Wegovy and other GLP-1 medications prescribed for obesity could increase the number of patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries, according to Moody's Investor Services analysts.
Moody's, which rates companies' financial strength, discussed the impact of GLP-1s on various aspects of healthcare in its quarterly sector review, according to a July 29 report from Benefits Pro.
Analysts suggested that as more patients take prescription weight loss medications, those with severe obesity could lose enough weight to become eligible for orthopedic surgery.
"I am seeing increased usage of GLP drugs. Initially, the effect of these drugs will have little impact on spine and orthopedics," John Prunskis, MD, CEO and medical director of the Illinois Pain & Spine Institute in Elgin, told Becker's in December. "However, in a few years' time, it will have a bearish effect as thinner people will have fewer spine and orthopedic problems. After a few more years, business will pick up again since people will be living longer."
Currently, the optimal BMI for an adult undergoing spine surgery is no higher than 24.9 according to the CDC, and the majority of surgeons will not operate on patients with BMIs that exceed 40 or 50.
As more patients' BMIs become lower, more people may be eligible for procedures.