About 1 in 8 adults in the United States has used a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic or Mounjaro at some point in their life, with approximately 6% of adults currently using a prescription, totaling more than 15 million people, as per new survey data from KFF.
The US FDA has reported shortages of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro due to the increasing demand. Novo Nordisk mentioned that at least 25,000 people in the US are starting its drug Wegovy each week, a significant increase from previous numbers.
Most adults who have used GLP-1 drugs have done so to manage chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease. However, around 40% of respondents with diabetes and a quarter with heart disease reported using GLP-1 drugs. Surprisingly, 2 in 5 adults used these drugs solely for weight loss.
While Ozempic and Mounjaro are not approved for weight loss specifically, doctors often prescribe them off-label for this purpose. Wegovy, approved for obesity in 2021, contains semaglutide, similar to Ozempic, while Mounjaro uses tirzepatide.
The survey revealed that adults aged 50 to 64 were most likely to have used GLP-1 drugs, while younger adults were more inclined to use them for weight loss. Despite Medicare not covering prescription weight-loss drugs, over 60% of adults believe that policy should change to include coverage for these drugs when prescribed for weight loss.
However, affordability remains a significant concern, with a month's supply of GLP-1 drugs costing around $1,000. Sen. Bernie Sanders initiated an investigation into the high prices charged by manufacturers.
Due to high costs and limited supply, some individuals may turn to alternatives. The FDA cautioned against compounded versions of semaglutide, emphasizing the importance of obtaining drugs with a prescription from licensed healthcare providers and pharmacies.
The majority of adults who used GLP-1 drugs obtained them from primary care doctors or specialists. However, a small percentage sourced them from online providers, medical spas, or aesthetic medical centers.
The KFF survey findings are based on responses from nearly 1,500 adults collected in April, providing valuable insights into the prevalence and usage of GLP-1 drugs in the US.
