California is denying popular weight loss drugs to poor people, despite efforts by President Donald Trump to make them cheaper. This decision means only those who can afford to pay for anti-obesity drugs out of pocket will be able to use them. The decision is seen as a setback for California residents and deprives working and low-income families of an effective means to improve their health and avoid other infirmities. The cost of covering these medications could significantly increase, but it shifts greater costs onto patients and taxpayers in the long run. The author points out that providing coverage for proven weight-loss medicines can control Medicaid costs later. There is also a public safety concern when patients lose coverage for FDA-approved medicines, some may turn to knockoff versions of these therapies.