U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled a groundbreaking agreement with pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk aimed at reducing the prices of widely used obesity medications. This deal also extends Medicare coverage, allowing millions of Americans to access these crucial treatments more easily.

The weight-loss medications Zepbound and Wegovy are frequently prescribed for Type 2 diabetes and obesity. Currently, without insurance, a monthly supply can cost between $500 and $650, which makes it unaffordable for many. However, starting in 2026, new lower-cost oral forms may be available for as low as $149 per month, with existing injectable options anticipated to reduce to around $350.

This initiative falls under a program named TrumpRx, which aims to enable uninsured individuals to purchase these drugs directly from manufacturers at significantly reduced rates. For Medicare beneficiaries, co-pays will be capped at $50, while those on Medicaid could end up paying little or nothing at all.

In a statement from the White House, Trump emphasized that this landmark agreement aims to make medications for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other related ailments more financially accessible for Americans. The statement noted, “This marks a historic price reduction for Americans dependent on two of the costliest medications.”

With nearly 40% of American adults affected by obesity, according to the CDC, this issue has gained increasing recognition as a serious health problem. Research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition indicates that obesity treatments like Zepbound and Wegovy can facilitate a weight loss of between 15% and 22%, with some individuals shedding over 50 pounds.

Experts argue that lowering these costs could yield better health outcomes for millions who have previously struggled to access these essential treatments. High prices have often acted as a significant barrier, preventing many Americans from achieving and maintaining a healthy weight while reducing the associated risk of diseases.

This agreement is poised to significantly impact public health by making weight-management drugs more attainable. The combination of decreased prices and extended Medicare coverage could empower Americans in their fight against obesity and enhance their overall health and wellbeing.