A lot of people are taking GLP-1 drugs

The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF, a health policy think tank) conducted a poll in May 2024 surveying a random segment of the adult population on their use and views of GLP-1 drugs. As a reminder, the GLP-1 drugs are activators (agonists) of the GLP-1 receptor. They mimic GLP-1 which is a peptide hormone released from the intestines in response to food intake, particularly after the ingestion of carbohydrates and fats. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels by promoting the secretion of insulin, suppressing the secretion of glucagon (which increases blood sugar levels), slowing stomach emptying, and reducing appetite. The drugs have been approved to treat both type 2 diabetes and obesity.

The survey found that 12% of adults have taken GLP-1 agonists, with 6% currently using them (see Figure 1). Usage rises to 43% among adults diagnosed with diabetes, 26% among those with heart disease, and 22% among those diagnosed as overweight or obese in the past five years. Black adults (18%) are more likely than White (10%) or Hispanic adults (13%) to report taking GLP-1 drugs.

The reasons for use are split between the treating condition and weight loss with 62% of those who have taken GLP-1 drugs used them to treat a chronic condition (diabetes or heart disease), whereas 38% used them primarily for weight loss.

79% of users obtained their drugs via prescriptions from a primary care doctor or specialist, 11% from online providers or websites, and 10% from medical spas or aesthetic centers. Although most have been prescribed through standard medical channels, approximately 20% have availed themselves of non-standard procurement e.g. aesthetic centers. According to the poll report, "some adults are seeking generic or compounded versions of these drugs through sources such as medical spas or compounding pharmacies, which may sell products claiming to be name-brand GLP-1s that have not been vetted by the F.D.A."

Public awareness of GLP-1 drugs is high, with 32% of adults reporting they have heard “a lot” about these drugs, up from 19% in July 2023. Awareness is increased among those with diabetes (45%), heart disease (41%), or those overweight or obese (42%). In addition, older adults (50-64 and 65+) and those with higher incomes ($90,000+) are the most aware of the drugs.

Not surprisingly, payment is a key issue. Among insured users, 57% had partial coverage, 24% had full coverage, and 19% paid the full cost themselves. The latter group most likely overlaps substantially with those who obtained the drugs through non-prescription means. Difficulty affording the drugs persists even among those with insurance.

Importantly, 61% of adults believe Medicare should cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, consistent across age groups and political affiliations. The support increases to 71% among those who have taken GLP-1 drugs.

Finally, there are concerns over high costs and limited availability due to increased demand. This has led to reports of seeking generic or compounded versions through alternative sources as mentioned above. Unlike medications approved by the FDA, these alternatively-sourced drugs have not been officially reviewed for safety and effectiveness, making them potentially risky for patients.

In summary, a lot of people have taken (12% of adults) or are taking (6% of adults) GLP-1 drugs. This poll sheds light on the growing use and public perception of GLP-1 drugs, highlighting issues of cost, access, and insurance coverage, as well as the broad support for Medicare coverage of these medications for weight loss.

Figure 1. Percent of adults who have ever used GLP-1 drugs. The total percent is at the top, followed by the percent if possessing a given medical condition, and then finally divided by ethnicity. Source: KFF Health Tracking Poll (April 23-May 1, 2024).