Discovering insights into the widespread usage of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro sheds light on their growing popularity, especially in the realm of weight management. Recent findings from a comprehensive health survey conducted by KFF in April underscore this trend, revealing that approximately one in eight adults across the United States has incorporated a GLP-1 drug into their healthcare regimen at some point.
The survey, conducted during the final week of April, uncovers that a noteworthy 6% of American adults, equating to over 15 million individuals, are presently utilizing these medications. Delving deeper, it becomes apparent that a significant portion of individuals resorting to GLP-1 drugs have received diagnoses related to chronic health conditions. Notably, 43% have been diagnosed with diabetes, 25% with heart disease, and 22% with overweight or obesity concerns within the last five years.
While the majority of respondents acknowledge using GLP-1 drugs primarily to address chronic ailments such as diabetes or heart disease, a considerable portion, comprising about four in 10 adults, indicate employing these medications chiefly for weight loss purposes.
The survey further illuminates the financial strain associated with accessing these medications, with over half of respondents expressing difficulties affording them. Among those who found it challenging, a notable 22% deemed it "very difficult." Despite most insured individuals receiving some coverage for GLP-1 drugs, approximately 53% of them still encountered financial hurdles in affording the costs associated with these medications.
Interestingly, the survey highlights age discrepancies in GLP-1 drug usage, with older adults, particularly those aged 50 to 64 and 65 and above, demonstrating higher likelihoods of incorporating these medications into their healthcare routines. Notably, only a minimal 1% of individuals aged 65 and above reported using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, potentially reflecting Medicare's lack of coverage for prescription drugs aimed at weight management. This observation is noteworthy, given that a substantial 37% of older adults were informed by healthcare providers of their overweight or obese status within the past five years.
The findings from this survey not only provide valuable insights into the widespread utilization of GLP-1 medications but also underscore the financial challenges and age-related disparities associated with accessing these drugs for managing chronic conditions and weight loss.
While current Medicare regulations prohibit coverage for prescription drugs used specifically for weight loss, a notable six in 10 adults express a belief that Medicare policy should be revised to encompass the cost of such medications when prescribed for individuals clinically classified as overweight.
The KFF study further illuminates age-related disparities in GLP-1 drug usage, indicating that younger adults are more inclined to utilize these medications primarily for weight loss purposes. Among respondents, approximately 7% of individuals aged 18 to 29 have incorporated a GLP-1 drug into their healthcare routine, followed closely by 6% of those aged 30 to 49.
As demand for GLP-1 drugs surges, the survey delves into how adults are acquiring these medications, shedding light on the evolving landscape of drug procurement. A significant majority, comprising about eight in 10 adults, report obtaining GLP-1 drugs or prescriptions for them from their primary care physician or a specialist. However, a notable proportion of respondents have turned to alternative avenues for procurement, with approximately 11% sourcing these medications from online providers or websites, 10% from medical spas or aesthetic medical centers, and a smaller fraction obtaining them from other sources.
These insights underscore the complex interplay between healthcare policies, patient preferences, and evolving healthcare landscapes, shedding light on the challenges and opportunities inherent in accessing and utilizing GLP-1 medications for weight management and other health-related purposes.
The Quran - Chapter Qaf : 40
And glorify Him during part of the night1 and after the prayers.
وَأَدْبَارَ السُّجُودِ (...and at the ends of prostration.... 50:40) Mujahid (رح) interprets sujud in this verse to refer to the five obligatory prayers, and the phrase "at the ends of the prostrations", according to him, refers to all those tasbihat which authentic ahadith encourage us to recite after every prayer. Sayyidna Abu Hurairah ؓ reports that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said: "Whosoever recites after every obligatory prayer 33 times subhanallah (سُبحَانَ اللہ), 33 times al-hamdulillah (اَلحَمدُ للہ) and 33 times allahu 'akbar (اللہُ اَکبَر), and once:
لَا اِلٰہَ ِالّا اللہُ وَحدَہُ ، لَا شَرِیکَ لَہُ ، لَہُ المُلکُ وَ لَہُ الحَمدُ وھُوَ علیٰ کُلِّ شیٔ قَدِیر
la ilaha illatlahu wahdahu la-sharika lahu lah-ul-mulku wa-lah-ul- hamdu wa huwa 'ala kulli shai'in qadeer.
- all his sins will be forgiven, even though they may be equal to the waves of the sea (Bukhari and Muslim). The phrase "at the ends of the prostrations" could also refer to the supererogatory prayers to be performed after the obligatory prayers as authentic Traditions testify (Mazhari).
