{"id":56597,"date":"2023-01-18T09:30:08","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T14:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=56597"},"modified":"2024-11-12T09:12:02","modified_gmt":"2024-11-12T14:12:02","slug":"save-on-weight-loss-medication","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/save-on-weight-loss-medication\/","title":{"rendered":"4 ways to save on weight-loss medications"},"content":{"rendered":"

Obesity is a pervasive problem in the United States. Nearly 1 in 3 adults is considered overweight, and <\/span>more than 2 in 5 adults are obese<\/span><\/a>, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). One out of every 11 adults meets the criteria for severe obesity, a body mass index of <\/span>40 or greater<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For many years, experts recommended diet and exercise alone, \u201cbut they simply aren\u2019t effective for the vast majority of individuals affected by obesity,\u201d says gastroenterologist <\/span>Christopher McGowan, MD<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>founder of <\/span>True You Weight Loss<\/span><\/a>. \u201cThey\u2019re not going to produce significant and lasting weight loss.\u201d Today, a growing number of medications are available to help people with qualifying medical conditions lose weight and improve their health. Unfortunately, too many people can\u2019t afford these medications\u2014or insurance won\u2019t cover them. So, many go untreated. Here\u2019s what to know about finding weight-loss medications that fit your budget.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

FDA-approved prescription weight-loss options\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

For many people, a weight-loss medication can be a game-changer. \u201cMany times, patients have other medical issues that would improve or resolve if the patient could lose weight,\u201d says <\/span>Flor Zuviri, PA-C<\/span><\/a>, a physician assistant at <\/span>New Life Cosmetic Surgery and Wellness Center<\/span><\/a> in McAllen, Texas. \u201cSometimes people \u2018feel stuck,\u2019 and they give up trying to lose weight on their own.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The appetite suppressant phentermine, which includes brand name products such as Lomaira and Adipex, has been approved since 1959 <\/span>for short-term use<\/span><\/a> (up to 12 weeks). But, in the past few years, alternate options have exploded. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now approved these <\/span>prescription weight-loss<\/span><\/a> meds for <\/span>long-term use<\/span><\/a>:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n