Weight-Loss Drug Breakthrough: Mounjaro Outperforms Ozempic, But Affordability Remains a Major Hurdle

New Weight-Loss Drug Shows Promise, But High Cost and Limited Coverage Remain Barriers A recent head-to-head study has revealed that tirzepatide (Mounjaro) leads to significantly greater weight loss than semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy), with participants losing approximately 20% of their body weight compared to 14%. However, the study, funded by Eli Lilly, raises questions about potential bias. Dr. Celine Gounder, featured in the CBS Mornings segment, emphasizes the substantial cost of these medications, stating that 'the prices do remain high,' making them inaccessible to many despite their effectiveness. On average, patients face over $1,000 in out-of-pocket expenses. Furthermore, only one in four insurance companies currently covers these medications, creating a significant barrier to treatment. The video also touches upon a previous proposal under the Biden administration to expand Medicare coverage, a proposal that was later rescinded by the Trump administration. This highlights the ongoing debate surrounding access to these potentially life-changing medications.