![\"Weight-loss](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/gettyimages-2178012679.jpg#.jpeg\")
<\/p>\nPresident Donald Trump says Americans could soon pay far less for GLP-1 medications used for diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. He announced that his administration has secured a deal to bring lower pricing to drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound.<\/p>\n
The White House says the agreement with manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk will “dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs” for patients and lower what insurers pay. A trade group representing independent pharmacies indicated the details are still developing, but the goal is to eventually bring U.S. prices closer to what other countries pay for the same drugs.<\/p>\n
In Colorado, many patients say the promise of lower prices can’t come soon enough.<\/p>\n
When insurance denies coverage, patients often face prices ranging from $500 to more than $1,000 per month. Many people have turned to med spas to obtain compounded versions of the medications, which are not FDA-approved and don’t go through the same testing, quality controls or dosing oversight as the brand-name drugs in pharmacies.<\/p>\n
“I saw a friend have success, so I looked into it,” said Brittany, who lost more than 40 pounds after starting semaglutide. “Insurance didn’t cover it. The most I’ve paid was just over $400 a month, and I couldn’t afford that long-term.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Semaglutide (GLP-1) weight-loss drug Wegovy, made by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, which are designed to treat type 2 diabetes, but widely known for its effect on weight loss.\u00a0<\/p>\n
James Manning\/PA Images via Getty Images<\/p>\n
She ultimately found a different med spa at a cheaper price.<\/p>\n
“It’s been life-changing,” she said. “I’m more confident, my triglycerides improved, and it’s helped me maintain healthier habits.”<\/p>\n
But she knows not everyone’s experience with compounded drugs is safe.<\/p>\n
At the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, endocrinologist Dr. Thomas Jensen says the demand for GLP-1 medications is unprecedented.<\/p>\n
“We’ve never seen any drug class where so many patients come in specifically requesting it,” Jensen said. “It’s probably one of the most popular drug classes we’ve seen.”<\/p>\n
Jensen urges patients to avoid compounded versions altogether, as you can’t guarantee purity or safety.<\/p>\n
Unlike FDA-approved GLP-1s dispensed at pharmacies, compounded semaglutide is not held to strict quality standards. Some products sold as “semaglutide” are technically different chemical compounds.<\/p>\n
Jensen says he prefers patients speak to their doctors before turning to med spas or online clinics, especially as demand continues to climb.<\/p>\n
While known for weight loss, Jensen says the benefits extend beyond the scale.<\/p>\n
Patients have seen dramatic reductions in insulin needs, lower rates of cardiovascular disease, and less joint pain.<\/p>\n
“We’ve seen people who were taking insulin four times a day come off entirely,” he said. “These drugs can be foundational treatments for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even heart failure.”<\/p>\n
But access remains the biggest barrier, especially for people who don’t meet strict insurance criteria.<\/p>\n
Jensen says cost is the number one reason insurers hesitate.<\/p>\n
“If every patient who wanted to lose weight took these medications, premiums would go up,” he said. “They’re roughly $1,000 a month. That’s probably why there’s so much hesitation.”<\/p>\n
He hopes that changes will provide better access for more patients to be able to utilize these medications.<\/p>\n
“We also have to bring people back to a sense of what the real utilization of these medications is for, and that’s for overall health, and not just certain types of looks,” he said.<\/p>\n
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