Weight Loss Drug & Erectile Dysfunction, Eli Lilly’s New Factory, Weight Regain after Stop Using the Drug
Welcome to PoundsPunch’s June Periodical. We will explore new research on weight loss drugs and their unexpected side effect, erectile dysfunction; Eli Lilly’s double-down efforts to boost manufacturing capacity; the employer's role in weight loss drugs; and the ultimate challenge of weight regain after stopping their use.
You'll get:
1 What's on the New Horizon?
Weight Loss Drug May Cause Erectile Dysfunction: What the Nature Research Says
A study published on Nature in the International Journal of Impotence Research reveals a potential risk associated with semaglutide, a medication approved for weight loss in non-diabetic, obese patients. Semaglutide is a type of GLP-1 and is the active ingredient in popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. This research highlights the increased likelihood of developing erectile dysfunction (ED) and testosterone deficiency in men taking semaglutide for weight loss.
Implications for Patients and Providers
While semaglutide is effective for weight loss and has cardiovascular benefits, this study suggests a need for careful monitoring of sexual health in patients using the medication. Given the potential side effects, healthcare providers should discuss these risks with patients considering semaglutide for weight loss.
PoundsPunch Comments:
Understanding the side effect profile of semaglutide, particularly its impact on sexual health, is vital for comprehensive patient care. Further research is definitely needed to explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term effects. Providers should balance the benefits of weight loss and cardiovascular health against the potential risk of sexual dysfunction, ensuring informed decisions and personalized treatment plans for their patients.
After all, losing weight is great, but if it comes at the cost of, well, other important functions, it's worth knowing all the facts. Providers and patients alike need to keep their eyes—and everything else—wide open. This study underscores the importance of holistic care and the need for ongoing research to optimize the benefits of weight-loss medications while minimizing adverse effects.
2 Manufacturer's Corner
Eli Lilly's Major Investment in Indiana to Tackle Drug Shortages
Eli Lilly has announced a substantial increase in its investment at the Lebanon, Indiana manufacturing site, raising the total from $3.7 billion to $9 billion. This investment will support the construction and expansion of a factory to boost the production capacity for Zepbound and Mounjaro, addressing the growing demand for these treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Key Highlights:
Increased Investment: An additional $5.3 billion to expand the Lebanon, Indiana site.
Factory Expansion: Enhanced capacity to meet the demand for Zepbound® and Mounjaro®.
Job Creation: 200 new full-time jobs and over 5,000 construction jobs.
Strategic Sites: Investments in new locations in North Carolina, Ireland, and Germany, and updates to existing facilities in Indianapolis and Wisconsin.
PoundsPunch Comments:
Lilly's move comes as it strives to catch up in the booming weight loss drug market, where demand has outpaced supply. Despite the success of Mounjaro and Zepbound, shortages have left potential revenue on the table. Apparently, Lilly's previous forecast did not anticipate such a high market desire for weight loss drugs, resulting in missed opportunities. This substantial investment not only aims to resolve the current shortages but also positions Lilly to capture a larger share of the lucrative market. By creating high-wage jobs and investing in Indiana, Lilly is also contributing significantly to the local economy.
This investment is a catch-up move, alongside other R&D efforts for next-generation drugs, showcasing Lilly's great ambition to nail its seat among the next "Magnificent Seven" stocks.
3 Consumer's Experience
60% of Patients Stop Weight-Loss Drugs Too Soon
An article from Advisory Board highlights that despite the growing popularity of weight-loss drugs, many patients stop taking them before experiencing full benefits.
Efficacy of Weight-Loss Drugs Lower than Expected: Clinical trials show GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound help patients lose at least 10% of their starting weight. However, real-world data shows patients lost only 1.4% of their body weight after three months and 3% after a year. Only 10% of patients matched clinical trial results, while another 10% saw no change or gained weight. Responses to these medications vary widely among individuals.
60% Patients Stopped Using the Drugs Too Soon: According to the author, a study of Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance-covered members shows that nearly 60% of patients on GLP-1 drugs discontinued them within 12 weeks, and around 30% stopped after the first month. This short duration is insufficient for significant weight loss.
Reasons for Discontinuation: Impatience with results and side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation deter patients. Additionally, many patients regain weight after stopping the drugs, which discourages long-term use.
PoundsPunch Comments:
There are two significant issues patients often ask about: "Is this really working for me?" and "How long should I stay on it?" This article presents concerning findings. The research indicates that GLP-1 drugs are not as miraculous as they are often claimed to be, which contradicts many real-world success stories we have heard. Further studies are likely needed to clarify these discrepancies.
