RPM can improve outcomes for patients on GLP-1 drugs

With celebrity and influencer endorsements all over TikTok and social media, Ozempic has quickly gained popularity as an easy way to lose weight drugs. Many similar GLP-1 agonist drugs, initially approved for treating diabetes, are being prescribed for weight loss. While many people have experienced rapid weight loss, studies have shown that weight gain after going off the drug is common. 

A quick Google search for “semaglutides” shows many consumers are increasingly familiar with these drugs and it is easy to access them with a simple online medical appointment. This is likely facilitating the perception of a “quick weight loss” solution without patients working to create sustainable weight maintenance changes. That’s exactly where remote patient monitoring can play an important role.

The growth of GLP-1 drugs

GLP-1 agonist drugs activate GLP-1 receptors, increasing insulin which can create a longer-lasting and faster feeling of fullness. The effectiveness of semaglutides has been well studied and results are promising. One review reported that over 86 percent of people on semaglutides lost 5 percent or more of their body weight.

It’s no surprise that awareness and usage of these drugs is increasing. According to research from KFF,

• 1 in 8 adults have taken a GLP-1 
• 43% of diabetic patients have taken a GLP-1
• 22% of overweight or obese patients have taken a GLP-1
• 82% of adults have heard of GLP-1 drugs

While Medicare does not cover weight loss drugs, they do cover GLP-1s for diabetes and recently approved the use of Wegovy to reduce cardiovascular risk. Given that the list price of these drugs for one month can be $900-$1300+, Medicare’s recent expansion in coverage is likely to spur further demand.

Why GLP-1 drugs are not a silver bullet 

Patients on GLP-1 drugs report that they don’t have to think about eating less. For many patients who have unsuccessfully tried to lose weight for years, this can feel like an easy win. But the drugs are new and have side effects. Rapid weight loss can include muscle loss and “Ozempic face” which creates a hollowed look in the face due to quick fat loss.

Two-thirds of people who stop taking GLP-1s regain the weight they lost within a year. And semaglutide has also been linked to depression.

While 93 million Americans could benefit from weight loss, diabetes management, and reduced cardiovascular risk, many patients do not want to take them. The primary reason is concerns about regaining weight. And with other side effects such as GI issues, patients don’t want to stay on a GLP-1 forever, especially since the long-term health impact is still unknown.

How RPM can help

The power of remote patient monitoring isn’t just measuring blood sugar and weight every day. It’s the patient accountability that comes from taking readings and knowing that a clinician is checking in with you regularly.

A qualified clinician can help patients develop the lifestyle changes they need for sustainable weight loss and maintenance so that GLP-1s do not have to be a permanent solution. Continuous, proactive care can also monitor side effects and detect early warning signs of depression. Monitoring clinicians can establish relationships with patients to educate them that GLP-1s are meant to be used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, not as a short-term quick fix.

For the 61 million Americans who could benefit from a GLP-1 but are hesitant to take it, RPM can provide the assurance they need. RPM provides the monitoring, accountability, and coaching to help patients lose weight, manage diabetes, and reduce cardiovascular risk without needing the drugs as a permanent crutch.

A holistic approach to chronic care

RPM provides multiple ways to provide holistic care, especially for patients with multiple chronic conditions. A cellular weight scale is an obvious choice for patients on GLP-1 as well as a glucometer for managing diabetes. This can also be combined with a blood pressure device for patients with cardiovascular risk. And of course, trusted ongoing communication and coaching with a clinician.

While multiple devices may seem overwhelming for a patient, easy-to-use cellular devices certainly help. RPM companies offering full-service monitoring can dedicate the time needed to engage these patients with multiple devices.

RPM with multiple devices can improve GLP-1 care

Your patients can build the long-term lifestyle changes they need for weight loss and diabetes management with GLP-1 and RPM. Continua Systems can provide the range of cellular devices you need with seamless backend device operations to expand this service offering. Contact us to learn more.