What Social Media May Not Tell You About Weight-Loss Drugs
Apr 26, 2024
13:21
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The podcast discusses the influence of social media on promoting weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, raising concerns about the risks and regulatory disparities. It also delves into the aftermath of a ransomware attack on Change Healthcare, highlighting the impact on healthcare payment processing and ongoing investigations.
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Quick takeaways
Social media influences perception and use of weight-loss drugs, displacing doctors as trusted authorities.
Cyber attack on Change Healthcare disrupts medical services, highlighting vulnerabilities in healthcare technology.
Deep dives
Cyber Attack on Change Healthcare
Change Healthcare, a major player in processing medical claims in the U.S., faced a serious cyber attack where the hackers demanded a ransom. The company shut down key systems, leading to disruptions in services like prescription verifications and insurer payments to healthcare providers. Despite paying a $22 million ransom, the full extent of the compromised data is still being investigated by UnitedHealth Group.
Influence of Social Media on Weight Loss Drugs
Social media platforms are influencing the perception and use of weight loss drugs like Ozempic by promoting them positively. Influencers and organic posts on drugs like Ozempic attract individuals seeking weight loss solutions. A survey revealed that over a third of individuals using these drugs were influenced by social media recommendations. The decentralized nature of social media poses challenges in providing comprehensive information about the drugs.
Rise of Telehealth in Drug Prescriptions
The rise of telehealth is impacting how individuals access weight loss drugs mentioned on social media. Patients influenced by online content may seek these drugs directly from healthcare providers or through telehealth services. The availability of drugs through gray market sites and compounded versions raises safety concerns as original manufacturers may not vouch for their efficacy. The volume of social media discussions about drugs presents regulatory challenges for companies and patients seeking accurate information.
Social media platforms are full of posts by influencers talking up the latest generation of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. And it’s causing people to seek out the drugs, in some cases displacing doctors as the trusted authorities on whether to take one of the medicines. WSJ special writer Peter Loftus tells host Alex Ossola about what happens when social media and weight loss drugs overlap. Plus, a hack into healthcare technology company Change Healthcare has been called the most serious incident of its kind to strike the industry. Now, its parent company is digging into what happened. WSJ Pro Deputy Bureau Chief Kim Nash talks about the attack.
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