Doctor Ľubomíra Fábryová discusses the challenges patients face when discontinuing expensive weight loss medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro too soon, leading to the common yo-yo effect in weight management.
In a recent interview, Doctor Ľubomíra Fábryová, president of the Slovak Obesity Association, highlighted the issues surrounding the use of weight loss medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro. Many patients reportedly stop taking these medications too quickly, often due to their high costs, which results in a cycle of weight gain known as the yo-yo effect. According to Fábryová, few patients are able to maintain their treatment for longer than six months, which is crucial for the sustainability of weight loss efforts.
Fábryová explained that the commonly prescribed medications work by inducing a feeling of fullness among individuals suffering from obesity or problematic overweight. However, she emphasized that weight loss for aesthetic reasons is not a valid medical indication for these treatments, which should primarily be reserved for those facing health risks. Despite this, any physician can prescribe these drugs if patients are willing to cover the expenses themselves, thus broadening access albeit at a significant financial burden for individuals.
The doctor also expressed concern over the rising rates of obesity, suggesting that financial constraints greatly hinder effective long-term treatment. The conversation reflects wider societal implications regarding healthcare access and the financial difficulties many face when seeking medical interventions for weight management, and it raises questions about the support systems in place for patients managing obesity.
