Did you know that about 1 in 8 adults in the United States has used a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic or Mounjaro at some point? A recent survey by KFF found that currently, about 6% of adults – more than 15 million people – are using a prescription for these medications.
The demand for GLP-1 drugs has surged, leading to shortages reported by the US Food and Drug Administration. Drugmakers have struggled to keep up with the increasing demand, with Novo Nordisk stating that the number of people starting its drug Wegovy each week has skyrocketed.
Most adults who have used these drugs do so to manage chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. However, a significant portion – about 2 in 5 adults – have used GLP-1 drugs solely for weight loss, even though they are not specifically approved for this purpose.
Despite Medicare not covering prescription weight-loss drugs, many adults believe this policy should change. However, affordability remains a significant issue, with most adults finding it difficult to afford these medications.
With high costs and limited supply, some individuals may turn to alternatives, but caution is advised. The FDA has warned against compounded versions of semaglutide, emphasizing the importance of obtaining these drugs with a prescription from licensed healthcare providers.
Interestingly, while most adults obtain GLP-1 drugs or prescriptions from healthcare providers, a notable percentage acquire them from online providers, medical spas, or aesthetic medical centers.
These insights are based on responses from a nationally representative sample of nearly 1,500 adults collected in late April.
