I can say with 100% confidence that the effects on hunger wane between 1-2 years, and after 2 years, weight gain often occurs
References [1] Eli Lilly and Company
When Weight Loss Hurts Your Rates Let's start with a concrete example I recently encountered this situation: Client Profile: Height: 5'6" Current weight: 150 lbs Weight loss in past 12 months: 100 lbs Despite being at a healthy weight now, this client was underwritten as 5'6", 200 lbs essentially splitting the difference between their current weight and their previous weight
However, the drug is started at a low dose (2 mg) and escalated over approximately 17 weeks to the full maintenance dose (12 mg)
Why Brand-Name Cant Match Price Structural Barriers: Public Company Obligations: Must maximize shareholder return Quarterly earnings pressure Executive compensation tied to profits Cant dramatically reduce price without stock impact Sunk Costs: Billions invested in development Need to recoup investment Justify to shareholders and board Complex Distribution System: PBMs demand rebates Wholesalers take cut Pharmacy margins Cant easily change system Market Dynamics: Limited competition (patent protection) Can charge premium prices Demand exceeds supply No pressure to reduce Eli Lilly unlikely to reduce tirzepatide prices significantly while patents protected
Many patients achieve meaningful weight loss with physician-supervised programs and ongoing support
