Friday, November 10, 2023

WHAT’S ALL THE BUZZZ W/ ZEPBOUND: and can it help Lipedema?

Zepbound is all the buzz, because the FDA just approved it to be used for obesity. 

The name is new but the medication is the same as #mounjaro - which was approved in 2022 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. 

This may sound familiar, back in 2017 the FDA approved #ozempic for type 2 diabetes, and then created #wegovy which was FDA approved in 2021 for obesity.

But why are we talking about these weight loss drugs on a #lipedema page, when we have been told (and many have tried everything under the sun) and found weight loss medications do not typically work for lipedema. 

Because many lipedema patients who are taking these meds are finding they get pain reduction and shrinking of their fibrotic areas. 

Like everything else we have found, it doesn’t seem to work the same for everyone. But this step opens up options and competition - these medications are rarely covered by insurance for obesity diagnoses, and the out of pocket cost is over $1000 per month. Competition is a good thing.

I have not taken these meds personally, so I have no personal insight but I am very curious on the #antiinflammatory and #antifibrotic properties you may be experiencing. I will be addressing with my doctor at my next annual physical.

I also hope it inspires research on these medications and their effects on lipedema bodies.