Time to take obesity seriously in NH
If someone has asthma, Medicaid covers inhalers. If they have high blood pressure, Medicaid covers medication. But when someone has obesity, a chronic disease that can lead to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, arthritis and cancer – we too often tell them to just try harder. Medical science has moved beyond that thinking, and so should our lawmakers.
GLP-1 medications like Zepbound and Wegovy are among the most effective treatments for obesity ever developed. Clinical trials have shown average weight loss of 15% or more, and research has found that certain GLP-1 medications can reduce the risk of serious heart problems, even in people without diabetes.
Restoring Medicaid coverage for these medications isn’t about appearance or vanity. It’s about treating a chronic disease and helping prevent serious health problems that can lead to costly hospital stays, dialysis, joint replacements, and long-term disability.
I know there is a cost for these medications, but leaving obesity untreated comes at a cost too, resulting in unnecessary suffering, lives lost, and rising healthcare expenses.
Obesity is a chronic disease, and effective treatments are available. New Hampshire lawmakers should reconsider their decision to end Medicaid coverage for medications prescribed to treat obesity. People deserve access to effective medical care, regardless of their income.