In an interview with NPR, Disha Narang, MD, Director of Obesity Medicine and an endocrinologist at Endeavor Health, discussed the effects of semaglutide in patients at risk of cardiovascular disease following the government’s decision to include coverage for the drug indication in Medicare and Medicaid prescription plans. Dr. Narang explained that social media has boosted the national and global demand for semaglutide over the past 2 years. Among patients with diabetes, the drug has reduced the need for insulin as well as improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar levels. However, because semaglutide promotes weight loss, it may also reduce blood pressure and cholesterol and improve cardiovascular health, sleep apnea, and osteoarthritis. Dr. Narang emphasized that in addition to semaglutide, lifestyle modifications—including a diet and exercise regimen—may ensure that patients’ weight-loss strategies are most effective. He noted that patients who receive semaglutide may experience depression and suicidality as well as gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. “Historically, Medicare and Medicaid never covered antiobesity medications. [W]e now have research to show that [semaglutide] can be life-saving from a cardiac standpoint,” concluded Dr. Narang.