CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Starting Monday, North Carolina will no longer cover anti-obesity medication for government workers. Officials say weight loss medication alone cost the state millions in 2023. Now, those using the medication will have to stop or pay out of pocket.
One doctor told WCNC Charlotte a patient losing access to these drugs will likely see detrimental side effects for their health.
“You’re not going to be able to remove the medication and still do the same diet and exercise and have the success. All the medication has been shown to help patients lose more weight than with diet and exercise alone,” Dr. Thomas Marlowe, physician and founder of Dr. Marlowe’s Weight Loss Institute in Charlotte, explained.
According to America’s Health Rankings, 34% of North Carolina adults as of 2022 were considered obese. Since then, that number has inched closer to 50% - a problem doctors said will only get worse without medical help.
“That would happen with any medication. If you took away someone’s blood pressure pills or asthma medication, they’re going to suffer,” Marlowe said. “If you remove the obesity medication, chronic medical conditions exacerbate and you have high rates of cancer, heart attacks, blood clots, strokes, so forth."
He said anyone concerned should speak to their health care provider about what options they may have.
Contact Anna King at aking2@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
