Staci Rice, a 42-year-old woman from Georgia, experienced remarkable weight loss using semaglutide, a popular drug marketed as Wegovy for weight loss and Ozempic for diabetes. Semaglutide, part of a group of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists, works by suppressing appetite and reducing cravings, which many users describe as a “miracle.” Rice lost 64 pounds in just eight months, but when financial constraints forced her to stop the medication, she regained 26 pounds.
To afford the costly drug again, Rice now juggles two jobs—a full-time insurance business and a side hustle in digital marketing.
A “Miracle Drug” for Weight Loss
Rice began using semaglutide in May 2022. The drug helped her curb cravings and lose weight rapidly. After achieving her goal, she underwent a “mommy makeover” surgery in April 2023, which included a tummy tuck and breast augmentation, costing $18,500.
Initially, her medication expenses were manageable, as a $499 supply lasted three months. However, as her dosage increased, the costs grew, making it challenging to maintain. Like many others, Rice turned to compounded semaglutide, a non-FDA-approved alternative that is significantly cheaper than branded versions.
While GLP-1 medications are covered by insurance for diabetes, coverage for weight loss is rare, leaving many patients like Rice struggling to afford them.
Struggles After Stopping the Medication
Rice stopped using semaglutide in early 2024 due to financial difficulties. She believed she could maintain her weight loss without the medication. However, after a few months, the “food noise” in her head—constant cravings for sweets and comfort food—returned. She began eating more and regained 26 pounds over six months.
“I thought I had it under control,” Rice said. “But without the medication, it became much harder to manage my appetite.”
Rice’s weight gain also brought back health issues, including knee pain and other discomforts.
Experts Warn Against Stopping GLP-1 Medications Abruptly
Dr. Spencer Nadolsky, an obesity specialist, advises against stopping GLP-1 medications without medical guidance. He emphasizes that these drugs are not a short-term fix but are designed to manage the chronic condition of obesity.
“Obesity is a chronic disease, and these medicines work by helping people manage their appetite and food noise,” Dr. Nadolsky said. “Regaining weight is a common risk when people stop taking the medication.”
The high cost of these drugs is a significant barrier. Although Eli Lilly recently reduced the price of its GLP-1 drug Zepbound by nearly 50%, it still costs $399 to $549 per month. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy and Ozempic, has cited insurers and middlemen as reasons for the high prices.
Taking on Extra Work to Fund Medication
Determined to get back on track, Rice restarted semaglutide at a low dose in late 2024. To afford the medication, she started a digital marketing side hustle in addition to her full-time job.
A 10-week supply of the drug now costs her $305, which she budgets for carefully. Despite the stress of working two jobs, Rice remains committed to her weight loss journey.
“I’m going to get back to where I was,” she said. “But I hate that I put my family in a financial bind.”
Rice hopes to reach her goal weight by February 2025 and plans to stay on a maintenance dose long-term. She views her experience as a valuable lesson about the challenges of maintaining weight loss without medical support.
A Broader Issue: The Cost of Obesity Treatments
Rice’s story highlights the broader issue of access to obesity treatments. While GLP-1 drugs have transformed weight management for many, their high cost and lack of insurance coverage for weight loss make them inaccessible for a large portion of the population.
In November 2024, the Biden administration proposed expanding Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. However, the future of this proposal remains uncertain.
Conclusion
For Rice, semaglutide remains a vital tool in her weight loss journey. Despite the financial challenges, she is determined to prioritize her health.
“It is a miracle medicine,” Rice said. “I’m always going to be an advocate for it.”
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Georgia Woman Regains Weight After Stopping Semaglutide, Struggles to Afford Treatment
Georgia Woman Regains Weight After Stopping Semaglutide, Struggles to Afford Treatment
Georgia Woman Regains Weight After Stopping Semaglutide, Struggles to Afford Treatment