The early discontinuation rates also highlight another challenge: Are patients willing to inject themselves weekly and endure unpleasant side effects? Additionally, there's the concern of weight bouncing back after stopping the drug. Ultimately, while the medication boosts your willpower and curbs food cravings, the real question is, can you maintain that without it? The next piece below may offer some insights.
After Stopping the Weight Loss Drug: The Real Struggle Begins
In a recent Wall Street Journal article, the author shares their experience after stopping Mounjaro, a weight-loss drug that initially helped them lose 40 pounds. Over four months, they faced returning food cravings and struggled to maintain their weight through diets and exercise. Despite setbacks, he managed to keep the weight off by adopting high-protein and high-fiber diets and incorporating extensive exercise routines.
PoundsPunch Comments:
This story highlights the challenges of maintaining weight loss after stopping medications like Mounjaro (which the author might have used off-label, as Mounjaro is primarily approved for diabetes patients). The initial success often gives way to the struggle of managing cravings and maintaining lifestyle changes.
While weight-loss drugs boost willpower by neutralizing food cravings, keeping the weight off still requires significant willpower after stopping the medication. Unless one can afford the drug indefinitely and doesn't mind weekly injections, the traditional approach of exercise, a healthy diet, and strong willpower remains crucial.
However, with pill versions of these drugs in development, the future might offer an easier solution. After all, popping a pill is much easier than facing a needle every week. But until prices drop, we’re left with the classic combination of exercise, diet, and determination.
4 Insurance & Employer
Employer’s Role in Weight-Loss
While GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy and Ozempic have given Americans new hope and sparked a frenzy, employers are under enormous pressure to decide whether to cover these high-cost medications. An article from Advisory Board sheds light on how employers can address the growing obesity crisis, which impacts many Americans who receive health insurance through their jobs.
Covering GLP-1 Means A Lot of Money
Obesity is a complex, chronic condition with various causes, requiring personalized treatment. While GLP-1 weight-loss drugs are effective, they come with a hefty price tag of $9,000-$10,000 per patient per year and may need to be taken for life. These costs, along with side effects, present challenges for both employers and employees.
Employer’s Role: GLP-1 is Needed, But It’s Not Enough
Employers can play a crucial role in supporting their employees' health by taking a comprehensive approach to obesity care. Here are some actionable steps:
Provide Information and Education: Create platforms for employees to access the latest research and information about obesity and its treatments. Educating employees on the causes, effects, and treatment options for obesity can empower them to make informed decisions about their health.
Collaborate with Advocacy Groups and Specialists: Partner with education and advocacy groups, as well as obesity management specialists, to offer tailored support and resources. These collaborations can provide employees with access to specialized care and support systems that are essential for managing obesity effectively.
Offer Flexibility for Medical Appointments: Ensure that employees have the flexibility to attend medical appointments without the fear of losing pay or using up their leave. This flexibility can encourage employees to seek regular medical advice and stay on track with their treatment plans.
Contract with Vetted Obesity Management Specialists: Work with specialists who are well-versed in obesity management to provide personalized care plans for employees. These specialists can help employees navigate their treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medication, and surgical interventions.
Stay Updated on Federal Legislation and Treatment Options: Keep abreast of the latest developments in obesity care, including federal legislation and new treatment options. This knowledge can help employers offer the most effective and up-to-date care for their employees.
Comprehensive Care Packages: Provide a variety of options for obesity treatment, such as behavioral health support, surgical options, and new medications. For instance, GLP-1 drugs should be included as part of a broader obesity management program that also addresses diet, exercise, and mental health.
PoundsPunch Comments:
GLP-1 is a means to an end, just like bariatric surgery or the classic "eat less and exercise more" approach. It works, but we cannot ignore the high cost, which presents the biggest challenge for common Americans and their employers to access it. Additionally, unless lifetime usage becomes the standard, anyone using these drugs faces the potential for weight regain after stopping them.
For a robust and consistent employer weight management program, it's crucial to work with employees to show them their options. This program should be based on an employee’s personalized treatment plan, not on cost. A weight management program should not be a barrier or an excuse to prevent employees from accessing GLP-1, as many might perceive. One employee might benefit more from a permanent solution like bariatric surgery, while another might just need guidance on daily dietary choices.
This approach can create a win-win situation for both employees and employers. We don’t want employers going bankrupt due to unregulated coverage of an expensive drug, nor do we want employees relying solely on this medication when they might not need it.
Accurate information leads to well-informed decisions and can even boost willpower, which GLP-1 can provide. If we can lose weight without injecting our belly, why not?
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