Carly Barge, at 35, transformed her life by losing significant weight with the help of anti-obesity injections and a healthy diet. This trend is rising in the U.S., driven by medications like Zepbound and Ozempic, often reimbursed by insurance despite their high costs. As demand surges, generic versions emerge to address shortages. Experts caution against misuse, particularly among those with normal body weights or eating disorders. The market for these weight loss treatments is expected to grow substantially by 2030.
Carly Barge’s Journey to Health
At just 35 years old, Carly Barge faced the challenges of severe obesity that made even the simplest activities, like walking her dog, feel impossible. “Walking was excruciating; I experienced inflammation throughout my legs. It wasn’t until last summer that everything changed,” she recalls. In a remarkable transformation over the span of six months, this Chicago resident has shed an impressive amount of weight. “I weighed over 115 kilos, and now, I’ve reached 90,” she reveals. The key to her successful weight loss lies in a series of injections. A weekly dose of an anti-obesity medication, prescribed by her healthcare provider, combined with a nutritious diet, has truly altered her life. “I felt hopeless and ashamed of my weight, knowing I was risking my health. I had tried everything—restrictive diets, detox programs—but this is the first time I’m actually losing weight,” she shares. However, Carly understands that this treatment will be a lifelong commitment.
The Rise of Anti-Obesity Medications
This groundbreaking medication, which suppresses appetite and was initially developed as an anti-diabetic drug, is transforming the weight loss landscape. Treatments like Zepbound, Mounjaro, and Ozempic, which received approval from the American health agency in 2017, have gained popularity among one in eight Americans. Many are inspired by the stunning before-and-after photos circulating on social media and the remarkable transformations of celebrities, including Oprah Winfrey. Although these medications come with a hefty price tag of about 1000 euros per month, they are often reimbursed by health insurance, leading to a surge in demand. As a result, major pharmaceutical companies are struggling to keep up with the overwhelming interest. “Due to the shortage, numerous independent labs are now producing generic versions of these medications,” highlights a journalist. This influx threatens the availability of the medication for its original users, including individuals with diabetes.
Joseph Navarra, the founder of the ‘Town Total’ pharmacy in New Jersey, has stepped in to fill the gap. While the patented formula remains a secret, he states, “By examining the ingredient list on the packaging, we can take inspiration from it.” The American health agency permits these generics because of the ongoing shortage, with the main difference being the cost—the generic versions are available for around 250 euros, making them significantly more affordable. Joseph distributes around 500 units per month and notes, “We’re seeing a 10% increase in demand each month. This situation is unprecedented; typically, a medication shortage lasts a short time, but this is a new product that everyone wants.”
In France, obtaining this medication requires a specialist’s prescription and is only approved for severe obesity cases, while in the United States, access is much easier. Numerous online platforms offer easy purchasing options, making it feel as simple as grocery shopping. To gain insight into this trend, TF1 news consulted Dr. Michael Glickman, a weight loss specialist. He cautioned, “If your body mass index is within a normal range, using this medication is not advisable. We certainly don’t want to promote its use among individuals with eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia.”
Looking ahead, the market for weight loss injections is projected to quadruple by 2030. When administered correctly, these treatments hold the potential to be a miracle solution for the 40% of Americans struggling with obesity.