President Donald Trump hosted a meeting in the Oval Office this week with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Mehmet Oz, and representatives from pharmaceutical companies Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly to discuss reducing the costs of weight loss medications.
The gathering focused on GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, which are popular for treating obesity and diabetes. Trump announced a deal allowing these drugs to be sold at discounted prices, potentially as low as $149 or $245 per month for eligible Medicare and Medicaid patients. The primary goal of the initiative is to make these effective weight loss treatments more affordable for Americans struggling with obesity, thereby improving public health access.
However, the deal has faced pushback from some Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) advocates who criticize the Trump administration for promoting pharmaceutical solutions over natural alternatives. These critics argue that the administration should prioritize holistic remedies, such as dietary changes and lifestyle interventions, to address obesity in Americans. They view the emphasis on GLP-1 drugs as a potential clash with MAHA’s core principles, especially given RFK Jr.’s involvement in the movement.
GLP-1 medications carry risks including common side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Some users have reported more serious issues, such as increased risks of pancreatitis, kidney problems, gastrointestinal disorders, and even “Ozempic face” from rapid weight loss leading to sagging skin.
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NOT SO FAST: MAHA skeptical of Trump plan to curb obesity with cheap Ozempic
