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.
