Finding Obesity Meds Despite Shortages

Elizabeth Swanson, a 57-year-old homemaker from Seattle, lost 30 pounds with weight loss medications. Due to strict insurance rules, she often spends hours on the phone with pharmacies trying to find her next refill. Her journey has included switching from Mounjaro to Zepbound and even using a telehealth doctor in California to get her prescriptions. Despite this struggle, meeting her deductible has alleviated out-of-pocket costs. 

Adolfo Estrada, a 29-year-old product manager, managed to secure his prescription, but shortages mean he has to stay vigilant. Estrada stays alert through third-party services and social media groups, then grabs available doses immediately. Despite paying $550 a month, the medication has significantly improved his eating habits and overall health, helping him lose around 40 pounds in just 2 months.

For Sofia Spieler, a 34-year-old public relations professional, getting her prescription feels like trying to snag concert tickets. After a stroke limited her ability to exercise, Wegovy became crucial for her weight loss journey. Spieler often calls multiple pharmacies and checks local Facebook groups for available doses. Despite the challenges, her insurance covers most of the cost, and she’s already lost 33 pounds.

Christine Pickett, a 54-year-old from a rural Midwestern town, often has to drive 30 miles to find her Wegovy prescription. Her strategy involves praying and calling the pharmacist as soon as she takes her last shot. Pickett's insurance allows for a 3-month prescription, reducing her monthly scramble. Over 18 months, she's lost 75 pounds and has just 20 more to reach her goal.

Paola Comer, a 49-year-old from Boston, has faced numerous challenges due to her polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insurance issues. Her insurance stopped covering Ozempic, causing her to switch to Zepbound, then Wegovy. Despite hurdles, her insurance usually covers the costs, and she's learned the importance of taking detailed notes during conversations with insurance companies. 

Aaron Holloway, a 38-year-old software developer, scrambles to find his Zepbound each month. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes the importance of being nice to pharmacists, who try their best to help. With a discount coupon, he pays $550 a month and has already seen significant weight loss. His advice: Stay persistent and maintain a good relationship with your pharmacist.

There are options for those struggling to find obesity medications. The FDA lists drug shortages by dose and generic name, and companies like Novo Nordisk and Lilly provide supply updates. Doctors and health coaches can also be invaluable resources by offering emotional support and practical advice for weight loss strategies during medication shortages.

Primary care providers can be the first point of contact, but they may refer patients to obesity specialists for comprehensive treatment plans. In severe cases, bariatric surgeons can perform weight loss surgeries. Finding a compassionate and knowledgeable doctor is crucial for effective obesity treatment, as it often involves addressing both physical and mental health issues.

An individualized treatment plan for obesity focuses on several key areas: nutrition, exercise, behavior changes, medication, and sometimes surgery. A comprehensive, personalized approach is essential for long-term success in managing obesity.

Many people with obesity feel judged by their health care providers, so it’s essential to find a specialist who understands the condition and offers compassionate care. Doctors specializing in obesity can provide personalized treatment plans that help patients achieve their health goals.