Concerns Over Interaction Of Obesity Drugs

There’s recently been significant adoption of drugs to curb obesity and lose weight. The medications, called GLP-1 drugs are part of a new wave of anti-obesity treatment options and both physicians and insurers are starting to inquire into the behavioral health implications. What motivates the need for the medication, what leads to the obesity in the first place, and how do the medications interact with other treatments, such as those for Type II diabetes or depression?

Insurers are adding pre-authorization rules to evaluate the medical necessity of these GLP-1 treatments, formally known as glucagon-like peptide.

“It’s primarily to ensure safety - like if the patient is taking otehr medications,” says Rory Kilander, a pharmacist, but there’s also a cost consideration given each prescription can cost thousands.

Some doctors and insurers are also wondering about the implications of these treatments for those with diagnosed depression or anxiety. “I think a lot of the public struggle with their weight and a lot are dealing with multiple issues at once, so we need to be careful about how these medications are used, whether they have the desired impact, and whether there are other considerations such as the impact of use on the heart,” Kilander contends.