FDA approves Eli Lilly weight loss drug

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday approved a new weight-loss drug from Eli Lilly, presenting Americans with an additional option for slimming down.

Marketed as Mounjaro, tirzepatide was previously permitted for type 2 diabetes treatments, according to The Hill. As a weight-loss drug, the company plans to use the name Zepbound.

The formal approval will likely result in most insurance plans covering the drug. It was previously available as a weight-loss treatment, though insurance companies were unlikely to cover the cost. Prior to Wednesday, Wegovy was the only drug approved for weight loss. The popular Ozempic has only been formally approved for diabetes.

The company expects Zepbound to be available by the end of the year.

"Obesity and overweight are serious conditions that can be associated with some of the leading causes of death such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes," FDA Division of Diabetes, Lipid Disorders, and Obesity Director John Sharretts said. "In light of increasing rates of both obesity and overweight in the United States, today’s approval addresses an unmet medical need."

Roughly 41.9% of Americans age 20 and up were obese according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey from 2017 through March 2020.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.