Journal Article Epublish
PubMed: 42494804 DOI: 10.1016/j.obpill.2026.100304
A survey of primary care physicians' views on supporting patients who lose insurance coverage for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1-based drugs for weight management.
Obes Pillars 19:100304
Authors: Lauren Oshman, Amy Runyon, Alexis Vicenzi Bal, Patricia Arizaca-Dileo, Ananda Sen, Amal Othman, Jonathan Gabison, Amy Rothberg, Andrew Kraftson, Dina Griauzde, A Mark Fendrick
Affiliations
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Road, Bldg. 16 4th Floor, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, 2800 Plymouth Road, North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), Building 16, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, 3110 Taubman Center, SPC 5368, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5368, USA.
- VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, 2215 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based drugs for weight management are commonly prescribed by primary care physicians (PCPs), many of whom have limited familiarity with alternative weight management treatments. This knowledge gap may be especially problematic when patients lose insurance coverage for - and therefore access to - GLP-1-based drugs after initial weight loss, as these patients may require alternative treatments to sustain weight loss or maintenance. To date, little is known about how prepared PCPs feel to manage this increasingly common clinical scenario.
METHODS
This was a cross-sectional web-based survey of PCPs at an academic medical center in the Midwestern United States who provide care to patients who lost coverage for GLP-1-based drugs for weight management from a large statewide insurer in 2025. Quantitative responses were analyzed descriptively and with chi-square tests; open-ended responses were analyzed with directed content analysis.
RESULTS
Among surveyed PCPs, the response rate was 51% (111/216). Approximately half (53/109, 49%) felt uncomfortable helping patients manage their weight following loss of coverage for GLP-1-based drugs for weight management. Greater comfort was associated with past experiences prescribing phentermine (aOR 4.14, 95% CI 1.69-10.18) and prescribing liraglutide (aOR 2.34, 95% CI 1.05-5.24). Most (82/110, 75%) felt that less than a quarter of their patients would be able to maintain their weight loss after losing insurance coverage and access to GLP-1-based drugs. Referral to American Board of Obesity Medicine (ABOM) board-certified physicians was preferred to support ongoing weight management of these patients (46/96, 48%).
CONCLUSIONS
Half of all PCPs at an academic medical center are uncomfortable supporting patients' transition from GLP-1-based drugs to alternative weight management treatments following loss of insurance for these agents. Additional resources, including access to ABOM-certified physicians, are needed to support patients facing this common clinical scenario.
MeSH
Glucagon-Like Peptide 1, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Insurance Coverage, Academic Medical Centers, Insurance, Physicians, Weight Loss, Glucagon, Therapeutics, Physicians, Primary Care, Glucagon-Like Peptides, Weight Control