Exploring Payer Coverage Of Anti-Obesity Medications

A Q&A with Shaila Yoshida, assistant director, value & access strategy

The rise of effective anti-obesity medications (AOMs) marks a potential turning point in managing a condition affecting 40% of US adults and costing billions annually. However, the high cost of these drugs creates significant challenges for payers, leading to inconsistent coverage across commercial health plans. At the recent 2025 AMCP Annual meeting, crucial research shed light on current payer strategies. We spoke with Shaila Yoshida, Assistant Director at Cencora, about her team's poster exploring AOM coverage trends on commercial formularies. Their work delves into why coverage remains limited despite demand, confirming cost as a primary barrier, yet revealing surprisingly positive real-world outcomes reported by payers. Discover the complex interplay of cost, access, and clinical benefit.

Explore the full interview with Shaila Yoshida for deeper insights into the research findings and future outlook.