New weight loss drugs have piqued public interest, survey finds

That’s the word from a new survey by Kaiser Family Foundation. Respondents were asked to share their views on the emerging line of weight-loss drugs flowing from pharmaceutical labs. They are curious about them, want to know more, and ultimately want insurance companies to cover the cost to the consumer as the pills and injectable products make their way into the marketplace.

The poll was designed to gauge “the public’s interest in using prescription drugs to lose weight as a relatively new class of drugs, initially approved to treat diabetes, is garnering attention for their potential to aid weight loss,” KFF said. Among these new diabetes/weight fighters are Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. With health care providers and plan sponsors becoming increasingly focused on treating chronic illnesses such as diabetes, a product that addresses weight loss as well has become much ballyhooed due to the U.S. obesity crisis.