Does it seem like everyone is taking Ozempic these days? The diabetes and weight loss drug, and others like it, known as GLP-1s, have become so popular, around 12% of adults in the U.S. have tried it at some point, according to a new survey by healthcare research group KFF.
The poll finds:
- About 6% - or more than 15-million - American adults are currently taking one of these drugs.
- While 62% say they’ve taken a GLP-1 to treat a chronic condition, like diabetes or heart disease, four in 10 (43%) have taken it primarily to lose weight.
- A quarter of those who’ve ever taken one of these drugs have been told by a doctor that they have heart disease, and 22% have been told by a doctor that they’re overweight or obese in the last five years.
- Just over half (54%) of those who’ve taken GLP-1 drugs say the cost was hard to afford, while 22% say it was “very difficult.”
- Insurance covers at least part of the cost for those who are insured, but 53% say it was still tough to afford.
- Medicare currently doesn’t cover prescription drugs used for weight loss, but six in 10 think the policy should be changed to cover them for people who are “clinically overweight.”
- Over three-quarters (79%) report getting these drugs or a prescription for them from their primary care doctor or a specialist, 11% have gotten it from an online provider or website and 10% have gotten it from a medical spa or aesthetic medical center.
Source: KFF
Scott's Thoughts:
- So everyone really is on Ozempic!
- I take it for my type 2 diabetes. I think it also helps with my weight loss efforts but it has some bad side effects for me.
- I did just recently move back down from the 2mg to 1mg. I hope to eventually go off it completely.