A quiet revolution is underway in healthcare, fueled by a new wave of medications promising significant weight loss. Recent agreements aim to lower the cost of these drugs – GLP-1s like Ozempic and Mounjaro – potentially unleashing a surge in demand across the nation.
Current prescription data reveals a strikingly uneven distribution of GLP-1 usage. A recent analysis of insurance claims paints a detailed picture, showing some states embracing these medications far more readily than others. The numbers, however, only tell part of the story.
The data, compiled from commercial and government insurance records, doesn’t account for cash purchases, telehealth appointments, compounded medications, or the uninsured population. This means the actual number of people using these drugs is almost certainly higher than reported.
States in the South, Midwest, and Appalachian regions are leading the charge, with over 15% of their populations receiving GLP-1 prescriptions for weight loss or diabetes control. These areas often grapple with higher rates of obesity and related health issues, driving the increased adoption.
Conversely, coastal and western states show significantly lower usage rates. Hawaii currently reports the fewest prescriptions overall, suggesting regional differences in healthcare practices and prevalence of these conditions.
Beyond weight management, experts are beginning to explore a wider range of potential benefits for GLP-1 medications. Dr. Brett Osborn, a neurologist specializing in longevity, even takes a microdose daily for heart health.
Dr. Osborn believes a shift is coming, predicting these drugs will soon be prescribed proactively for obesity – even in the absence of diabetes – given the strong correlation between the two. He foresees even broader applications in the near future.
The potential extends to vascular disease prevention, curbing addictive behaviors like excessive drinking and gambling, slowing cognitive decline, and even enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatments. The evolving understanding of these medications demands cautious interpretation of current data.
The concentration of GLP-1 prescriptions aligns closely with states facing the highest obesity rates. Kentucky, West Virginia, and other Midwestern states, where obesity and diabetes are particularly prevalent, are seeing increased demand.
Recent data from the Trust for America’s Health confirms this trend, identifying the ten states with the highest adult obesity rates, all located in the South or Midwest. Remarkably, nine of these ten states also have GLP-1 prescription rates exceeding 15%.
Obesity rates are climbing nationwide, with 19 states now reporting adult obesity rates of at least 35% – an increase from the previous year. For the first time, no state has an adult obesity rate below 25%, signaling a growing public health crisis.
States with the lowest obesity rates, primarily located in the West and Northeast, offer a contrasting picture. However, experts emphasize the need for systemic changes to address the root causes of unhealthy lifestyles.
Addressing “structural barriers to healthy eating and physical activity” requires sustained policy attention and investment, according to public health officials. The future of weight management and overall health may hinge on these crucial interventions.
