Should obesity drug be paid by Medicare?

[lightbulb27]

Discussion on this topic, from a negative viewpoint), starts at 52:33

the drug is made in Germany, so US Taxpayer $ would thus go to Germany to pay for a problem that is largely preventable by diet. As well, the drug has side effects (all drugs do).

Does this make sense? There's legislation proposed to ensure this gets into Medicare. How would you like your representative/President to vote?

I think USA needs to address our dietary and environmental issues, not spend more $ on drugs. I agree with the opinion in this video.

Yes - taxpayers should fund weight loss drug, likely in the Trillions in cost

No - weight loss is personal expense

[DrPepper12]

FULL DISCLOSURE: I've already lost 45 lbs in 10 months on Wegovy.

EVERY plan private and public should pay for it by negotiating Medicare bulk prices for ALL plans.

Obesity is much more than being fat. It is increasingly recognized as a condition (genetics is a BIG factor and it's not so much a "will power" problem. It has SO MANY other horrific consequences that it's worth it. BUT USA America MUST STOP with the cheap processed food. It's absolutely criminal what passes for food here. It's salt, carbs and sugar with ZERO vitamins or protein! It's sickening, gross and evil.

I also think gym membership should be subsidized by employers at a VERY nominal amount (10-20% dues after a year paying solo I guess).

[lightbulb27]

I agree we need to change our food environment and that should be a priority for either candidate.

[DrPepper12]

Michelle Obama How did zero lock changing school diets. I've taught for 20 years in a high school and I assure you the things that they're making just to bring the "stuff" (I dare not call it food) up to USDA nutrition standards is going straight into the garbage and all of these schools can say "Look our nutrition targets were met!" It's a shell game and taxpayers get screwed and institutional players get paid.

[lightbulb27]

the guests in the video mention this, how she was right in the first year, but she was bought out by corporate. I agree from what I see in school lunches, we always make our own. It's sad. You should see Japanese kids... they have a good balanced meal, maybe a bit odd for americans, but better.
I agree with Kamala... lets set a new direction forward and I agree with Trump... Make America Great Again. We gotta fix this fundamental issue first. forget all the distractions.

[ProbablyClueless]

I don't think so... Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are temporary, lifelong dependency causing solutions to a problem that wouldn't exist if we didn't have a society-wide adduction to ultra processed foods.

Getting medicare funding for those drugs would just be more money in the pockets of people who created the problem. I can't do that in good conscience.

[lightbulb27]

well said!

[jorfan3]

I don't think an obesity drug should be. I think that access to a dietician, nutritionist, and anyone else that can help a person lose weight (like an endocrinologist) should be made available for free. So should therapists to cope with unhealthy eating habits.

But free medicine to cope with being able to eat literally almost anything you want, and more of it, while still losing weight? No. That is not fair to third world countries.

[DrPepper12]

It doesn't work that way. Most people really don't change What they eat on Wegovy, but because it makes you feel full they eat less of it.

[NamerOfStars]

Given how much the role of being overweight is exaggerated in medical problems, we're going to be paying out trillions anyway. Better to know where it's going.

[lightbulb27]

ok. that's what this video is about... our diet. It isn't really "weight" per se, I doubt weight lifters and people in shape but full of muscle will take this. We have a major obesity problem, now extending into young children.

[NaultD]

They are repurposed diabetes medication in the first place. So they are already tried and trusted for an already medical nessesity.

If we actually gave a fuck we would tax sugar like alcohol if not 3x as much but we don't.

As it stands why not. Unless we want to overhaul our entire grocery economy from the roots up. Baby steps and compromises are needed.

[Juxtapose]

No, but food in general should be more like German food. Their vegetarian diets and whatnot are actually total fire 🔥 IT TASTES SO GOOD!

[lightbulb27]

I've not had so much, don't recall much of the food from when I visited Germany. Like what vegetarian dishes? There's no German restaurants around my area. Cultured vegetables, saukraut of course is good.

[Juxtapose]

Like this:

www.google.com/search

[Juxtapose]

Doner.

[DrPepper12]

@lightbulb27. If you like everything marinated in vinegar then german food is for you!! 🤮

[lightbulb27]

@DrPepper12 good vinegar yes, but saurkraut needs a lot of something... like sugar:)

[exitseven]

these drugs tell you upfront that if you stop taking the drug you gain the weight back. I suspect that there will be long term side effects that will occur causing additional medical care later in life. I t is best to limit calories and increase exercise.

The government should stay out of this. I imagine Harris will pander to the fat vote and say that she will get the government (namely anyone with a good job) to pay for it.

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