GLP-1 Weight Loss Use Jumps to 11% of Americans in Two Years
A Gallup survey released Tuesday shows 11 percent of Americans now take GLP-1 medications for weight loss, up from 3 percent in 2024. An additional 15 percent report considering use. The sharp uptick in utilization represents significant pharmacy cost pressure for Medicaid managed care plans, which face coverage mandates in some states and growing member demand. Plans must manage prior authorization protocols, medical necessity criteria, and budget forecasts as obesity prevalence grows among Medicaid populations.
The fourfold increase in GLP-1 weight loss usage directly impacts MCO pharmacy budgets, prior authorization volumes, and contract negotiations over high-cost specialty drug coverage and risk adjustment.
Pharmacy · Managed Care
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