mathematics at the Emerging Pathogens Institute at the University of Florida, said in the news release. “We need to ensure that drug prices are more aligned with manufacturing costs and increase production capacity to meet demand. At the same time, we must tackle the insurance and accessibility issues that prevent many people from getting the treatment they need.”
The study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also considered income disparities in its projections, finding that even with socioeconomic adjustments, the potential for lives saved remains substantial. Improving access to these medications could also reduce health care costs related to obesity-linked conditions and enhance overall quality of life for many Americans.