Desert Regional weight management specialists react to FDA’s approval of Wegovy for cardiovascular complications

This month, the Food and Drug Administration approved Novo Nordisk’s weight loss drug, Wegovy to reduce the risk of weight-related cardiovascular complications. 

During its five-year trial period, the injectable medication slashed the risk of non-fatal heart attacks for people with obesity by 28 percent.

Currently, a 28-day supply of Wegovy costs about $1,350 for many out of pocket patients.

Weight loss management specialists at Desert Regional Medical Center say that the FDA’s decision could be a step towards widespread insurance coverage for the drug.

“I think that we are beginning to move away from the stigma that it [obesity] is a personal issue...I think that having the indication to use the medication to treat weight in association with cardiovascular disease is just yet another step towards getting better insurance coverage and getting better availability for our patients," said Rachel Millard, nurse practitioner with the Center for Weight Management at Desert Regional Medical Center.