Ivím Health Raises Alarm as FDA Deadline Threatens Obesity Treatment Access

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of World Obesity Day, Ivim Health is proud to advocate on behalf of patients on their health journeys by providing personalized and effective care, guided by medical professionals who prioritize patient safety and well-being. For the first time in over a decade, obesity rates in the United States are on the decline. A recent study indicates that the national obesity rate dropped from 46% in 2022 to 45.6% in 2023. This milestone reflects the impact of effective weight loss medications including Zepbound, Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic, compounded semaglutide and compounded tirzepatide, empowering individuals to achieve lasting health improvements.

Yet, positive progress made towards combating obesity is at risk due to an impending deadline imposed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that could limit access to compounded GLP-1 medications, raising concerns about the future of obesity management. The Trump Administration is keenly focused on reducing healthcare and medication costs for patients. Compounded medications are a safe and effective way to meet that goal on behalf of patients. 

"At 272 pounds, I struggled with anxiety, depression, and sleep apnea. Desperate for change, I planned for gastric sleeve surgery—until my doctor recommended GLP-1 medication instead. I saw progress, but like many others, my insurance dropped coverage without warning, leaving me feeling hopeless. That's when I found Ivím Health. Their affordable, accessible care allowed me to continue my journey with personalized health plans, unlimited provider visits, and nutrition support. Now, 75 pounds lighter, my health has improved dramatically. I couldn't be happier with my journey through Ivím." – Jake Zerfas, Ivim Health patient

The FDA has recently declared the shortages of semaglutide and tirzepatide resolved, leaving compounding pharmacies with a 90-day grace period to cease production. This decision would greatly limit patient access to affordable versions of these medications, raising immediate concerns about accessibility and potentially reversing the recent decline in obesity rates in the long term. Healthcare providers and advocacy groups warn that without affordable alternatives, many patients may be unable to continue their treatment, jeopardizing their progress and increasing the national obesity burden.

As a leading advocate for accessible healthcare, Ivim Health has taken decisive action to ensure that patients have continued access to essential obesity treatments. In response to the FDA's impending deadline, Ivim Health filed an amicus brief emphasizing the need for affordable and effective treatment options.

"We stand with our patients and will continue to advocate on their behalf to ensure they have access to the treatments they need to lead healthier lives," said Dr. Jessica Duncan, Medical Director at Ivim Health and Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. "Restricting access to compounded tirzepatide and semaglutide will undermine the progress we've made in reducing obesity rates. Our commitment to patient advocacy goes beyond our clinical services—we're dedicated to driving change at both the individual and systemic levels to ensure access and affordability to these life changing treatments." 

Together, we are making strides toward a healthier future. By advocating for accessible treatments, supporting individuals on their weight loss journeys, and pushing for systemic change, Ivim Health is dedicated to sustaining the momentum that has led to this historic shift in obesity rates. Ivim Health is calling on the FDA to prioritize patient safety, reconsider its timeline, and consider utilizing compounded medications as a mechanism to enhance competition of pharmaceutical pricing to make medications more affordable and accessible.

About Ivim Health 

Ivím Health is a healthcare institution employing nearly 100 medical providers, including Obesity Medicine Physicians and Nurse Practitioners, dedicated to the optimization of the health and wellness for patients managing cardiometabolic conditions including obesity. Ivim Health is focused on patient safety and outcomes as its personalized therapy via telehealth model is vital to make America healthy again. It addresses the national discussion surrounding the GLP-1 medication shortage (e.g., Ozempic^®, Wegovy^®, Saxenda^®, Mounjaro^®, Zepbound^®) and alternative options like compounded formularies from 503A and 503B pharmacies. 

SOURCE Ivim Health