Reader TTS

STILL, THERE ARE BARRIERS  That’s not to say everything is easy with these medications. At first, I was not comfortable injecting myself, as these drugs are usually taken via a subcutaneous

route, like with insulin shots. Needles creep me out. I’ve found a way to move past this, but for those who can’t, know that researchers are investigating a GLP-1 pill for weight loss, and

clinical trial results are so far promising. And while my side effects have been minimal, these medications have been linked to more serious issues in some, including gallbladder problems,

pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and stomach paralysis. I don’t want to gloss over the high costs, either. Price seems to be one of the biggest hurdles people (in the U.S., at

least) have with taking the GLP-1 plunge — and perhaps a reason many people stop taking the drugs after initial success. The medications can cost more than $1,000 a month, and private

insurance coverage can be spotty. Medicare does not cover medications for weight loss, but will cover GLP-1s if they are prescribed for other federally approved indications, like type 2

diabetes and cardiovascular disease. David D. Kim, assistant professor of medicine and public health sciences at the University of Chicago, studies the long-term economic impact and equity

of health interventions — the value these drugs have to individuals and society itself. “The value means, basically, bang for the buck,” Kim says. Recent research suggests the benefits of

GLP-1s extend beyond weight loss. They may be able to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with heart disease, curb complications in individuals with chronic kidney disease,

improve symptoms of sleep apnea — even slow cognitive decline in adults with Alzheimer’s. Still, Kim says, “if the out-of-pocket cost is over $1,000 a month — for the insurer or the patient

— then a lot of people think, yeah, this is not good value.”  This could change as drug companies, insurance plans and patients react to new studies and fast-changing market dynamics. WHAT I

HAVE GAINED The miracle for me isn’t the weight loss. I’ve lost weight before, although as noted the GLP-1 drug has been a tremendous help at my age and with my health profile. The miracle

is that it has made me think about my self-worth in a way not connected to my weight. Yes, I’m happy I’m finally fitting in my clothes again. But I’m more astonished that I have more time in

the day to do my job, to read, to work on my house or my health or my relationships. I simply had no idea how much time I spent thinking about food and alcohol. (These were intertwined for

me.) And many of the activities that are associated with the pursuit of more food and drink — going to bars, gambling, staying up late — have been greatly curtailed. Will I keep pricking

myself once I’ve hit my goal? I know for some people, they look forward to going off GLP-1 drugs only to find themselves gaining the weight back. Others find they now have the discipline and

routine to lead healthier lifestyles without the aid of these drugs. I’m not sure where I’ll land, but I plan on taking my weekly doses for some time into 2025. After that, we’ll see.  

Either way, this means saying goodbye to “Turbo.” Which I’ve finally decided is fine. I just need a new nickname. You know what’s a cool nickname? “Slim.”