The World Health Organization estimates 38% of the global population is overweight. This is not a self-control problem; it is a medical problem. Biologic driving forces are matched with an abundance of available Calories. Our bodies urgently crave more Calories than our metabolism can handle. Obesity (Body Mass Index > 30kg/meter squared) carries significantly higher risks of heart disease, diabetes mellitus, stroke, arthritis, depression, high blood pressure, and the list goes on. I’m not talking about a small risk increase either. For heart disease, risk goes up by 28%.
We can’t cure everything, but we can cure and treat a lot more than we used to. One of these exceptionally well-made treatments hit the market a few years ago. I say market rather than world at large because it is sold at an eye-watering premium. Wegovy, the brand name of semaglutide, developed for weight loss, costs $1000/month out of pocket. It is rarely covered by insurance. It is extremely effective to the point where, in my humble opinion, it could essentially end the obesity epidemic. How effective is Wegovy? Try 75% effective. People lose significant weight, and they keep it off while on maintenance. It’s also approved as safe for long term use.
So, we have a crippling global medical problem. We have what amounts to the safest and most effective treatment for weight loss in modern history. Everything else pales in comparison to this class of medication (Wegovy is not the only one, but they are all equally expensive). Why can’t we afford it? Better yet, why is it unaffordable?
Novo Nordisk, the company that makes Wegovy, spent over $5,000,000 on “lobbying” in the US Government. The US Government is responsible for regulating healthcare costs and protecting its people from price gouging by monopolies. Novo Nordisk has a monopoly on semaglutide. Novo Nordisk made $12,000,000,000 in profit in 2023. Yes, billion. It’s not a hard puzzle to solve.
We live in an objectively fantastic world. Global communication and free flow of information are nearly instantaneous. We’ve discovered so much about ourselves and the world around us that it boggles the mind to even fathom half of what we as a species have collectively learned. We should be able to solve the problem of what to do with companies that gatekeep life saving treatment behind an unachievable paywall. The answer is not radical. Just charge a reasonable amount for life saving medications.
Until the high cost of Wegovy goes down, we at c.a.l.m. Healthcare offer to prescribe the compounded form where the exact same active ingredient, semaglutide, is combined with a carrier like b12 and sterile water. This brings cost down significantly to $90 per month for the first month dose. We do not upcharge for this as you will pay the pharmacy directly. We’re interested in access and helping rather than doubling the price of your medications. Our competitors will charge $250+ per month for their concierge services and the first month dose. Our services will only cost you $50 per month bringing your monthly total to only $140. We are c.a.l.m. Healthcare and we are here for you, not your wallet.
Reach out to me, Dr. Guzman, at helpdesk@calmhealthcaretexas.com with any questions or try out our free 14 day trial today!
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