Millions of Americans are not taking their GLP-1 drugs as prescribed
Cost and access barriers are pushing people to modified use and unapproved versions.
In a recent study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers found that roughly one in ten American adults, or 27 million people, are using GLP-1 medications in ways that deviate from their prescribed usage. GLP-1 drugs, known for their effectiveness in managing diabetes, weight loss, and various chronic health conditions, have become increasingly popular.
However, these findings raise concerns about the safety and efficacy of the drugs when used outside of their intended guidelines. The study, which surveyed over 8,000 US adults between July and August 2025, reveals that 44 percent of GLP-1 users altered their usage in some manner, with the majority doing so due to cost or availability issues.
Younger users, aged 14 to 39, were particularly affected, with 58 percent citing cost as a significant barrier, compared to just 20 percent of those aged 65 and older.
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