The US Senator said GLP-1 drugs changed his life – and now he is seeking widespread access to anti-obesity drugs.
In the New York Times on April 8th, Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) wrote about his experiences with Murjaro (Tilzepatido).
Injectable prescription drugs are primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Fetterman was prescribed medication in July 2024.
“As a stroke survivor, I was interested in the research I showed. [Mounjaro] It could significantly reduce the risk of major cardiac events,” the senator wrote.
“I started taking it for mental health and I was impressed that it made me feel all along. It had a huge impact on my overall health,” he continued.
“The pain, pain, stiffness has disappeared. Physically, I'm 10 years younger and I feel more clear and optimistic for years. I've lost about 20 pounds when it comes to side effects.”
Beyond lowering blood glucose levels, as reported by Fox News Digital, GLP-1 drugs are also linked to a variety of other benefits, including improved heart health, neurological and metabolic function.
Eli Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro, also offers another version of the drug called Zepbound. This is the same drug approved for weight loss, chronic weight management and sleep apnea.
Other GLP-1 drugs include Ozempic, Wegovi, Viktoza, and Saxenda, all made by Novo Nordisk.
Fetterman noted that GLP-1 drugs have been found to have beneficial effects on cholesterol, heart rate and heart inflammation.
“Several recent studies suggest that it may even slow or prevent conditions such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's,” he writes in the Times Oped.
“Physically, I feel like I'm 10 years younger.
In Op-Ed, Fetterman called for increased access to these drugs. These drugs can cost up to $1,000 if not covered by insurance.
“Currently, Medicare only covers these drugs under certain circumstances, such as diabetes and increased heart risk,” he writes. “And Medicaid compensation is further limited.”
Fetterman added that she is not compensated for sharing her experiences.
“I'm someone who benefits from these drugs and wants to have access to them as well by others who can benefit from them,” he writes.
While Fetterman shares HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s view of nutrition and healthy living as a priority said he believes that medicine is necessary for some.
“I fully agree with the issues of diet and lifestyle. There are a lot of things, but diet alone isn't enough,” he writes.
“For millions of Americans struggling with serious health issues, drug therapy could be an important first step towards regaining sufficient health to create meaningful lifestyle changes.”
Doctors discuss benefits and access
Dr. Marc Siegel, a senior medical analyst and professor of clinical medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News, said Semaglatides, including Ozempic and Wegovy, are “a very important drug” for type 2 diabetes and the use of obesity is on the rise.
“Though these drugs appear to have beneficial uses for lowering the heart and lipid profile and the risk of brain and dementia, research is ongoing and more data is still needed,” he told Fox News Digital.
The first approach to obesity is lifestyle changes, such as exercise, diet improvements and optimal sleep, Siegel said.
“That being said, these weight loss pills (including Zepbound) are also good tools when lifestyles aren't enough,” he pointed out.
“They can help prevent downline diseases such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and sleep apnea, which tend to come from obesity.”
He said, “Overall, we're saving money from the healthcare system, so we hope Medicare and Medicaid will approve diabetes and weight loss.”
Dr. Brett Osborne, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, said that since 2019 he has been prescribing GLP-1 to patients.
“Mounjaro and his cousins are not just weight loss tools, they are metabolic reset buttons,” he told Fox News Digital.
“People with metabolic syndrome don't need the importance of lectures and exercise on kale. They need help.”
Osborne agreed that lifestyle is essential, but “it's rarely enough.”
“The GLP-1 gives patients momentum by rolling the ball,” he said. “And when that happens, healthy habits are formed. Food improves. Movement improves. People begin to feel the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.”
Osborne noted that these drugs are therapeutic, not cosmetic.
“I've seen what they can do directly: decrease in body fat, inflammation, glucose, triglycerides, insulin resistance — and with them, a significant reduction in the incidence of stroke and heart attacks.”
“I think this is a signal that directs Big Pharma straight ahead.”
President Donald Trump's administration recently announced that Medicare and Medicaid will not cover the drugs, as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said late Friday.
Osborne said the movement to block coverage is likely not related to effectiveness.
“Trump knows these drugs work,” Osborne said. “I think this is a signal that directs Big Pharma head-on. “We're either lowering prices or Medicare is out, the biggest buyer in the block.”
“This is not a fire, it's leverage,” Osborne said. “President Trump is likely to negotiate until “prices are right,” making it easier for big pharmaceuticals while simultaneously improving American health. ”
