Boone Health to close bariatric clinic amid GLP-1 popularity

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Boone Health is closing its bariatric clinic in Columbia because of lagging demand.

"We're working to expand the high-demand area of primary care, cardiology, general surgery and maternal health," Boone Health spokesman Christian Basi wrote in an emailed response to questions from ABC 17 News. "At the same time, we've seen a decrease in the bariatric services that are being requested."

Basi said Boone Health believes increasing demand for GLP-1 drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy has contributed to the decreased demand for bariatric services. A study released last May by the Kaiser Family Foundation said about 6% of Americans are taking GLP-1s, which translates to millions of people.

The drugs are used for weight loss and treating diabetes.

Boone is making other changes. Convenient care is being consolidated in one location at the Parkade Center on Business Loop 70 with expanded hours, Basi said. The space once dedicated to convenient care at Boone's Nifong Boulevard location in south Columbia will be used to expand primary care services, he said.

New providers have been hired to take on additional patients and reduce wait times for appointments, he said.