However, rapid weight loss may temporarily alter hormone levels and energy, with net effects varying by individual
Some patients remain at lower doses (2.5 mg or 5 mg) due to gastrointestinal side effects or insurance restrictions, never reaching the 10 mg or 15 mg doses where maximal efficacy was demonstrated in clinical trials
However, questions about cost remain a barrier for many seeking this therapy
An analysis of self-funded plans by one of our partners showed that if a 250-person company chooses to cover GLP-1s for weight loss, even assuming a lifetime maximum of $18,000, they can expect to see a total claims increase of 5%
By contrast, 34% think that willpower is usually enough for most people who are trying to lose weight
The researchers found that patients taking semaglutide were 32% less likely to seek out such therapies compared to those who took insulin, 24% less likely to do so compared to folks taking sulfonyureas, and 18% less likely compared to folks taking metformin