Despite high price tags, the Wegovy and Zepbound obesity drugs are considered to be cost effective, because they help patients lose substantial weight that, in turn, reduces the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, among other ailments, according to a preliminary analysis.

The wildly popular injectable drugs have caused a sensation because they can help people shed 10% to 15% or more of their weight. Consequently, the medicines have transformed the way physicians treat people with obesity and sparked a gold rush among pharmaceutical companies seeking to develop their own versions or a pill that would be even more convenient for patients.

Pricing, however, is a controversial issue.

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