In D.C., Obesity Drugs Out of Reach for Many Despite Growing Awareness

August 21, 2025

Serena Williams has publicly shared her experience using GLP-1 medications for weight loss, bringing attention to accessibility and affordability concerns surrounding these drugs. According to a KFF Health Tracking Poll, about 12% of U.S. adults have used medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, with higher usage rates among people with diabetes, heart disease, or obesity. Despite their effectiveness, more than half of users report difficulty affording these medications, and access is particularly challenging in Washington D.C., where Medicaid, which covers 42.

Who is affected

U.S. adults using or seeking GLP-1 medications
People with chronic conditions (diabetes, heart disease, obesity)
Black adults (who have higher usage rates than white adults)
Washington D.C. residents, particularly the 42.4% covered by Medicaid
People struggling to afford the medications (54% of users)
The 24.3% of D.C. adults living with obesity and 8% with diabetes

What action is being taken

Serena Williams is using her platform to normalize GLP-1 drug use and challenge the "easy way out" narrative
79% of GLP-1 users are obtaining the medications through primary care doctors or specialists
Some patients are accessing these medications through alternative means like telehealth, online providers, or medical spas

Why it matters

GLP-1 medications represent breakthrough treatments for obesity and diabetes
The high cost ($936-$1,349 per month before insurance) creates significant access barriers
Lack of Medicaid coverage for obesity medications in D.C. leaves many without treatment options
The medications can help address health issues that impact quality of life and, in Williams' case, potentially career performance
The accessibility issue disproportionately affects communities with higher rates of obesity and diabetes

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer