The U.S. senator said GLP-1 drugs have changed his life – now he is calling for widespread access to anti-obesity drugs.
In an April 8 New York Times column, D-Pa. Senator John Fetterman wrote about his experience at Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).
Injectable prescription drugs are mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic’s health benefits continue to grow, but are the risks worth it?
Fetterman was prescribed in July 2025.
“As a Stroke survivorI am interested in the research shown [Mounjaro] “The risk of major heart events could be greatly reduced,” the senator wrote.
Senator John Fetterman, D-pa. , walk to the room at Capitol Hill, Washington, DC on March 14, 2025. In an April 8 column, the Pennsylvania Senator wrote about his experience at Mounjaro (Tirzepatide). (Reuters)
“Even if I start to do it for mine Heart healthI was shocked by how it made my overall feeling better. This has had a significant impact on my overall health. ” he continued.
“The pain, pain and stiffness went away. Physically, I was younger, clear-headed, and more optimistic than I had for years. As far as side effects were concerned, I also lost about 20 pounds.”
New drugs eliminate genetic cholesterol
As reported by Fox News Digital, in addition to lowering blood sugar, GLP-1 drugs are associated with a range of other benefits, including improving heart health, neurological and metabolic health.
Mounjaro’s manufacturer Eli Lilly also offers another version of the drug called Zepbough, which is associated with weight loss, chronic weight management and Sleep apnea.
Other GLP-1 drugs include Ozempic, Wegovy, Victoza, Saxenda made by Novo Nordisk.
Senator Fortman filmed at the White House on January 29, 2025. “As a stroke survivor, I’m interested in research [Mounjaro] The senator wrote in an April column. (Reuters)
Fetterman noted that GLP-1 drugs have been found to have beneficial effects on cholesterol, heart rate and heart inflammation.
“Some recent studies have shown that they may even help contain Alcohol addiction and supports cognitive function, which may slow down or prevent conditions such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. ” he wrote in The Times.
“Physically, I’m younger, clearer, and more optimistic than I’ve been in years.”
In the column, Fetterman calls for expanded access These drugsif insurance is not covered, this could cost up to $1,000.
“Currently, Medicare covers these drugs only in certain situations, such as diabetes or increased heart risk,” he wrote. “And Medicaid coverage is even more limited.”
Fettman added that he was not compensated for sharing his experience.
Ozempic’s “micro dosage” is a new weight loss trend
“I am just someone who benefits from these drugs and want to make sure anyone who benefits from them can also get access to them,” he wrote.
Fetterman Share HHS seconds. Robert Kennedy He said, Jr. A priority point for nutrition and healthy living, he says these medications are necessary for some.
Mounjaro’s maker Eli Lilly also offers another version of the drug called Zepbough, the same as weight loss, chronic weight management and sleep apnea. (iStock)
“I totally agree with the diet and Lifestyle is important – a lot of. However, diet alone is not enough. ” he wrote.
“For the serious health problems that millions of Americans struggle with, medications can be a key first step to regain control of their health to start changing meaningful lifestyles.”
Doctors discuss benefits and visits
Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst at NYU Langone Health and Fox News, noted that Semaglutides, including Ozempic and Wegovy, are “very important drugs” Type 2 diabetesas obesity is used more and more.
“While these drugs appear to have beneficial uses for heart and lipid profiles — as well as studies on brain and lowering the risk of dementia, more data is still needed,” he told Fox News Digital.
The first How to be obese Lifestyle changes include exercise, improved diet and optimal sleep, Siegel said.
“With that being said, these weight loss pills (including Zepbough) are also great tools when lifestyles are not enough,” he noted.
Fetterman is prescribed for potential heart health benefits. (Getty Image)
“They help prevent downline diseases such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and sleep apnea, which often come from obesity.”
He added: “In general, we are saving money on the healthcare system, so I would like to see Medicare and Medicaid approve them for diabetes and lose weight. ”
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert, said he has been prescribing GLP-1 for patients since 2019.
“Mounjaro and his cousins are not only weight loss tools – they are metabolic reset buttons,” he told Fox News Digital.
In addition to lowering blood sugar, GLP-1 drugs are associated with a range of other benefits, including improving heart health, neurological function and metabolic health. (iStock)
“People with metabolic syndrome don’t need lectures and exercise on kale. They need help.”
Osborne agrees that lifestyle is crucial, but “seldom enough.”
“GLP-1 provides momentum for patients through rolling balls,” he said. “When this happens, healthy habits are formed. Diet improves. Exercise improves. People start to feel the benefits of living a healthy life.”
For more health articles, please visit www.foxnews.com/health
Osborne notes that these drugs are not cosmetics, but therapeutic.
“I’ve seen what they can do: reduced body fat, inflammation, glucose, triglycerides and insulin resistance – in association with that, there are significant reductions in the incidence of stroke and heart attacks.”
“I believe this is a signal for big pharma.”
President Donald Trump recently announced that Medicare and Medicaid will not cover these drugs, as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid said late Friday.
Osborne said the move to block coverage may have nothing to do with efficacy.
“Trump knows these drugs work,” Osborne said. “I believe it’s a direct signal to big pharma: ‘Low price, or Medicare is the biggest buyer in the region.'”
Click here to get the Fox News app
“It’s not a fire, it’s leverage,” Osborne said.
“President Trump may negotiate until ‘the price is right, depriving big pharma while also improving American health.”
