Cost Has Many Going Around Doctors to Get Weight-Loss Meds [Video]

Key Takeaways

One in four people would consider using an injectable weight-loss drug without consulting their doctorA doctor’s perspective is vital in weight loss, experts sayThe FDA has issued warnings about dodgy semaglutide products being sold online

WEDNESDAY, Sept. 17, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Wegovy, Zepbound and other cutting-edge weight-loss drugs can be tough to get these days.

They’re in short supply, and often too expensive to afford without insurance coverage.

Because of these barriers, many people are doing an end-run around their doctor’s office, reaching out to potentially unreliable sources that promise to set them up with the drugs, a new survey finds.

About 1 in 4 people surveyed said they would consider using an injectable weight-loss drug without consulting their doctor, Ohio State University researchers report.

Their reasons for skipping the doctor include:

Lower cost (18%)Not covered by insurance (15%)Unable to get a prescription from their doctor (9%)Lack of availability through a pharmacy (6%)

However, unlicensed online …