A U.S. senator mentioned a GLP-1 drug modified his life — and now he is calling for widespread entry to anti-obesity drugs.
In a New York Occasions op-ed on April 8, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., wrote about his expertise with Mounjaro (tirzepatide).
The injectable prescription drugs is primarily used to deal with sort 2 diabetes.
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Fetterman was prescribed the medicine in July 2024.
“As a stroke survivor, I used to be excited about research displaying [Mounjaro] may considerably cut back the chance of main cardiac occasions,” the senator wrote.
Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., walks to the chamber on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on March 14, 2025. In an op-ed on April 8, the Pennsylvania senator wrote about his expertise with Mounjaro (tirzepatide). (Reuters)
“Though I began taking it for my heart health, I’ve been struck by how significantly better it has made me really feel throughout the board. It’s made a big impression on my total well being,” he continued.
“Aches, pains and stiffness have vanished. Bodily, I really feel a decade youthful, in addition to clearer-headed and extra optimistic than I’d been in years. So far as negative effects, I’ve additionally misplaced round 20 kilos.”
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Past decreasing blood sugar, GLP-1 drugs have additionally been linked to a spread of different advantages, together with improved coronary heart well being, neurological perform and metabolic well being, as Fox Information Digital has reported.
Eli Lilly, maker of Mounjaro, additionally gives one other model of the drug referred to as Zepbound, which is identical medicine accepted for weight reduction, persistent weight administration and sleep apnea.
Different GLP-1 drugs embrace Ozempic, Wegovy, Victoza, Saxenda, all made by Novo Nordisk.
Sen. Fetterman is pictured on the White Home on Jan. 29, 2025. “As a stroke survivor, I used to be excited about research displaying [Mounjaro] may considerably cut back the chance of main cardiac occasions,” the senator wrote in an April op-ed. (Reuters)
Fetterman famous that GLP-1 medication have been discovered to have useful results on ldl cholesterol, coronary heart charge and coronary heart irritation.
“Some current research recommend they could even assist curb alcohol addiction and help cognitive perform, probably slowing or stopping situations like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s,” he wrote within the Occasions op-ed.
“Bodily, I really feel a decade youthful, in addition to clearer-headed and extra optimistic than I’d been in years.”
Within the op-ed, Fetterman referred to as for expanded entry to these medications, which might price as much as $1,000 out of pocket if not lined by insurance coverage.
“At the moment, Medicare covers these medication solely below particular circumstances, reminiscent of for diabetes or heightened coronary heart danger,” he wrote. “And Medicaid protection is much more restricted.”
Fetterman added that he was not compensated for sharing his expertise.
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“I’m only a man who has benefited from these drugs and needs to guarantee that anybody else who may benefit from them can have entry to them, too,” he wrote.
Whereas Fetterman shares HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s views of prioritizing vitamin and wholesome dwelling, he mentioned he believes the drugs are mandatory for some.
Eli Lilly, maker of Mounjaro, additionally gives one other model of the drug referred to as Zepbound, which is identical medicine accepted for weight reduction, persistent weight administration and sleep apnea. (iStock)
“I absolutely agree that weight loss plan and lifestyle matter — so much. However weight loss plan alone isn’t sufficient,” he wrote.
“For the hundreds of thousands of People scuffling with critical well being points, medicine is usually a essential first step to regaining sufficient management of their well being to start making significant life-style adjustments.”
Medical doctors focus on advantages and entry
Dr. Marc Siegel, scientific professor of drugs at NYU Langone Well being and Fox Information’ senior medical analyst, famous that semaglutides, together with Ozempic and Wegovy, are “essential medication” for type 2 diabetes, with rising use for weight problems.
“Although these medication seem to have useful makes use of for the guts and lipid profile — and likewise the mind and reducing dementia danger — research are ongoing and extra information remains to be wanted,” he instructed Fox Information Digital.
The primary approach to obesity is life-style adjustments, together with train, improved weight loss plan and optimum sleep, Siegel mentioned.
“Having mentioned that, these weight-loss medication (together with Zepbound) are additionally good instruments when life-style shouldn’t be sufficient,” he famous.
Fetterman was prescribed Mounjaro for potential coronary heart well being advantages. (Getty Photographs)
“They assist forestall down-the-line ailments reminiscent of coronary heart illness, stroke, hypertension and sleep apnea, which have a tendency to come back from weight problems.”
He added, “Total, we’re saving the healthcare system cash, so I want to see Medicare and Medicaid approve them for diabetes and weight loss.”
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Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity skilled, mentioned he is been prescribing GLP-1s to his sufferers since 2019.
“Mounjaro and its cousins aren’t simply weight-loss instruments — they’re metabolic reset buttons,” he instructed Fox Information Digital.
Past decreasing blood sugar, GLP-1 drugs have additionally been linked to a spread of different advantages, together with improved coronary heart well being, neurological perform and metabolic well being. (iStock)
“Folks with metabolic syndrome don’t want lectures on kale and the significance of train. They need assistance.”
Osborn agreed that life-style is important, however is “not often enough.”
“GLP-1s give sufferers momentum by getting the ball rolling,” he mentioned. “And when that occurs, well being habits are fashioned. Weight-reduction plan improves. Motion improves. Folks begin to really feel the advantages of wholesome dwelling.”
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Osborn famous that these drugs aren’t beauty, however therapeutic.
“I’ve seen what they will do firsthand: reductions in physique fats, irritation, glucose, triglycerides and insulin resistance — and with these, vital reductions within the incidence of stroke and coronary heart assault.”
“I imagine this can be a sign aimed squarely at Huge Pharma.”
President Donald Trump’s administration just lately introduced that Medicare and Medicaid wouldn’t cowl the drugs, because the Facilities for Medicare and Medicaid Providers mentioned late Friday.
Osborn mentioned the transfer to dam protection doubtless does not must do with efficacy.
“Trump is aware of these drugs work,” Osborn mentioned. “I imagine this can be a sign aimed squarely at Huge Pharma: ‘Decrease the worth, or Medicare, the largest purchaser on the block, is out.’”
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“This isn’t a dismissal — it’s leverage,” Osborn mentioned, stating his opinion on the matter. “President Trump will doubtless negotiate till the ‘value is correct,’ disempowering Huge Pharma whereas concomitantly bettering the well being of People.”
Fox Information Digital reached out to Fetterman’s workplace for remark.