International lack of equity in modern obesity therapy: the critical need for change in health policy

Estimated minimum prices and lowest available national prices for antiobesity medications: Improving affordability and access to treatment

“…Many of these drugs are effectively now "ever-greened," a tactic that manufacturers use to extend patents (e.g., for insulin in the United States for more than 90 years [35]) beyond their intended monopoly duration to maximize profit, with minimal to no biochemical innovation [35]. For example, semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy, the exact same subcutaneous medication) costs threefold as much in Australia, and 50% more in America, if prescribed for obesity rather than diabetes, which is furthermore unjust and stigmatizing to people living with obesity [13]. In fact, de-linkage [36] of the prices of medications from the cost of R&D is a policy that, along with voluntary licensing agreements, could improve access to new medications.…”

“…It is well established that high prices are barriers to access to medications, particularly for AOMs [12]. Furthermore, liraglutide prices are more than 50% higher in the United States when prescribed for the indication of antiobesity treatment compared with when prescribed for its antidiabetic effects, adding to stigma around obesity and demonstrating pricing injustice [13].…”

President's page: The re-emergence of prevention in the forefront of cardiology

“…Since then, as newer therapeutics have been released, we continue to be faced repeatedly with barriers to access. Such an example is the access to weight loss medication, which clearly has had limited utilization despite an overwhelming need [19] . It is estimated that, although approximately 45% of the US population is eligible for obesity treatment, only an estimated 1-2% of adults with obesity actually are receiving anti-obesity medications [20] .…”

Effects of Intermittent Energy Restriction Alone and in Combination with Sprint Interval Training on Body Composition and Cardiometabolic Biomarkers in Individuals with Overweight and Obesity

“…Baseline testing (Week 0) was completed over 2 days. On day 1, participants arrived at the research testing facility between 0700 and 0900 to undertake the following: (1). Assessment of body weight and waist to hip ratio, (2).…”

“…Obesity rates continue to rise worldwide, with one-in-five children and adolescents classified as overweight [1]. Excessive weight is a risk factor for many of the world's leading causes of death, including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and various types of cancer and as a result, is responsible for over four million premature deaths a year [1]. Higher energy intake and lower energy expenditure leading to energy imbalance has been identified as the predominate contributor to the aetiology of obesity.…”