OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) — Two women from Omaha have collectively shed more than 300 pounds using tirzepatide, a weight-loss medication gaining popularity for its ability to curb appetite. While the results have been transformative for them, the high cost of the drug has made it inaccessible for many.
Allison Aikman, one of the women, described her experience with the medication, saying she initially doubted her need for it despite struggling with health issues and excess weight. Two years ago, Aikman was encouraged by her employer, Justin Kohll, President of J Kohll RX Compounding, to begin a weight-loss journey with the injection.
“At first, I didn’t think I really needed it,” Aikman said, recalling her mindset before starting the medication. “But I wasn’t healthy.”
Aikman works as a sterile technician at Kohll’s pharmacy, where she also prepares compounded tirzepatide. The drug, which mimics a gut hormone to reduce appetite, is commonly prescribed under brand names like Mounjaro and Zepbound.
While Aikman did not pay for the medication herself, she explained that compounded tirzepatide costs patients between $399 and $550 per month at the pharmacy, while compounded semaglutide (another weight-loss medication) starts at $299 for a month’s supply.
After just one month of weekly injections, Aikman noticed significant changes. Her cravings shifted from processed foods like meatloaf to healthier options such as vegetables and fruit. Over time, Aikman lost 115 pounds, drastically improved her blood pressure and triglyceride levels, and adopted a more active lifestyle, including regular workouts at her local gym.
“I can’t imagine living like I did before,” Aikman said, adding that she now hopes to become a personal trainer and nutrition coach.
Another woman, Amanda Vleck, also experienced a remarkable transformation, shedding 201 pounds in two years. Vleck, who began her weight-loss journey at nearly 400 pounds, was considering gastric sleeve surgery before she discovered GLP-1 medications. After starting weekly Mounjaro injections at Harmony Med Spa, her energy levels increased, and her motivation for exercise soared.
“I feel like a whole new person,” Vleck shared. “It’s been life-changing from day one.”
Vleck credits her weight loss with not only improving her health but boosting her self-confidence. She now pays about $700 per month for the medication, which she believes is well worth the investment. She has even encouraged her parents to join her on the weight-loss journey, and they are all reaping the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.
Both women reported minor side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and hair loss, but they continue to experience positive results. Medical professionals emphasize the importance of monitoring patients and administering injections in a clinical setting to avoid potential dosing errors and severe side effects.
Dr. Brianna Johnson-Rabbett, Director of the Obesity Medicine Program at the University of Nebraska Medicine’s Bariatric Medicine Center, highlighted that GLP-1 drugs are not a quick fix but rather an effective tool in managing obesity, a chronic condition akin to high blood pressure or diabetes. Weight loss through these medications can improve other health markers, such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.
Despite their effectiveness, the high cost of GLP-1 medications remains a significant barrier for many, particularly those without insurance coverage. Currently, Medicaid in Nebraska does not cover weight-loss medications, limiting access for low-income individuals. However, there are ongoing efforts to expand coverage. Last year, the Biden administration announced plans to have Medicare and Medicaid cover drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for individuals without underlying conditions such as diabetes.
The future of these plans remains uncertain, particularly with changes in the administration. Some lawmakers argue that expanding coverage could reduce long-term healthcare costs by addressing obesity-related health issues.
Meanwhile, compounding pharmacies have emerged as an alternative source for GLP-1 medications, with some offering the drugs when commercial options are unavailable or unaffordable. However, Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, has filed multiple lawsuits against compounding pharmacies, raising questions about the future of these medications.
For now, the journey to access affordable weight-loss medications remains a struggle for many, despite the promising results experienced by individuals like Aikman and Vleck.
Related Topics:
Ozempic for Weight Loss: Are the Side Effects Worth It?
