Survey Shows Disparities in Out-of-Pocket Spending for Weight Loss Drugs in the U.S.

Demand for weight loss drugs in the U.S. is high, especially among high-income earners, despite limited insurance coverage and high costs.

Amid limited insurance coverage and high monthly costs, the demand for weight loss drugs in the U.S. is on the rise, particularly among individuals with higher annual incomes. A recent survey conducted by Evercore ISI focused on GLP-1s, a new class of medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes and obesity, revealed interesting insights into the willingness of patients to pay for these treatments.

Survey Findings

Between Jan. 24 and Feb. 20, more than 600 participants who are currently taking a GLP-1, considering the therapy, or have taken it in the past were surveyed. The findings indicated a strong correlation between annual income and the willingness to pay for these medications. Notably, the survey highlighted concerns about equity in access to these breakthrough drugs due to sparse insurance coverage.

Monthly Costs and Income Correlation

GLP-1s, including popular treatments like Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, and Mounjaro, come with monthly price tags ranging from $900 to $1,350 before insurance and other rebates. It was revealed that individuals with annual incomes of more than $250,000 are willing to pay more out of pocket, with nearly 60% stating a willingness to pay more than $300 per month. On the other hand, only about 4% of people with annual incomes of less than $75,000 expressed a similar willingness.

Furthermore, the survey showed that the maximum price people are willing to pay out of pocket per month aligns with what they actually paid for treatment. Those currently taking a GLP-1 reported paying a monthly price of $50 or less, while nearly 75% of those who used to take the drugs said they spent the same amount.

Duration of Treatment and Future Intentions

When asked about the duration of their treatment, over 80% of those who used to take a treatment were only on the therapy for 12 months or less. Some discontinued the treatment due to cost, while others stopped after reaching their weight loss goal or experiencing side effects. However, nearly half of the participants currently taking GLP-1s expressed their intention to stay on the drugs permanently, with only 10% of those considering the treatment stating the same.

Weight Regain and Lifestyle Changes

The survey also addressed the likelihood of participants restarting a GLP-1 treatment if they regain weight after stopping the drug. The majority expressed a willingness to do so, with some acknowledging weight regain after stopping the treatment. Additionally, more than 70% reported eating less when taking a GLP-1, while over half of the participants without preexisting conditions said they drank less alcohol when on the treatment.

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