How much do Americans spend on GLP-1 medications? Medical students measure drug affordability
The number of people using GLP-1 treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss or chronic conditions has increased rapidly, with more than 1 in 10 U.S. adults currently taking such medications. A new study led by medical students at Virginia Commonwealth University has shed light on how this rise in GLP-1 drug use is affecting Americans' wallets.
From 2013 to 2023, U.S. health care spending on GLP-1 medications increased significantly, from $4.4 billion to $64.9 billion. In 2023, these drugs accounted for 7% of annual household income for the average patient, with nearly 1 in 5 users facing a high out-of-pocket burden of at least 10% of their household income. This financial strain is particularly pronounced among uninsured and lower-income individuals, highlighting the need for more affordable solutions, such as drug price negotiations and expanded insurance coverage.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
