Thursday Shorts: GLP-1 eligibility, soda tax, Long COVID and menopause benefits
December 12, 2024
1. Around one-third of adults are eligible for GLP-1 therapy based on FDA guidelines
Source: Shi, et al JAMA Cardiology, November 13, 2024
Researchers determined that about a third of participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) would be eligible for GLP-1 (semaglutide) therapy based on FDA guidelines. This included a total of 61 million on commercial insurance (including employer-sponsored health insurance and exchange plans). This highlights the need to get price relief to make it possible for employers to cover (or continue to cover) these beneficial medications. A government report published last month suggested that the net price in the insurance market for Ozempic dropped 45% from 2018 to 2024, although rebates can make it hard for employers to calculate final costs.
2. Philadelphia soda tax did not decrease obesity among young children
JAMA Pediatrics published a disappointing study showing that two years after implementation of a soda tax in Philadelphia there was no significant change of body weight of young children. Studies in other locations have shown a measurable decline in consumption of high calorie drinks with taxes on sugar sweetened beverages. It’s possible that a countrywide tax (like the ones in place in Mexico and Chile) is more effective than a tax that is limited to a single city, where many residents might obtain tax-free sugar sweetened beverages by traveling just a short distance.
3. COVID-19 vaccinations decreased risk of Long COVID
A newly-published metaanalysis of 25 studies that included over 14 million participants demonstrated that two doses of COVID-19 vaccination led to a 24% decrease in Long COVID. A post-COVID vaccination dose also decreased the risk of future Long COVID. As of mid-November, about 19% of adults have gotten COVID-19 vaccinations, and 12% state that they intend to get this.
4. Companies offering menopause benefits
The Washington Post reports that many companies are offering menopause benefits - a finding echoed in the 2024 WTW Best Practices in Healthcare Survey, which showed that 25% of respondents currently offered programs, 15% were planning to add this 2025, and 17% were considering for 2026.