Prior to this switch, GLP-1 drugs were not covered by traditional Medicare at all, leaving patients seeking the popular drugs to rely on supplemental insurance or cash price discounts
It also stimulates the liver to produce insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), which promotes tissue growth, supports protein synthesis, and contributes to overall metabolic regulation
The mechanisms include vascular disease, hormonal imbalances (particularly reduced testosterone in men), psychological factors, and reduced physical stamina
These systemic immune modulations may directly impact gastrointestinal immune homeostasis, although more research is necessary in this regard
STEP-1 is the largest trial to date and involved 1961 overweight and obese nondiabetics