B2 – Upper Intermediate
Wegovy, a drug for weight loss, was approved by the US Food and Drug Agency (FDA) in 2021. They believe it could help lower the risk of death caused by stroke or heart attack in adults who suffer from cardiovascular disease or obesity.
Listen to the audio and read the transcript about the FDA approval of Wegovy in the US.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “vanity drug” mean? “The hope is that insurers will start understanding that this is not a vanity drug.” Give a synonym and use this phrase in a sentence.
- What does “to cover a drug” mean? “Recent estimates say nearly $3 billion was spent in 2021 covering Ozempic to treat diabetes.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
- What does “to open the door” mean here, “She said the change “… will open the door to allow more people on Medicare to gain access to Wegovy.””? Use this word in a sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- What are your thoughts on the drug Wegovy? Knowing the side effects and possible effects on some organs of this drug, do you think it is worth taking it or using it for treatments of patients? Explain your opinion.
- Share your insights on this, “The new class of obesity medications are useful for improving health, not just losing weight.”
- Should obesity-related health issues receive expanded coverage and federal health coverage programs such as Medicare pay for the obesity drug? Share your opinion.
- What is your opinion on this, “The FDA’s decision will change the way many heart patients are treated.”? How so, do you think?
- Share your thoughts on heart specialist Gulati’s statement, “Everybody (is) waiting to get this medication,” she said. “Lower the cost, do (not) be greedy and make sure the drug is available for use.”