Anti-obesity medications bring numerous health benefits

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Obesity is a serious chronic  disease affecting millions of Californians, including our most  vulnerable communities on Medi-Cal. It's directly linked to over 230  other serious diseases, results in over 500,000 deaths annually, and is  the second greatest predictor of death and hospitalizations after age. 

In  the last several years, the development and deployment of anti-obesity  medications has proven to be a lifesaver in the fight against this disease. They're effective and safe medications that lead to significant  weight loss and offer several other benefits, including reduced  blood pressure, improved sleep apnea, and improved glycemic health, all  of which help to lower long-term healthcare costs. Recent studies have  shown that they reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, our nation's  leading cause of death, by 20%. 

The  effectiveness of anti-obesity medications in reducing these  obesity-related conditions have helped to lower long-term healthcare  costs. Their use over the next decade could  save the country more than $175 billion in healthcare costs thanks to  reduced hospitalizations and treatment of other diseases. 

Medi-Cal patients have been fortunate enough to have access to these powerful  medications for the last few years. And thanks to the creation of  Medi-Cal Rx by Governor Newsom and drug prices negotiations under the  program, California has access to affordable medication that improves  the lives and health of millions and they can continue to provide them  to all Medi-Cal enrollees that need them.