How Wegovy is Revolutionizing Heart Health and Weight Loss
The prescription medication Wegovy has received a groundbreaking new approval from the FDA that could change the game for both weight management and heart health. As the first drug approved for both significant weight loss and reduced cardiovascular risk, Wegovy’s expanded label may help more at-risk patients access this potentially life-saving treatment.
Made by Novo Nordisk, Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist similar to the diabetes drug Ozempic. But new clinical trial results proved Wegovy can also lower heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death risk by 20% when taken by those with overweight or obesity and preexisting heart conditions. This prompted the FDA to greenlight labeling highlighting Wegovy’s dual benefits.
How Will This Impact Access To Wegovy?
As an expensive medication costing over $1,300 per month out-of-pocket, Wegovy’s high price tag has prevented many insurance plans from covering it for weight loss alone. However, with its demonstrated ability to also reduce serious heart risks, experts hope the expanded FDA approval will encourage more insurers like Medicare to cover Wegovy prescriptions. This could make the game-changing drug financially accessible to more of the people who need it.
Of course, Wegovy’s manufacturer Novo Nordisk must also work to ramp up production to meet the growing demand. Widespread shortages have already limited patient access. But if supply catches up, Wegovy may revolutionize the treatment of both obesity and cardiovascular disease by providing an unprecedented all-in-one solution through its dual benefits of significant weight loss and protection against heart attack and stroke.
