According to a recent survey conducted by KFF, approximately 1 in 8 adults in the United States has utilized a GLP-1 drug like Ozempic or Mounjaro at some point in their lives. Out of this group, about 6% of adults, or over 15 million people, are currently using a prescription for these medications. The survey also revealed that most adults who have used GLP-1 drugs have done so to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. However, a significant portion, about 2 in 5 adults, have used these drugs solely for weight loss purposes, despite the fact that neither Ozempic nor Mounjaro are specifically approved for this purpose. It is worth noting that doctors often prescribe these medications off-label for weight loss. The survey also found that adults between the ages of 50 and 64 were most likely to have used GLP-1 drugs, while younger adults tended to use them primarily for weight loss. The demand for these medications has been so high that the US Food and Drug Administration has reported shortages over the past year.
According to a survey conducted by KFF, Medicare currently does not cover prescription weight-loss drugs, and only 1% of seniors reported using a GLP-1 drug solely for weight loss. However, more than 60% of adults believe that Medicare policy should be changed to include coverage for these drugs when prescribed for weight loss.
Despite insurance coverage, many adults who have used GLP-1 drugs find it difficult to afford them, the survey found. The cost for a month’s supply of GLP-1 drugs can reach around $1,000, prompting Senator Bernie Sanders to launch an investigation into the high prices charged by manufacturers.
Due to the high costs and limited availability, some adults may seek alternatives to these sought-after drugs. The FDA has issued a warning against compounded versions of semaglutide, as they are not regulated or approved. The agency advises patients to obtain drugs containing semaglutide only with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider and from state-licensed pharmacies or FDA-registered outsourcing facilities, citing reports of adverse events from the use of compounded semaglutide.
The majority of adults who have used GLP-1 drugs, approximately 80%, reported obtaining them or a prescription from a primary care doctor or specialist. However, a small percentage, about 11%, obtained them from online providers or websites, and 10% from medical spas or aesthetic medical centers.
The KFF survey collected responses from nearly 1,500 adults in the last week of April, providing nationally representative findings.