This Week in GLP-1s / April 12-18, 2026
US states drop Medicaid coverage of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as demand rises | US healthcare | The Guardian
Lead item
US states drop Medicaid coverage of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as demand rises | US healthcare | The Guardian
Several US states have ended or restricted Medicaid coverage for GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy as public spending on these medications surged 500% over five years. Experts warn that cutting access may save money short-term but will likely increase long-term healthcare costs related to obesity.
FDA Label Updates
FDA updates liraglutide label, removes pregnancy restriction
The FDA updated the prescribing label for liraglutide injection, removing prior restrictions on patient selection and pregnancy as contraindications while adding a new warning about severe gastrointestinal reactions. A previous warning regarding suicidal behavior and ideation was also removed. The drug's existing boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodent studies remains in place.
What this means for patients
For patients, this means liraglutide may now be prescribed to a broader group of people, including those who are pregnant, though doctors have a new caution about severe stomach and digestive side effects. A prior warning about potential suicidal thoughts has been lifted, while the long-standing caution about thyroid tumors seen in animal studies stays.
Genetics & GLP-1 Response
Genetic variation may boost GLP-1 weight loss results
A study published in Nature analyzed genetic data and self-reported weight loss from over 27,000 GLP-1 users, identifying a specific variation in the GLP-1 receptor gene associated with better drug effectiveness. Because the study was observational rather than a controlled trial, researchers noted it could only show association, not prove causation. The findings suggest genetics may play a role in why individual responses to drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide vary.
What this means for patients
This study suggests that people with a certain genetic makeup may lose more weight on GLP-1 drugs than others, but because it relied on self-reported data rather than a controlled trial, it cannot yet prove the gene directly causes the difference. It is too early for patients to seek genetic testing before starting these medications.
Lilly answers FDA's call for more Foundayo safety info, plotting diabetes filing in parallel
Eli Lilly presented new diabetes data for its oral GLP-1 pill Foundayo, addressing the FDA's request for additional safety information while pursuing a parallel diabetes filing alongside its recent obesity approval.
What this means for patients
Lilly shared new safety data on its weight-loss pill Foundayo as it works to also get the drug approved for diabetes.
Scientists Discover Enzyme That Could Supercharge Ozempic-Like Weight Loss Drugs
University of Utah researchers have identified an enzyme called PapB that can restructure peptide-based drugs into stable ring forms through macrocyclization. This approach could potentially improve the stability, duration, and effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide. The team has founded a company to develop next-generation peptide therapeutics using this method.
What this means for patients
Scientists found an enzyme that could make drugs like Ozempic last longer and work better by reshaping them into more stable forms.
GIPR:GCGR co-agonism restores normal weight in obese rodents - ScienceDirect
Researchers demonstrated that obesity can be reversed in rodents without GLP-1 receptor agonism. A novel GIPR:GCGR co-agonist, BWB3054, reduced excess body weight in diet-induced obese mice comparably to the tri-agonist retatrutide, but with minimal GLP-1R activity, potentially avoiding common gastrointestinal side effects.
What this means for patients
Scientists found a new drug that reverses obesity in mice without using GLP-1, which could mean fewer stomach side effects than current weight-loss medications.
Ginger Dietary Supplement May Ease GLP-1-Related Nausea
A small randomized pilot trial found that an over-the-counter ginger chewable supplement reduced the occurrence of nausea in people taking GLP-1 agonists, though the primary endpoint of nausea severity did not reach statistical significance. Significantly more ginger users reported any reduction in nausea compared to placebo. No adverse events were reported in the 14-day study.
What this means for patients
Ginger chews may help reduce nausea from GLP-1 weight loss drugs, according to a small study, though benefits appeared modest.
The 'Natural GLP-1' Food Trend
Can foods really mimic GLP-1 drugs? Experts weigh in
Social media influencers have been promoting certain foods like yerba mate and cinnamon as natural alternatives to GLP-1 medications, but experts say no food can truly replicate the drugs' effects. HuffPost reports that while balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats can help stabilize blood sugar and reduce cravings, they do not eliminate persistent thoughts about eating the way GLP-1 medications can. Diet changes may still help some people lose weight and manage food noise, though these claims are largely anecdotal rather than drawn from clinical trials.