CLEVELAND, Ohio — One in eight adults in the United States are now using Ozempic, Wegovy or similar GLP-1 drugs, according to a new KFF Health Tracking Poll.
The poll also found that cost and side effects are the leading reasons why patients stop taking such drugs, significantly outweighing those who discontinue use because their condition improved, according to the poll.
Concerns over the drugs’ affordability, and public skepticism regarding the Trump administration’s efforts to lower prescription costs were also identified in the poll.
The KFF survey was conducted this fall, online and by telephone among a nationally representative sample of 1,350 U.S. adults in English and in Spanish.
Here are five takeaways from the poll:
1. About 12% of U.S. adults now use GLP-1 drugs
While the adoption of GLP-1 drugs has become increasingly widespread in recent years, the new numbers represent an increase over the past 18 months.
Use is most prevalent among adults aged 50-64 (22%) and women (15% vs. 9% of men).
Usage is also high among individuals with diabetes (45%) or heart disease (29%).
2. Affordability is major barrier for more than half of users
Despite the drugs’ popularity, cost remains a significant obstacle. The poll shows that more than half of all GLP-1 users (56%) report that affording the medications is difficult.
This financial strain persists even for those with health insurance, as 55% of insured users also find the cost challenging.
Furthermore, about a quarter (27%) of users who have health insurance coverage say they ended up paying the full cost of the drugs themselves, highlighting gaps in insurance coverage for these popular treatments.
3. Cost and side effects are primary reasons for discontinuation
The high cost of GLP-1 drugs is a leading reason why patients stop taking them. According to the poll, 14% of people who have taken these medications no longer use them specifically because of the expense.
This makes cost one of the most common reasons for discontinuation, followed closely by side effects, which were cited by 13% of former users as their reason for stopping. In contrast, only a small fraction (5%) reported stopping because their condition had improved.
4. Public remains skeptical of Trump Administration’s efforts to lower drug prices
There is widespread doubt among the public that the Trump administration’s policies will successfully reduce prescription drug costs. A majority of adults (62%) believe it is “not too likely” or “not at all likely” that the administration’s announced plans—such as a new website called TrumpRx—will lower drug prices for people like them. Only 38% believe it is “very” or “somewhat likely.”
This skepticism comes despite recent administration announcements aimed at lowering drug prices for state Medicaid programs and IVF treatments.
5. Most users get GLP-1s from a doctor, but alternative sources are common
While the majority of people who have taken GLP-1 drugs obtained them through traditional medical channels, a significant minority turned to alternative providers. The poll found that 76% of users got the medication from one of their doctors.
However, about one in six (17%) said they acquired the drugs from an online provider or website, and nearly one in ten (9%) reported getting them from a medical spa or an aesthetic medical center, indicating a diversification in how these drugs are being accessed by consumers.