Lilly’s Obesity Drugs Surge to Top Sellers as SNAP Benefits Face Cuts in the U.S

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November 1, 2025

Federal Judge Intervenes to Preserve SNAP Benefits as Government Shutdown Looms

Washington D.C. – A potential crisis for millions of Americans was averted late last night when a Federal Judge ordered the Trump Governance to continue funding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The ruling came just hours before the program was set to be suspended in at least 25 states, impacting over 42 million people.

The impending shutdown threatened food assistance for roughly 16 million children, nearly 39% of all SNAP recipients. This intervention highlights the precarious state of the nation’s food safety net amid ongoing political gridlock.

The Interplay Between Food Security and Health

The potential loss of SNAP benefits prompted widespread concern from healthcare professionals, who emphasized the critical link between adequate nutrition and public health. Dr.Shawn Martin, Chief executive Officer of the American Academy of Family Physicians, warned that cutting food assistance would exacerbate health problems and erode trust in both the healthcare system and government.

According to Erica Kenney,an associate professor at the Harvard Chan School of Public Health,food insecurity creates immense stress,especially for families with children,and has been linked to poorer cardiovascular health.

Existing cuts and the OBBBA Impact

Even prior to this week’s potential suspension, SNAP benefits had already been reduced due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) of 2025.The looming government shutdown threatened to worsen the situation, impacting individuals already struggling with rising costs for housing, utilities, and groceries.

Data indicates that single-person households, who increasingly rely on SNAP, are notably vulnerable to these cuts.

SNAP Benefit Trends (2025)	Data Point
Total SNAP Recipients	42 Million
Children Receiving SNAP	16 Million (39%)
Impact of OBBBA	Reduced benefit amounts
Fastest-Growing Food Retailer	Dollar Stores

Did You Know? Research shows that food purchased at dollar stores is often less nutritious than that purchased elsewhere, potentially exacerbating health disparities.

A Split-Screen Moment: Pharma Profits vs. Food Access

The SNAP situation unfolded alongside news that Eli Lilly’s drugs, Zepbound and Mounjaro, had surpassed Merck’s Keytruda as the world’s best-selling medications. These GLP-1 drugs, used to treat obesity and diabetes, generated $10.1 billion in sales in the third quarter of 2025,reaching nearly $25 billion year-to-date.

this juxtaposition – a potential curtailment of basic food assistance alongside record-breaking sales of weight-loss drugs – underscores critical policy questions. The access to healthy food is a foundational element of preventative care, and the debate highlights the broader issues of social determinants of health.It also marks a divergence in approaches to obesity and its societal costs.

Pro Tip: Explore local food banks and community resources if you or someone you know is facing food insecurity. A thorough list of resources can be found at Feeding america.

This situation prompts urgent examination of policy priorities, healthcare funding, and the very definition of public well-being. America must confront the interconnectedness of health, food access, and economic security.

What role should innovative medications like Zepbound and Mounjaro play in addressing diet-related health challenges?

How can we ensure equitable access to nutritious food for all Americans,regardless of income?

Understanding SNAP and its Importance

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),formerly known as food stamps,is a federal program offering nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. It provides a monthly allotment of funds that can be used to purchase eligible food items. SNAP is a crucial safety net, particularly during economic downturns, and plays a significant role in reducing food insecurity and improving health outcomes.

In recent years,SNAP enrollment has fluctuated based on economic conditions and policy changes. Factors like unemployment rates,inflation,and adjustments to eligibility requirements all impact the number of people receiving benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions about SNAP

• What is SNAP? SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families.
• Who is eligible for SNAP? Eligibility varies by state, but generally includes income and resource limits.
• how dose the OBBBA affect SNAP? The OBBBA reduced SNAP benefit amounts.
• What happens if SNAP funding is cut? Cutting SNAP funding can lead to increased food insecurity and negative health outcomes.
• Are there alternatives to SNAP? Food banks, community pantries, and othre local organizations can provide food assistance.
• How does food insecurity impact health? Food insecurity is linked to higher rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.
• What are GLP-1 drugs and how do they relate to food security? GLP-1 drugs, while effective for weight management, represent a costly solution compared to ensuring access to affordable, nutritious food.

share this article and join the conversation about food security and health. what steps can we take to address these critical issues in your community?

