I’m really the GLP1 queen. CVS Caremark/United Healthcare removed Zepbound from its formulary in August 2025 after I had been on it since August 2024 (and lost 100 pounds). I took myself off of Zepbound in February 2025 because it was too effective, but I continued to request the prescription just in case. I was then prescribed WeGovy right as I was starting to gain weight again and it proved to be ineffective. I provided proof of weight gain with screenshots of my InBody scans and asked my doctor to submit it with a prior authorization even though my BMI is normal. I was allowed to fill my prescription hours after my prior authorization was submitted but it was officially approved the next morning for 8 months. I started my weight loss journey with Mounjaro before weight loss surgery at the end of 2022. This feels full circle.

#glp1 #mounjaro #zepbound

#weightloss #100poundsdown

2025/11/21 Edited to

... Read moreManaging weight loss medications like GLP-1 receptor agonists requires navigating insurance formularies and treatment effectiveness, as highlighted by recent changes at CVS Caremark/United Healthcare removing Zepbound from their coverage in August 2025. Many patients experience shifts in their weight loss regimen due to such changes. Zepbound, known for its high effectiveness, helped the author achieve remarkable weight loss, but it was ultimately removed from the formulary. When switched to Wegovy, the medication proved ineffective, underscoring the importance of individual responses to different GLP-1 therapies. This case emphasizes the critical role of prior authorization processes. Even with a normal BMI, providing thorough documentation like InBody scans can justify continued treatment access, as insurers increasingly require evidence of ongoing medical necessity. The author’s proactive communication with healthcare providers and the insurance company resulted in an eight-month approval for Mounjaro, a GLP-1 receptor agonist sometimes covered for weight loss if Wegovy is ineffective. Weight loss journeys often involve multiple approaches, including surgery such as gastric sleeve procedures complemented by medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound. Starting with Mounjaro before surgery and returning to it after formulary challenges provides a full-circle approach to sustaining weight management. For those navigating insurance restrictions, alternatives include paying out-of-pocket through programs like LillyDirect to access Zepbound at discounted prices. Patients are encouraged to discuss medication effectiveness openly with their healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans accordingly. This realistic, user-generated content sheds light on the complexities and persistence needed in long-term weight loss management using GLP-1 medications amid evolving insurance landscapes.