This approval marks a historic milestone: it is the first time a GLP-1 receptor agonist has been available as a dedicated weight loss pill, removing the barrier of injections for millions of patients
Tirzepatide produces slightly greater average weight loss (20-22% vs 10-15%), but both medications work through similar mechanisms
It results from blood sugar fluctuations, dehydration from GI symptoms, and in some cases, blood pressure changes
The Aetna Standard Plan covers name-brand Wegovy, Saxenda, Zepbound, and Qsymia, and generic diethylpropion
Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for chronic weight management, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, for people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of: 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia)
One milligram equals 1,000 micrograms