Tirzepatide: Weight loss drug suppresses appetite, awaits FDA approval - Insider

Another weight loss medication designed to treat diabetes is part of a promising class of new drugs that may aid weight loss. .

Despite its potential, there are a lot of unknowns about the future of the drug, including access for patients, according to an obesity medicine expert.

The lack of FDA approval for weight loss means manufacturers aren't able to market the drug for weight loss, Isaacs said. Since tirzepatide is already FDA-approved for use with diabetes, doctors are able to prescribe it to patients, even for a different purpose, if they think it will help.

Tirzapetide works in the same way as other diabetes medications used to treat obesity, according to Isaacs.

A majority of insurance plans don't cover weight loss medications, and those that do require extensive paperwork, according to Isaacs

The catch with weight loss medications like tirzepatide and semaglutide is that patients have to continue taking the medication to maintain the weight loss.