Expanded Health Benefits of Wegovy and Zepbound Could Draw More Interest from Men Doctors Suggest
By Dr. David Samadi
Doctors prescribing weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Zepbound have highlighted additional health benefits beyond weight management that could attract more male patients, according to recent discussions with Reuters. These medications, manufactured by Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly respectively, have shown effectiveness in reducing heart disease risks and improving sleep apnea symptoms, among other health issues.
Traditionally, men have been inclined to prioritize weight loss through diet and exercise before considering pharmaceutical interventions, if at all, as noted by interviews with healthcare professionals and industry analysts. In contrast, women seek medical assistance more readily for weight management.
Despite similar obesity rates between men (43%) and women (42%) in the United States, recent data revealed a significant gender gap in prescriptions, with women accounting for at least 78% of Wegovy and 76% of Zepbound prescriptions from January to March.
Wegovy and Zepbound Prescriptions
The approval of Wegovy for lowering heart risks in March and the anticipated approval of Zepbound for treating sleep apnea by early next year underscore the expanding applications of GLP-1 agonists, initially used for type 2 diabetes. These medications are now being explored for their potential in managing kidney disease, alcohol abuse, and other conditions, potentially altering the treatment landscape for both genders.
Recent trends indicate increasing male interest in these medications, administered weekly via injection, driven by growing awareness of their broad health benefits. “When you have multiple benefits, there’s more value. It’s more legitimate as a health treatment, not just a cosmetic treatment,” noted some healthcare providers.
The influence of women who have experienced positive outcomes from these medications may also encourage men to consider them. “The woman may be the one that initiates the idea or thought process of going on a GLP-1 (for weight loss), but the man closely follows,” one physician observed.
Despite these trends, analysts such as Emily Field from Barclays suggest that the market for these drugs, estimated to grow to $150 billion in the next decade, remains predominantly female-centric due to historical patterns of seeking treatment for weight-related issues.
Gender differences in prescription rates may also reflect broader societal norms and expectations related to weight and health. For instance, clinical trials for Wegovy and Zepbound have historically enrolled more women for weight loss studies. In contrast, trials focused on conditions like sleep apnea and heart disease have included more male participants.
According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, men are more likely to report heart disease. They are disproportionately affected by obstructive sleep apnea, which may contribute to their increasing interest in these medications.
Despite these insights, challenges remain in bridging the gender gap in medication usage for weight management. The American College of Cardiology and the American College of Endocrinology have noted discrepancies in gender usage patterns, mainly when these drugs are prescribed for weight loss versus diabetes management, their initial approved indication.
Overall, while cultural and social factors may influence medication-seeking behaviors, the expanding health benefits of medications like Wegovy and Zepbound are poised to reshape perceptions and utilization patterns among both men and women in addressing obesity-related health concerns.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.