A U.S. senator stated a GLP-1 drug modified his life — and now he is calling for widespread entry to anti-obesity medicines.
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 medication is primarily used to deal with sort 2 diabetes.
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Fetterman was prescribed the remedy in July 2025.
“As a stroke survivor, I used to be excited by research exhibiting [Mounjaro] might considerably scale back the danger 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)
“Although I began taking it for my coronary heart well being, 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 unwanted effects, I’ve additionally misplaced round 20 kilos.”
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Past decreasing blood sugar, GLP-1 medicines have additionally been linked to a variety of different advantages, together with improved coronary heart well being, neurological operate and metabolic well being, as Fox Information Digital has reported.
Eli Lilly, maker of Mounjaro, additionally affords one other model of the drug known as Zepbound, which is similar remedy accredited for weight reduction, power weight administration and sleep apnea.
Different GLP-1 medicines embody 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 by research exhibiting [Mounjaro] might considerably scale back the danger of main cardiac occasions,” the senator wrote in an April op-ed. (Reuters)
Fetterman famous that GLP-1 medicine have been discovered to have useful results on ldl cholesterol, coronary heart charge and coronary heart irritation.
“Some current research counsel they could even assist curb alcohol habit and assist cognitive operate, 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 known as for expanded entry to those medicines, which might value as much as $1,000 out of pocket if not lined by insurance coverage.
“At the moment, Medicare covers these medicine solely beneath particular circumstances, similar to 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 medicines and desires to make it possible for 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 diet and wholesome dwelling, he stated he believes the medicines are mandatory for some.
Eli Lilly, maker of Mounjaro, additionally affords one other model of the drug known as Zepbound, which is similar remedy accredited for weight reduction, power weight administration and sleep apnea. (iStock)
“I absolutely agree that weight loss program and life-style matter — rather a lot. However weight loss program alone isn’t sufficient,” he wrote.
“For the hundreds of thousands of People combating critical well being points, remedy generally is a essential first step to regaining sufficient management of their well being to start making significant life-style adjustments.”
Docs talk about advantages and entry
Dr. Marc Siegel, medical professor of medication at NYU Langone Well being and Fox Information’ senior medical analyst, famous that semaglutides, together with Ozempic and Wegovy, are “crucial medicine” for sort 2 diabetes, with growing use for weight problems.
“Although these medicine seem to have useful makes use of for the center and lipid profile — and in addition the mind and lowering dementia danger — research are ongoing and extra knowledge remains to be wanted,” he informed Fox Information Digital.
The primary method to weight problems is life-style adjustments, together with train, improved weight loss program and optimum sleep, Siegel stated.
“Having stated that, these weight-loss medicine (together with Zepbound) are additionally good instruments when life-style will not be sufficient,” he famous.
Fetterman was prescribed Mounjaro for potential coronary heart well being advantages. (Getty Photos)
“They assist forestall down-the-line illnesses similar to coronary heart illness, stroke, hypertension and sleep apnea, which have a tendency to come back from weight problems.”
He added, “General, we’re saving the healthcare system cash, so I wish to see Medicare and Medicaid approve them for diabetes and weight reduction.”
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Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity skilled, stated 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 informed Fox Information Digital.
Past decreasing blood sugar, GLP-1 medicines have additionally been linked to a variety of different advantages, together with improved coronary heart well being, neurological operate and metabolic well being. (iStock)
“Individuals 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 “hardly ever ample.”
“GLP-1s give sufferers momentum by getting the ball rolling,” he stated. “And when that occurs, well being habits are shaped. Eating regimen improves. Motion improves. Individuals begin to really feel the advantages of wholesome dwelling.”
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Osborn famous that these medicines aren’t beauty, however therapeutic.
“I’ve seen what they’ll do firsthand: reductions in physique fats, irritation, glucose, triglycerides and insulin resistance — and with these, important reductions within the incidence of stroke and coronary heart assault.”
“I consider this can be a sign aimed squarely at Massive Pharma.”
President Donald Trump’s administration just lately introduced that Medicare and Medicaid wouldn’t cowl the medicines, because the Facilities for Medicare and Medicaid Companies stated late Friday.
Osborn stated the transfer to dam protection probably would not must do with efficacy.
“Trump is aware of these medicines work,” Osborn stated. “I consider this can be a sign aimed squarely at Massive 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 stated.
“President Trump will probably negotiate till the ‘worth is correct,’ disempowering Massive Pharma whereas concomitantly bettering the well being of People.”
