Hello, everyone, and how are you today? We are doing just fine, thank you, especially since the middle of the week is upon us. After all, we have made it this far, so we are determined to hang on for another couple of days. And why not? The alternatives — at least those we can identify — are not so appetizing. And what better way to make the time fly than to keep busy. So grab that cup of stimulation and get started. Our flavor today is maple bourbon, for those tracking our habits. Now, though, the time has come to get busy. So please grab your own cup and dig in to the items of interest assembled below. We hope you have a wonderful day, and please do keep in touch. …
More than half of people prescribed the Wegovy and Saxenda weight loss drugs over the past decade ended treatment too early to realize meaningful health benefits, USA Today writes, citing a study by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The insurer analyzed pharmacy and medical claims of nearly 170,000 people between July 2014 and December 2023 and found 58% did not complete a 12-week course of the medicines. Nearly one-third halted treatment within four weeks, before recommended dosages reached the targeted strength. These patients were less likely to achieve the medical benefits of weight loss, because they dropped out before finishing the recommended treatment.
GLP-1 drugs are transforming the treatment of diabetes and obesity, but many Black Americans, including patients and medical experts, worry that their community is being left behind, STAT explains. Black Americans have long had higher than average rates of chronic disease, for reasons that include disparities in income and education; less access to health insurance, housing, healthy food; and the “weathering” of racism-related stress. Non-Hispanic Black adults have the highest rates of obesity, based on body mass index, at nearly 50%. Yet recent studies found that Black people with diabetes are less likely to be prescribed GLP-1 drugs.