Does the surge in demand for GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Zepbound correlate with the reduction of SNAP benefits, perhaps indicating a shift towards medicalized weight loss solutions among food-insecure populations?

the Rising Tide of GLP-1s: mounjaro and zepbound

The pharmaceutical landscape is undergoing a significant shift, driven by the unprecedented success of Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 receptor agonists – mounjaro (tirzepatide) and, more recently, Zepbound (also tirzepatide, but specifically approved for weight loss). These drugs, initially developed for type 2 diabetes management, have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in promoting significant weight loss, leading to a surge in demand and propelling Lilly to the forefront of the obesity treatment market.Sales figures for Q3 2025 show Mounjaro and Zepbound collectively generating over $8 billion in revenue, surpassing many analysts’ expectations and establishing them as Lilly’s top-selling products. This growth coincides with a period of increased awareness surrounding obesity as a chronic health condition and a growing acceptance of medical intervention for weight management.

* Mounjaro (Tirzepatide): Primarily marketed for type 2 diabetes, frequently enough prescribed off-label for weight loss.

* Zepbound (Tirzepatide): Specifically FDA-approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.

* GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: A class of drugs that mimic the effects of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, regulating appetite and improving insulin sensitivity.

SNAP Benefit Reductions and Food Insecurity

Together, the U.S. is witnessing a rollback of pandemic-era Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Emergency SNAP allotments, implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic to bolster food security, have been phased out in most states throughout 2023 and 2024, and the impact is fully realized in late 2025. This reduction in benefits is leaving millions of Americans, notably those with low incomes, facing increased food insecurity.

The cuts vary by state, but generally represent a significant decrease in monthly assistance. This creates a complex dynamic: increased access to potentially life-changing obesity medications for some, while others struggle to afford basic necessities like food. The timing is particularly concerning given the rising cost of groceries and overall inflation.

the intersection: Affordability and Access to Obesity Treatment

the success of Lilly’s drugs highlights a critical issue: affordability and access. While Zepbound and Mounjaro offer promising results, their high cost – typically exceeding $1,000 per month without insurance – puts them out of reach for many who could benefit. This disparity is exacerbated by the SNAP benefit cuts, creating a situation where individuals facing food insecurity may also be unable to afford effective obesity treatments.

* Cost Barriers: the high price tag of GLP-1s limits access for uninsured or underinsured individuals.

* Insurance Coverage: Coverage varies widely by insurance plan, with many requiring prior authorization or imposing restrictions.

* Financial Assistance Programs: Lilly offers patient assistance programs, but eligibility requirements can be stringent.

Impact on Healthcare Systems and Public Health

The increased demand for obesity medications is placing a strain on healthcare systems. Supply chain issues have led to intermittent shortages of both Mounjaro and Zepbound, causing frustration for patients and healthcare providers. Furthermore, the long-term effects of widespread GLP-1 use are still being studied.

From a public health perspective, the combination of rising obesity rates, increased access to medication (for some), and reduced food assistance raises several concerns:

1. Widening Health Disparities: The gap between those who can afford treatment and those who cannot may widen existing health disparities.
2. Potential for Increased food Bank reliance: SNAP cuts could lead to increased demand for food banks and other charitable food assistance programs.
3. Need for Extensive Obesity strategies: Addressing obesity requires a multi-faceted approach, including prevention, lifestyle interventions, and affordable access to treatment.

Real-World Example: The Alabama SNAP Rollback & Obesity Rates

alabama was one of the frist states to fully eliminate emergency SNAP allotments. Data from the Alabama Department of Public Health shows a correlating increase in reported food insecurity in the months following the benefit cuts. Simultaneously, local physicians reported a surge in patients inquiring about weight loss medications like Mounjaro, despite the financial challenges. This anecdotal evidence suggests a potential link between reduced food assistance and a heightened focus on medical solutions for weight management, particularly among those already struggling with obesity.

The Role of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans

Employer-sponsored health plans are increasingly becoming a key player in determining access to obesity medications. some large employers are proactively adding coverage for GLP-1s, recognizing the potential for long-term health benefits and reduced healthcare costs. However, many smaller businesses may lack the resources to offer such comprehensive coverage, further exacerbating the access gap.

Future Outlook: Policy and innovation

Addressing the challenges at the intersection of obesity treatment and food security will require a combination of policy changes and continued innovation. Potential solutions include:

* Expanding Medicaid coverage: Increasing Medicaid eligibility could provide access to GLP-1s for more low-income individuals.

* Negotiating Drug Prices: Allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices could lower the cost of obesity medications.

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