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The Skinny on Big Pharma's Latest Weight Loss Scheme

America is in the grip of an obesity crisis.

With over 40% of adults classified as obese, it’s no wonder that many of us are desperately seeking solutions.

Enter Big Pharma, always eager to capitalize on our health woes—this time with a new wave of weight loss drugs that promise miraculous results.

But at what cost?

Let’s be clear: drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic do work. They’ve helped many people shed significant pounds.

But before you jump on the bandwagon, there are some crucial facts you need to know.

Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical giant behind the weight loss drug Zepbound, has just announced a new strategy to get their product into more hands—and wallets.

They’re now offering the smallest, starter dose of Zepbound in vials for $399 a month through their direct-to-consumer website.

At first glance, this might seem like a step towards making these drugs more accessible. But let’s break down what’s really happening:

  • The Price Tag: $399 a month is still a staggering amount for most Americans. That’s nearly $5,000 a year – and that’s just for the lowest dose.
  • The Catch: These drugs only work while you’re taking them. Stop, and the weight comes back. We’re talking about a potential lifetime commitment to a pricey medication.
  • The Side Effects: These drugs aren’t without risks. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Some users have reported more serious issues like pancreatitis.
  • The Long-Term Unknown: These drugs are relatively new. We don’t yet know the full extent of their long-term effects.
  • The Profit Motive: Make no mistake, this is about profits. Lilly raised its sales forecast by $3 billion after ramping up production of these drugs.

Now, we’re not saying these drugs don’t have their place.

For some people, particularly those with severe obesity and related health issues, they could be life-changing.

But for many others, they represent an expensive Band-Aid on a much larger problem.

The reality is, America’s obesity crisis is complex. It’s rooted in our food system, our sedentary lifestyles, and even socioeconomic factors. A pill—no matter how effective—isn’t going to solve these underlying issues.

So, before you jump on the weight loss drug bandwagon, consider first trying these natural, sustainable approaches that don’t come with a $400 monthly price tag:

  • Focus on whole, unprocessed foods: Cut out sugary drinks, refined carbs, and processed snacks.
  • Move your body: Find physical activities you enjoy and make them a regular part of your routine.
  • Manage stress: Chronic stress can lead to weight gain. Try meditation, yoga, or other stress-reduction techniques.
  • Get enough sleep: Poor sleep is linked to weight gain and increased appetite.
  • Consider natural supplements: Some supplements like green tea extract and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) have shown promise in supporting weight loss efforts.

Remember, sustainable weight loss isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about making lasting lifestyle changes that improve your overall health.

However, if you are considering whether one of these blockbuster weight loss drugs might be right for you, here are five crucial questions to ask yourself and discuss with your healthcare provider:

  1. Have I exhausted all other options? Have you genuinely tried lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and exercise programs?
  2. Can I afford the long-term cost? Remember, these drugs only work while you’re taking them. Can you commit to the expense indefinitely?
  3. Am I prepared for potential side effects? How will I cope if I experience nausea, diarrhea, or other common side effects?
  4. What’s my exit strategy? If the drug stops working or I decide to stop taking it, what’s my plan to maintain my weight loss?
  5. How will I measure success? Is it just about the number on the scale, or are there other health markers I should consider?

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to weight loss. What works for one person may not work for another.

To exposing Big Pharma’s true objective,

Rachel Mace
Managing Editorial Director, e-Alert
with contributions from the research team

P.S. Could this blockbuster weight loss drug could reverse one of world’s most feared diseases? We cover it all in the May issue of the Health Sciences Institute. Not a member? Click the red button to learn more about becoming one.

Source:

Wingrove, P. (2024, August 27). Lilly Launches Smallest Single-dose Vials Of Zepbound for $399. Medscape; Medscape. https://www.medscape.com/s/viewarticle/lilly-launches-single-dose-vials-zepbound-weight-loss-expand-2024a1000fmk

Lowden, E. (2023, November 15). Zepbound Side Effects: Why Do They Happen? What Can You Do? Form Health. https://www.formhealth.co/blog/zepbound-side-effects/

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