Use of blockbuster anti-obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound is growing, with about 1 in 8 adults in the U.S. saying they currently take the medications. But experts say the drugs alone aren't the answer. It takes lifestyle changes, too, including a healthy diet, physical exercise, adequate sleep and stress management to reap the biggest benefits from GLP-1s. The clinical trials of the drugs included structured lifestyle changes, which are advised along with every prescription. Experts say users should eat protein, drink water and exercise for about an hour each day.
Meals and snacks with "GLP-1 Friendly" labels on the packaging are becoming more common as a growing number of Americans try obesity drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound to lose weight. Nestle and Conagra have put the labels on some of their frozen meals. Food chains like Smoothie King and Chipotle are introducing menu items targeting GLP-1 users. Dietitians say the nutritional needs of people taking the medications aren't that different from the general population's. They need to get enough protein to maintain muscle mass as they lose weight. Fiber is important to prevent constipation. Dietitians recommend reading food labels carefully. Some products marketed to GLP-1 users contain high amounts of saturated fat and sodium.
Supplies of high-demand obesity treatments are improving, but that doesn't mean they're easier to get. Many employers and health insurers are scaling back coverage of Wegovy or Zepbound and a key government program, Medicare, doesn't cover the drugs for obesity. Clouding the picture even further, some big employers are adding coverage. But their commitment isn't guaranteed. Treatment prices that can top hundreds of dollars monthly even after discounts make it hard for many to afford these drugs on their own. That makes the life-changing weight-loss that patients seek largely dependent on the coverage they have and how long it lasts.
