One in eight American adults has now taken a GLP-1 medication like Ozempic or Mounjaro, marking a significant shift in how millions approach weight management and chronic disease treatment.
A new survey reveals striking patterns about who’s using these drugs, why they’re taking them, and the financial barriers many face.
According to a health tracking survey conducted by KFF, 6% of U.S. adults—more than 15 million people—are currently using a GLP-1 drug.
The data offers fascinating insights into America’s evolving relationship with weight-loss medications and diabetes management.
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Medical Need Versus Weight Loss
Among adults who’ve taken GLP-1 medications, 62% report using them primarily to treat chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
However, approximately 43% have used these drugs mainly for weight loss—a finding that underscores their dual appeal.
The survey conducted during late April found that among lifetime users of GLP-1s, 43% had been diagnosed with diabetes, 25% with heart disease, and 22% told they were overweight or obese within the past five years.
Cost Creates Significant Barriers
Financial accessibility remains a major obstacle for many Americans seeking these medications.
More than half—54%—of adults who’ve taken GLP-1 drugs report struggling to afford them. One in five people found the cost very difficult to manage.
Even among insured adults whose plans covered at least part of the medication cost, approximately 53% still found the expenses challenging.
These findings highlight a critical gap between medical need and financial access, particularly as demand continues surging across demographics.
Age Reveals Stark Usage Patterns
Older adults show the highest overall usage rates of GLP-1 medications.
Adults ages 50-64 and those 65 and older were most likely to have used these drugs. However, only 1% of the 65-and-over group reported taking them specifically for weight loss.
KFF researchers suggest this pattern likely reflects Medicare’s current prohibition on covering prescription drugs used for weight loss—despite 37% of adults 65 and older being told by doctors they’re overweight or obese in recent years.
Younger adults tell a different story entirely.
Younger Demographics Drive Weight-Loss Use
About 7% of people ages 18-29 have taken a GLP-1, with 6% of those ages 30-49 reporting usage.
These younger adults are significantly more likely to use the medications solely for weight loss rather than chronic disease management.
Public Support for Medicare Coverage
Despite current restrictions, Americans overwhelmingly favor expanded access.
Six in 10 adults believe Medicare policy should change to cover GLP-1 medications when prescribed for weight loss in clinically overweight individuals.
This sentiment reflects growing recognition of obesity as a medical condition requiring treatment—not simply a lifestyle choice.
How Americans Obtain GLP-1 Drugs
The survey examined sourcing patterns amid ongoing reports of shortages and limited availability as demand skyrockets.
Traditional medical channels dominate, with approximately 79% of adults obtaining these drugs or prescriptions through primary care doctors or specialists.
Alternative sources are gaining traction, however:
- 11% used online providers or websites
- 10% obtained medications from medical spas or aesthetic centers
- 2% sourced them elsewhere
This diversification suggests Americans are finding creative solutions to access challenges—though it also raises questions about proper medical oversight and safety.
What These Numbers Mean Moving Forward
The survey paints a picture of medications increasingly woven into American healthcare and culture.
With more than 15 million current users and one in eight adults having tried them at some point, GLP-1 drugs have achieved mainstream status in remarkably short time.
Yet significant challenges remain. Cost barriers prevent many from accessing potentially life-changing treatments. Medicare coverage gaps leave older Americans navigating difficult choices. Supply shortages create uncertainty.
As these medications continue evolving from niche diabetes treatments to widely-used weight management tools, the conversation around accessibility, affordability, and appropriate use will only intensify.
The KFF survey data provides crucial baseline understanding of where America stands today—and hints at the healthcare policy debates likely coming tomorrow.
