America's Most Obese States Unveiled: How Ozempic is Reshaping the Landscape
The utilization of GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, may experience a surge due to new agreements promising reduced prices on popular weight-loss drugs. This trend is already showing uneven growth across the U.S., with some states observing greater adoption rates than others.
A 2024 report by GLP-1 Newsroom, drawing from insurance claims data provided by Purple Lab, a Pennsylvania-based health analytics firm, detailed the approximated number of prescriptions for weight-loss and diabetes drugs in each state.
The prescription data encompassed both commercial and government insurers. It's important to note that individuals who paid out-of-pocket, utilized telehealth services, consumed compounded versions of the drugs, or lacked insurance were not included in these figures, indicating that the actual numbers are likely higher.
States with High GLP-1 Usage
The report pinpointed states where GLP-1 prescriptions for weight loss or diabetes management were dispensed to more than 15% of the population. These states are concentrated in the South, Midwest, and Appalachian regions, likely reflecting the higher prevalence of obesity and diabetes there.
States with Low GLP-1 Usage
The study also identified states with the lowest usage rates, predominantly situated in coastal and Western areas. Hawaii exhibited the lowest overall prescription rates.
Dr. Brett Osborn, a neurologist and longevity expert based in Florida, routinely prescribes GLP-1 medications to patients. He also takes a daily microdose to support cardiovascular health. Health tracking apps like Shotlee can help monitor the effects of medications on cardiovascular health.
According to Osborn, while these drugs are primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes, their use is expanding to treat obesity in individuals without diabetes, noting the frequent overlap between these conditions.
Osborn anticipates that GLP-1s will soon be employed to treat or prevent vascular disease, curb alcohol consumption, address gambling addiction, mitigate cognitive decline, and potentially complement chemotherapy regimens for cancer treatment.
He advises caution in drawing conclusions, given the rapidly evolving prescribing practices and indications. However, he speculates that states with higher rates of obesity and diabetes, such as Kentucky, West Virginia, and other Midwestern states, likely have higher prescription rates.
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Obesity Rates Across the U.S.
The Trust for America's Health recently published its State of Obesity report, utilizing 2024 data from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
The report identified the following 10 U.S. states with the highest adult obesity rates, all located in the South or Midwest.
Insurance claims data indicates that GLP-1 prescriptions are held by at least 15% of the population in nine of these ten states.
Overall, 19 states reported adult obesity rates of at least 35%, a decrease from 23 states in the previous year.
Notably, the report also indicated that, for the first time, no state had an adult obesity rate below 25%.
Below are the states with the lowest rates of obesity, according to the report.
J. Nadine Gracia, M.D., president and CEO of Trust for America's Health, emphasized the need for ongoing policy attention and investment to address structural barriers to healthy eating and physical activity.
She stressed the importance of government and other sectors investing in, rather than cutting, established programs that promote good nutrition and physical activity, ensuring they are accessible to all communities.