For many individuals hoping to drop a few pounds, the largest impediment is not discovering a medicine that works — it is discovering one they will afford.

As insurance coverage firms proceed limiting protection for standard GLP-1 drugs resembling Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound, some sufferers are turning to inexpensive compounded variations. Researchers on the College of Mississippi say that call might include vital well being dangers.

Compounded drugs are custom-made by pharmacies and are usually not reviewed by way of the identical approval course of as medication authorized by the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration.

Researchers say the FDA has already warned shoppers about some compounded GLP-1 merchandise after discovering pharmacies promoting drugs made with unapproved substances or substances that differed from what sufferers believed they have been buying.

“These costs are extra affordable as a result of these medication are sometimes not being manufactured appropriately, and you do not all the time know what you are injecting into your physique,” stated Dr. Sujith Ramachandran, an affiliate professor of pharmacy administration on the College of Mississippi.

The warning comes as demand for GLP-1 drugs continues to develop nationwide.

Though unbiased researchers have discovered the medication present sturdy well being advantages relative to their price, insurance coverage firms proceed to limit protection due to the big quantity of people that qualify for remedy. With weight problems affecting roughly 40% of American adults, widespread protection might add billions of {dollars} in spending for insurers.

Ramachandran stated one other problem is that many sufferers cease taking the drugs inside a yr due to price, uncomfortable side effects or reaching their weight-loss objectives. With out continued remedy and way of life modifications, many regain the load they misplaced.

As an alternative of counting on remedy alone, researchers say profitable long-term weight administration requires diet counseling, common bodily exercise and ongoing medical help.

For sufferers contemplating GLP-1 drugs, researchers suggest speaking with a doctor earlier than starting remedy, confirming any remedy is FDA-approved and avoiding merchandise from unknown on-line sources.

Whereas insurance coverage protection has expanded for some sufferers with circumstances resembling diabetes and sleep apnea, researchers consider entry for weight reduction alone might change into extra restricted sooner or later.