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Scripps News Reports: Inside the weight loss drug boom

Scripps News investigates the demand for prescription pills and injections to help with weight loss. Do they work? Are there hidden side effects?
Scripps News Reports: Weighing the Costs
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Americans have a new hunger for weight loss drugs — but at what cost?

A third of Americans in need of weight loss have an appetite for prescription pills or injections to help with weight loss. But do they work? Are there hidden side effects?

Scripps News investigates semaglutides, a class of drugs used for weight loss which millions of Americans have started taking in the past few years.

Nearly 3 in 4 Americans over the age of 20 are classified as either overweight or obese, and a growing number are warming up to the idea that prescription drugs may be the answer.

The injectable drug Ozempic on its packaging.

Science and Tech

Costco now offers weight-loss program that includes Ozempic and Wegovy

Scripps News Staff

Nearly 1 in 3 Americans who think they need to lose weight are open to using these prescriptions.

Some of these drugs are approved for weight loss, while others are not FDA-approved for the purpose but nay be prescribed off-label.

Scripps News breaks down the dollar costs of these drugs, examines their safety and efficacy, and investigates the underground markets for their resale.