Chances are you’re reading this while digesting your Christmas leftovers and wondering how on earth you’re going to lose that holiday weight. First of all, put that turkey leg down! Secondly, you are not alone. Forty-two percent of Americans are now considered obese. It’s a hefty statistic that comes with a hefty pricetag—we’re talking hundreds of billions of dollars in medical costs.
Sure, you can diet and exercise. Or you could take a weekly appetite-suppressing injection that on average will help you lose 14 pounds. Many are opting for the latter. The problem is few insurance providers cover the expenses, which can be considerable. But Americans are doers, and we aren’t going to let some problem like prohibitive costs get in the way of looking and feeling good.
As noted in the Wall Street Journal: "Across the country, some consumers are paying $10,000 a year or more to get popular drugs" for off-label use. "Patients report taking on second jobs, racking up credit cards and cutting back on travel or family expenses. ... They are also self paying for off-label use of Novo’s diabetes drug, Ozempic, and sister drug Wegovy, which is approved for weight loss."
Jordan Jones told the Journal "her boyfriend is now working 12-hour shifts four days a week to pay for her $800 monthly supply" of Ozempic. "The couple is also cutting back on eating out, gas, groceries and alcohol." Meanwhile, "Each month Tina Marie Porter pays about $1,000 out of pocket for Mounjaro. To make up for the extra monthly expense, the 49-year-old director of operations takes on more assignments and seeks odd jobs."
Who says Americans are fat and lazy?
For the sake of the nation’s health (not to mention their own physical well-being), these Americans have chosen the tougher path like the pioneers before them. It won’t be easy—well, except the losing weight part. Nevertheless, for demonstrating once again that can-do spirit and a willingness to literally work the weight off (and temporarily go into debt), we salute these Ozempic "dieters" as Washington Free Beacon Men of the Year.
Okay, you can finish that turkey leg now.
