GLP-1 Statistics (2026)

~12%

of U.S. adults report currently using or having recently used a GLP-1 medication for weight loss or diabetes management

This represents approximately 31 million U.S. adults (derived: 12% × 258M U.S. adults, Census 2024 estimate), reflecting rapid growth from ~6% in May 2024.

41.9%

of U.S. adults have obesity, defined as a BMI of 30 or higher

This prevalence has increased from 30.5% in 1999-2000, representing a substantial and growing patient population potentially eligible for GLP-1 therapy.

45M+

GLP-1 prescriptions were dispensed in the United States in 2023

Prescription volume has grown sharply year over year, driven by expanded indications and increased public awareness of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.

$1,349/mo

is the average list price for Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) without insurance

This price represents the manufacturer's list price before any insurance negotiation, copay assistance, or pharmacy discounts.

$935/mo

is the average list price for Ozempic (semaglutide 1 mg) without insurance

Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. When used off-label for weight loss, it is less likely to be covered by insurance.

$27.5B

in gross spending on GLP-1 medications by Medicare Part D in 2024

GLP-1 spending has grown rapidly — from $5.7B in 2022 to $27.5B in 2024 — making it one of the fastest-growing drug categories in the Medicare program.

82%

of U.S. adults say the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable

Drug affordability remains a top concern among American adults, with GLP-1 medications frequently cited as examples of high-cost therapies.

27%

of GLP-1 users on the Ro platform reported experiencing judgment for using weight loss medication

Stigma and judgment around GLP-1 use remain common, with users reporting negative reactions from friends, family, and coworkers.

1 in 4

GLP-1 users avoid talking about their weight loss medication for fear of judgment, according to the WeightWatchers Beyond Hunger report

Fear of judgment drives significant nondisclosure among GLP-1 users, with the stigma of \'taking the easy way out\' frequently cited as a concern.

14.9%

average body weight loss achieved with semaglutide 2.4 mg in clinical trials, compared to 2.4% with placebo

The STEP 1 trial demonstrated significant weight loss among participants without diabetes, establishing semaglutide as a leading anti-obesity medication.

22.5%

body weight loss achieved with tirzepatide at the highest dose (15 mg) in clinical trials

The SURMOUNT-1 trial showed tirzepatide (marketed as Mounjaro/Zepbound) produced the highest weight loss of any approved GLP-1 medication to date.

82%

of U.S. adults say the cost of prescription drugs is unreasonable

Public concern over drug pricing extends across political and demographic lines, with GLP-1s emerging as a focal point in the drug-pricing debate.

~25%

of GLP-1 users said the drugs were \'very difficult\' to afford, according to KFF\'s November 2025 tracking poll

Cost remains a leading barrier to GLP-1 access and persistence, with affordability concerns reported across income levels.

~2/3

of weight lost on GLP-1 medication is regained within one year of stopping treatment

Extension studies from the STEP 1 trial show that most participants regained a substantial portion of their weight loss after discontinuing semaglutide, highlighting the challenge of long-term maintenance.