In recent years, there has been a surge in the use of medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, particularly Ozempic. While this drug has garnered attention for its weight loss benefits and effectiveness in controlling blood sugar, a disturbing disparity has emerged: Black patients are significantly less likely to be prescribed GLP-1 drugs, including Ozempic, despite the fact that they are often more likely to suffer from conditions like obesity and diabetes. This disparity is another example of how structural inequalities in healthcare systems continue, leaving marginalized communities without access to potentially life-changing treatments.
Ozempic is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by mimicking the action of a natural hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar and appetite. These drugs are considered effective not only for managing type 2 diabetes but also for weight loss, as they help curb appetite and slow gastric emptying, making patients feel fuller for longer. The drug has become a go-to option for individuals who struggle with obesity, a condition that disproportionately affects Black communities. Yet, despite the clear benefits of Ozempic, reports suggest that Black patients are less likely to be prescribed this medication.
Black Americans consistently face barriers to receiving appropriate care for conditions like diabetes and obesity. According to The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Black patients are less likely to be prescribed newer medications like Ozempic, even when they meet the criteria for such treatments. This is particularly alarming because Black people are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Despite this burden, these patients are often excluded from receiving the latest treatments that could improve their quality of life.
Several factors contribute to this healthcare inequality. One of the most significant is implicit bias among healthcare providers. Doctors tend to not prescribe medications like GLP-1 drugs to Black patients, even when they exhibit the same symptoms and conditions as white patients. These biases can be rooted in stereotypes about race and body weight, with Black patients sometimes being viewed as less likely to adhere to treatment regimens, or just plain racism.
Another factor is the systemic issue of unequal access to healthcare resources. Many Black patients, especially those in lower-income communities, face significant barriers when it comes to accessing quality healthcare. These barriers can range from a lack of health insurance to limited access to healthcare facilities, all of which contribute to lower rates of prescription for medications like Ozempic. In some cases, healthcare providers may not even be aware of the benefits of newer treatments or may be reluctant to prescribe them due to financial concerns or skepticism about patient adherence.
Cost is another factor. While Ozempic has proven to be an effective treatment for weight loss and diabetes, it is expensive, and many patients just can’t afford it. For people without adequate insurance coverage or with high-deductible health plans, the out-of-pocket costs can be unaffordable. Unfortunately, Black patients are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured, and can face barriers to obtaining these medications.
Healthcare systems that fail to adequately address these disparities perpetuate the cycle of inequality, making it harder for marginalized communities to access leading treatments. The result is that many Black patients miss out on the potential benefits of medications like Ozempic.
A friend of mine was prescribed Ozempic and experienced significant weight loss. She struggled with obesity for most of her life, which led to the development of type 2 diabetes. Despite trying various diets, exercise, and medications over the years, she found it nearly impossible to manage her weight and blood sugar levels. After consulting with her doctor, my friend was prescribed Ozempic. Initially, she was skeptical, having heard mixed reviews about weight loss medications in the past. However, after starting the medication, she noticed a dramatic difference. Within just a few months, she lost over 30 pounds and saw a marked improvement in her blood sugar control. She no longer had the constant urge to snack and felt more energized. Her doctor continued to monitor her progress, adjusting her treatment plan as needed, and my friend was able to achieve a level of weight management and blood sugar control that had seemed out of reach.
While my friend’s story is inspiring, she is also white. It highlights a critical issue: she had access to a healthcare provider who was informed about the benefits of Ozempic and was willing to prescribe it. For many Black patients, however, this access to appropriate care and modern treatments is not a given.
The disparity in the prescription of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs to Black patients has to be addressed through systemic changes in healthcare policy and practice. With the current administration, I don’t see this happening. For many of us going to the doctor for any reason at all, we know that it makes a huge difference when healthcare providers are trained to recognize and overcome their implicit biases. Additionally, efforts should be made to improve healthcare access for marginalized communities, including expanding insurance coverage and reducing the costs of essential medications.
The inequality in the prescription of Ozempic to Black patients is a blunt reminder of what Black communities face within the healthcare system. While some people, like my friend, benefit from access to the drug, many others are denied the same opportunity due to structural barriers, biases, cost-related issues, and racism. Implicit bias requires a multilayered approach to improve access to care, and reduce financial barriers to treatment. Then we can ensure that all patients, regardless of their race, have access to the healthcare they need to lead healthier lives. We all deserve that.
