A prominent U.S. senator is championing broader access to anti-obesity medications following his own positive experience with a GLP-1 drug, highlighting potential benefits beyond weight management.
In an opinion piece published in the New York Times on April 8th, Senator John Fetterman (D-Pa.) detailed his use of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), an injectable prescription medicine primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes. He began taking the medication in July 2023.
“As a stroke survivor,” Fetterman wrote, “I was interested in studies showing [Mounjaro] could significantly reduce the risk of major cardiac events.” He continued, “Even though I started taking it for my heart health, I’ve been struck by how much better it has made me feel across the board. It’s made a significant impact on my overall health.” He described experiencing relief from aches, pains, and stiffness, feeling “a decade younger,” and reporting increased mental clarity and optimism, alongside losing approximately 20 pounds.
Beyond Diabetes: A Wide Range of Potential Benefits
GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro have been linked to a variety of health improvements beyond managing blood sugar. These include:
- Improved heart health
- Enhanced neurological function
- Better metabolic health
- Potential benefits for cholesterol levels, heart rate, and inflammation
- Emerging research suggests potential in curbing alcohol addiction and supporting cognitive function, possibly slowing or preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Similar medications include Ozempic, Wegovy, Victoza, and Saxenda, all manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Eli Lilly offers Mounjaro and Zepbound, a version approved for weight loss, chronic weight management, and sleep apnea.
Fetterman advocates for expanded access to these medications, which currently carry a substantial cost—potentially up to $1,000 out-of-pocket without insurance coverage. He notes that Medicare coverage is limited to specific circumstances, such as diabetes or heightened heart risk, and Medicaid coverage is even more restricted.
“I’m just a guy who has benefited from these medications and wants to make sure that anyone else who could benefit from them can have access to them, too,” he stated.
While acknowledging the importance of diet and lifestyle changes, Fetterman emphasized that they are not always sufficient. “For the millions of Americans struggling with serious health issues, medication can be a crucial first step to regaining enough control of their health to begin making meaningful lifestyle changes.”
Medical Experts Weigh In
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News’ senior medical analyst, described semaglutides (including Ozempic and Wegovy) as “very important drugs” for type 2 diabetes with increasing use in addressing obesity. He cautioned that while studies are ongoing, they suggest potential benefits for the heart, lipid profiles, brain function, and dementia risk.
“The first approach to obesity is lifestyle changes… but these weight-loss drugs are also good tools when lifestyle is not enough,” Dr. Siegel explained.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, stated that he has been prescribing GLP-1s since 2019, referring to Mounjaro and related medications as “metabolic reset buttons.” He emphasized the limitations of relying solely on lifestyle interventions for individuals with metabolic syndrome.
“GLP-1s give patients momentum by getting the ball rolling,” Osborn said. “And when that happens, health habits are formed.”
Coverage Concerns and Potential Negotiation
Recent announcements indicate that the Trump administration has moved to block Medicare and Medicaid coverage for these medications. Dr. Osborn suggests this decision is likely driven by a desire to pressure pharmaceutical companies.
“Trump knows these medications work,” he said. “I believe this is a signal aimed squarely at Big Pharma: ‘Lower the price, or Medicare, the biggest buyer on the block, is out.’”
He speculated that the administration will likely negotiate to achieve a more favorable price before potentially reinstating coverage, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes for Americans.
