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Ozempic it’s proving to be the wonder drug of this decade.

The VETERANS administration, Medicare and Medicaid has begun to cover the costs related to providing this and similar drugs.  The government has just announced that Medicaid and Medicare will begin covering these drugs.  This is expensive, but a reduction and other healthcare cost will more than make up for it.  Americans using this drug appropriately will certainly enjoy longer lives. 

Ozempic (generic name: semaglutide) is a prescription medication originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, but it’s now become a star player in cardiovascular and kidney disease management and yes, weight loss too. The VA (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs) has begun prescribing it more broadly to veterans at risk for stroke, heart attack, or kidney disease, not just those with diabetes.

Here’s the straight scoop:

What Ozempic Does

Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. That’s medical-speak for a drug that:

  • Lowers blood sugar by boosting insulin release
  • Slows digestion, keeping you full longer
  • Reduces appetite, which leads to weight loss
  • Lowers inflammation, which plays a role in heart and kidney damage

How It’s Taken

  • Once-weekly injection under the skin (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm)
  • Dosage typically starts low and is increased gradually

VA’s Current Use

The VA has recognized that Ozempic:

  • Reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, death)
  • Slows progression of kidney disease in diabetic patients
  • Is effective for weight loss, which itself reduces cardiac and kidney risk

Because of these benefits, veterans with high BMI, pre-diabetes, or cardiovascular risk factors are now being considered—even if they don’t have full-blown diabetes.

VA’s Patient Class

Before handing out the syringe, the VA:

  • Requires a short educational class
  • Explains how to administer it, manage side effects, and stick to the plan
  • Emphasizes diet, lifestyle, and follow-up

You don’t just walk in and get a shot, they want informed and compliant patients.

Side Effects

Most are mild, but they can be annoying:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Fatigue
  • In rare cases, pancreatitis or thyroid tumors (so it’s not given to people with certain cancer risks)0

Weight Loss Bonus

Ozempic isn’t technically approved for weight loss (that’s what Wegovy, a higher-dose version of semaglutide, is for), but many patients drop 10–15% of their body weight over several months.

Bottom Line

The VA is using Ozempic as a proactive tool, not just reactive treatment. It’s:

  • A heart and kidney protector
  • A weight control aid
  • And yes, a powerful diabetes drug

It’s a strategic move, less reactive crisis care, more preventive action, especially for veterans carrying the heavy baggage of age, stress, and service-related health issues.


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