GLP-1 medications are lowering obesity rates for the first time in years, but racial disparities in access still exist.
The past few years have witnessed a revolution in obesity treatment with the advent of GLP-1 medications. Today we will take a closer look at the state of obesity in the United States, how these medications have brought about this revolution, and why the people who need them most have trouble accessing the medications.
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that in 2023, every U.S. state had more than one in five adults (20%) who were obese. This figure rose to 1 in 3 adults (35%) in 23 states. In comparison, prior to 2013, no state had a prevalence of over 35%, indicating the rapid rise in prevalence of obesity within a decade. It is also worth noting that there are significant geographical variations, with higher prevalence in the South and Midwest. There are also racial disparities, with prevalence being higher in Hispanic and Black populations and lowest in Asian populations.
What are GLP-1 medications?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1: a chemical messenger (hormone) produced by intestinal cells that helps regulate glucose levels in the body. GLP-1 agonists, like Wegovy or Zepbound, are medications that mimic the effects of GLP-1 in the body. These effects are complex and serve to bring down sugar levels, which is how they help patients with diabetes and obesity. Some of these effects are through secretion of insulin, a hormone that brings down sugar levels, while also lowering levels of glucagon, a hormone that can raise sugar levels. It also slows the emptying of food digested in the stomach; this can ensure there are no big spikes in blood sugar levels. Most notably for patients with obesity, these medications promote a sense of satiety and thereby help them avoid overeating.
GLP-1 agonist medications are not entirely new and have been used in treatment of diabetes since 2005 when Exenatide was approved. Around 2014, Saxenda became the first GLP-1 medication approved for weight loss. However it was not until Wegovy was approved in 2021 that their use for weight loss truly took off in a big way. This was because Wegovy and the medications that followed were far more effective in promoting weight loss than older medications. Their introduction has had a measurable impact, with obesity rates dipping for the first time in 2023.
Racial disparities in GLP-1 access
Despite their critical role in lowering obesity rates, recent studies indicate significant racial disparities in access to GLP-1 medications. Specifically, Black and Hispanic patients are considerably less likely to receive prescriptions for these drugs compared to White patients – even though these groups are at higher risk for obesity and Type 2 diabetes. This unequal access may be caused by factors such as cost, insurance status, socioeconomic disparities, and potential provider bias.
These are significant barriers to overcome. However, an important first step to improve medication access would be to offer widespread, convenient community screenings for diabetes, paired with on-site or telehealth prescribing of GLP-1 medications when warranted.
Primary.Health empowers states, communities, and public health entities to offer easy, accessible wellness screenings in local venues. Talk to our Provider team about customizing community wellness testing for the population you serve.
Disclaimer: This blog content and linked materials are not intended as individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and should not be considered as such. Any readers with medical concerns should contact a licensed healthcare provider. This blog is provided for informational purposes only.
