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RFK Jr. vs. Dr. Oz: The Weight-Loss Drug Debate and Its Impact on America’s Health Policy

Emilia Wright | January 29, 2025

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RFK Jr., Dr. Oz, and the Weight-Loss Drug Debate: A Collision of Health Policies Looms

The Health Clash Over Weight-Loss Medications

In the evolving landscape of health policy, a brewing conflict is emerging over weight-loss drugs, particularly among Trump’s health nominees, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mehmet Oz. While both agree on the necessity for Americans to lose weight, their approaches significantly diverge when it comes to the use of expensive medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.

As a practicing weight management doctor, Mollie Cecil has witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of these newer weight-loss drugs on her patients and her own health. After a year on medication, Dr. Cecil successfully shed 40 pounds, resulting in improved cholesterol and alleviating arthritis symptoms. “I felt like a new person,” she reflected. However, the fear of losing insurance coverage loomed large, prompting her to taper off the drugs. Unfortunately, her concerns were validated; her new nonprofit insurance did not cover the drug, leading to a rebound in weight.

A Potential Policy Shift

The latest class of weight-loss medications, known as GLP-1 agonists, is considered among the most effective on the market. Despite their efficacy—Dr. Cecil describes them as “the most potent weight-loss medications we have ever had”—access remains a significant hurdle. With private insurance often not covering the drugs, and a federal ban on Medicare covering them for weight loss, individuals can face exorbitant costs; on average, the medications can run about $1,000 (£809) per month. Only 13 states offer Medicaid coverage for weight-loss purposes.

In the past, then-President Joe Biden proposed that Medicare and Medicaid provide coverage for these drugs. However, the implementation of this proposal rests in the hands of the incoming administration led by Donald Trump. Thus, the regulatory fate lies with his appointees: Kennedy, a vocal skeptic of weight-loss drugs, and Oz, a surgeon and former television personality renowned for promoting them.

Two Sides of a Health Divide

During his presidential candidacy, Kennedy emphasized combating the obesity crisis, with over 100 million Americans being classified as obese according to the CDC. He launched the “Make America Healthy Again” initiative aimed at addressing obesity through dietary changes rather than reliance on medications.

Kennedy has been critical of weight-loss drugs, suggesting that they are tools of a healthcare system capitalizing on addiction and ignorance. He stated, “If we just gave good food, three meals a day, to every man, woman and child in our country, we could solve the obesity and diabetes epidemic overnight.”

In stark contrast, Oz has built a reputation around endorsing weight-loss medications. He touts the benefits of GLP-1 drugs and insists that simplifying access to these medications is crucial for achieving health goals. “For those who want to lose a few pounds, Ozempic and other semaglutide medications can be a big help,” Oz asserted on social media.

The Cost Dilemma

The high price of GLP-1 drugs presents a significant challenge for insurance companies. As health policy researcher Benjamin Rome explains, insurers must weigh the implications of rising premiums to cover these medications against the precarious option of denying access. Many have deviated from including these drugs in their coverage plans or restrict access once a patient falls below an obesity BMI of 30.

Dr. Cecil recalled her experience with her previous insurance, noting that despite medical necessity, she had to manage her weight carefully to remain eligible for coverage. She warns that abrupt cessation of these medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms and subsequent weight regain, further complicating the issue.

The administration of Medicare and Medicaid likewise faces significant cost concerns regarding drug coverage. Projections indicate that covering GLP-1 medications could spur expenses as high as $25 billion for Medicare and $11 billion for Medicaid in the next decade, prompting the critical question: “How do we pay for that?” according to Dr. Mark Fendrick.

The Path Forward

Existing proposals from the Biden administration must undergo public scrutiny before the Trump administration decides how to proceed. Dr. Cecil remains hopeful about overcoming the financial barrier to improve access to these life-altering medications. She asserts that the long-term savings from addressing obesity could far outweigh the initial costs associated with the drugs. “Five to ten years is when we would really see a huge payoff,” she noted.

The intersection of weight-loss medications, health policy, and personal well-being remains a contentious issue. With millions of Americans grappling with obesity, the future direction remains uncertain. As the political landscape shifts, the outcome of the forthcoming discussions could define health outcomes for countless individuals across the nation.