research in 2025 found that roughly 12% of American adults have used GLP-1 receptor agonists
Excess body weight (BW) is a well-established risk factor for type 2 diabetes (T2D), cancer, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), asthma, gallbladder disease, osteoarthritis, and chronic back pain, underscoring its profound impact on both individual and public health [6]
It was the specific interval used during the SURMOUNT clinical trials, which demonstrated the medications safety and efficacy for weight management
UnitedHealthcare has a two-level appeal process: Level 1 appeal (internal): Submit within 180 days of denial Include provider letter explaining medical necessity Include supporting clinical documentation (labs, medication trial records, weight logs) Decision within 30 days for standard appeals, 72 hours for urgent appeals Approval rate on Level 1 appeals: 22% Level 2 appeal (external review): Available if Level 1 denied Reviewed by independent third party, not UnitedHealthcare Must file within 60 days of Level 1 denial Decision is binding on UnitedHealthcare Approval rate on Level 2 appeals: 38% The appeal success rate is higher for diabetes indication (45% combined Level 1 + Level 2) than weight-loss indication (28% combined)