Trump unveils new deal to lower cost of Ozempic and Wegovy for more Americans... but doctors urge caution

In a recent Daily Mail feature, I weighed in on the Biden administration’s and now Donald Trump’s growing interest in expanding access to GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy. While these drugs can be transformative for obesity and diabetes management, their use must be approached with caution.

It’s true — obesity remains one of the greatest public health crises in America. GLP-1 agonists can help patients lose weight and improve metabolic health. But the challenge lies in permanence. Once the medication stops, weight often rebounds unless lasting lifestyle changes are in place.

For older adults in particular — the main demographic covered by Medicare — decades of ingrained habits can make sustainable behavior change difficult. Medication alone can’t replace healthy eating and regular physical activity.

In the end, no drug is a substitute for discipline. GLP-1s are powerful tools, but like any tool, their success depends on how — and how long — they’re used.