Barriers to Access: Why Are Weight Loss Medications Underprescribed?

Despite the widespread media attention and proven effectiveness of weight-loss medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, a significant gap exists between those who could benefit from these drugs and those who actually receive prescriptions. Recent research utilizing electronic health records from over 280 U.S. healthcare systems reveals that only approximately 3% of eligible adults are prescribed these medications. This low uptake highlights persistent disparities influenced by race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographic location.

The study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, was led by Yale researchers who examined prescribing trends for semaglutides and tirzepatides between 2020 and 2024. Findings indicated that men, rural residents, and communities with higher social vulnerability are less likely to be prescribed these drugs. Moreover, minority populations—Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients—experience lower prescription rates compared to white patients, despite higher obesity prevalence among some of these groups.

Several barriers contribute to these disparities. Cost remains a major obstacle; without insurance, medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide can cost over $1,000 per month. Even with insurance, coverage is limited, and programs like Medicare and Medicaid often exclude weight-loss uses from coverage, making out-of-pocket costs prohibitive. Plus, access to specialists who can prescribe these medications is uneven, further restricting availability for underserved populations.

The underprescription issue is concerning because these medications not only promote weight loss but also confer cardiovascular benefits by reducing blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose levels, and decreasing risks of heart attack and stroke. Despite the proven health advantages, current prescription rates remain sluggish, underscoring the need for systemic improvements.

Looking forward, researchers plan to further analyze real-world data, compare benefits observed in everyday clinical settings versus trials, and explore prescription trends in specific patient subgroups like those with heart failure or severe obesity. The ultimate goal is to ensure equitable access to these medications and maximize their potential to improve public health.

In summary, while effective weight-loss medications exist, their underutilization and unequal distribution highlight ongoing healthcare disparities. Addressing these gaps requires concerted efforts to improve insurance coverage, healthcare access, and awareness, ensuring all who can benefit from these treatments receive them.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-people-weight-loss-drugs.html