Written by Monalisa Tailor, M.D., a Louisville internal medicine physician 

Kentucky consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for obesity. According to recent data, the commonwealth has the second-highest adult obesity rate in the United States, with over 40% of adults classified as obese. This alarming statistic is not just a number but a significant public health crisis that demands immediate attention and action.

The consequences of obesity are far-reaching, often leading to a barrage of other issues, further demonstrating the urgency that is needed in putting an end to the obesity epidemic. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of numerous chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. In Kentucky, heart disease is the leading cause of death. In addition, nearly 14% of adults are diagnosed with diabetes, and 40.3% are diagnosed with hypertension in the Bluegrass state. These conditions not only diminish the quality of life for individuals but place a substantial burden on the healthcare system, with obesity-related healthcare costs estimated to be billions of dollars annually.

Many older Americans, especially those on Medicare, cannot fully access treatments that help address obesity, specifically anti-obesity medications, or AOMs. Medicare covers treatments for other chronic diseases, including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and chronic kidney diseases, and extending the coverage of the full spectrum of care for obesity as a chronic disease is crucial. However, Medicare Part-D does not currently cover AOMs.

Addressing the obesity crisis in the United States will require a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. Fortunately for Kentucky, Congressman Brett Guthrie has championed initiatives to promote healthy behaviors and prevent obesity. AOMs can be another tool in our toolbox, but we need to act now.

Under the Biden Administration, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a rule to allow Medicare and Medicaid to cover FDA-approved anti-obesity medications. The comment period ended on January 27 leaving the finalization of the rule to the discretion of the Trump Administration.

The Trump Administration is discussing government efficiency and a “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. AOMs offer an opportunity to do both. Not only will it help the health of our seniors in Kentucky, but including AOMs as an option will significantly decrease Medicare costs. On average, Medicare spends over $2,000 more yearly on beneficiaries with obesity. If Medicare allows these medications as options, it could save the government upward of $250 billion in spending over 10 years that would otherwise be spent on treating obesity-related health conditions.

This CMS rule has broad bi-partisan support and strong support from medical and patient communities. The extension provides access to comprehensive, affordable, and clinically

effective treatments, allowing healthcare providers and Medicare patients access to all tools to treat obesity.

With this foundation laid, it is clear: CMS must act this year to allow Medicare to cover AOMs. By extending the CMS rule, America will continue to recognize that obesity is a treatable chronic disease and achieve millions of dollars in savings for the healthcare system.

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Monalisa Tailor, M.D., is a Louisville internal medicine physician and is board certified in internal medicine and advanced cardiac life support.