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Weight Loss Drug Prescriptions Surge Across America with Stark Regional Differences
With President Donald Trump’s recent agreements promising lower prices on popular weight-loss medications, the use of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic and Mounjaro is poised to increase even further across the United States. However, a new report reveals significant regional disparities in prescription rates, with some states showing substantially higher adoption than others.
According to insurance claims data analyzed by Pennsylvania health analytics company Purple Lab and published by GLP-1 Newsroom, the highest concentrations of prescriptions are found primarily in the South, Midwest, and Appalachian regions—areas that also report the nation’s highest obesity rates.
West Virginia leads the nation with an estimated 24% of its population receiving GLP-1 prescriptions for weight loss or diabetes management. Kentucky follows closely at 22%, while Louisiana and Oklahoma both report 20% prescription rates. Other high-usage states include Alabama and Mississippi at 19%, North Dakota at 18%, and Alaska, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania all at 17%.
By contrast, coastal and western states show significantly lower adoption rates. Hawaii reports the lowest usage at just 5%, followed by Rhode Island (7.5%), and several western states including Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Oregon, and Nevada, all at 8%.
“These medications are primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes, but the tides are turning,” said Dr. Brett Osborn, a Florida neurologist and longevity expert who prescribes GLP-1 medications and takes a daily microdose himself for heart health. “Soon, in my humble opinion, they will be used more to treat obesity or categorically ‘overweight’ individuals, absent diabetes, although there is typically a high degree of crossover between the two conditions.”
The geographic distribution of GLP-1 prescriptions closely mirrors national obesity trends. The Trust for America’s Health recently released its State of Obesity report based on 2024 CDC data, which ranks West Virginia as having the highest adult obesity rate at 41.4%, followed by Mississippi (40.4%), Louisiana (39.2%), and Alabama (38.7%).
Notably, in nine of the ten states with the highest obesity rates, at least 15% of the population has GLP-1 prescriptions according to the insurance claims data. The report also revealed that for the first time, no state has an adult obesity rate below 25%, highlighting the nationwide scope of the obesity epidemic.
The prescription records analyzed came from both commercial and government insurers but don’t include people who paid cash, used telehealth providers, received compounded versions, or were uninsured—suggesting actual usage rates are likely higher than reported.
Health experts predict that the applications for GLP-1 medications will continue to expand beyond weight management and diabetes control. Dr. Osborn suggests these drugs will increasingly be used to treat or prevent vascular disease, address addictive behaviors like excessive drinking and gambling, slow cognitive decline, and potentially complement cancer treatments.
“Prescribing practices and indications are expanding rapidly, and therefore, we must be careful about our conclusions,” Osborn noted. “That said, my guess is that these medications are being prescribed more so in states such as Kentucky, West Virginia, and other Midwestern states where obesity and diabetes are rampant.”
Public health experts emphasize that while medications can be effective tools, addressing the obesity epidemic requires a comprehensive approach. “Structural barriers to healthy eating and physical activity need continued policy attention and investment,” said Dr. J. Nadine Gracia, president and CEO of Trust for America’s Health. “It is vital that government and other sectors invest in—not cut—proven programs that support good nutrition and physical activity and ensure they reach all communities.”
As GLP-1 medications become more affordable and accessible through recent policy agreements, their impact on public health outcomes, particularly in high-obesity states, will be closely monitored by healthcare professionals and policymakers alike.
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20 Comments
The data on GLP-1 medication use provides an interesting window into the geographic distribution of the obesity crisis in the US. I wonder how these patterns intersect with other social determinants of health and what holistic, community-driven solutions are emerging.
Good point. A deeper analysis of the social, economic, and environmental factors shaping these regional trends could inform more impactful, equitable approaches to address the obesity epidemic.
While medication can be a valuable tool, I’m curious to learn more about the non-pharmaceutical approaches being explored to support healthy weight management. Promoting access to nutritious foods, physical activity, and mental health resources could complement clinical treatments.
That’s a great point. A holistic strategy incorporating lifestyle changes, community support, and medical interventions as needed would likely be more effective than relying on drugs alone.
Interesting to see the geographic disparities in GLP-1 medication use. Obesity is a complex issue with many socioeconomic and cultural factors at play. I wonder what other approaches are being explored to tackle this public health challenge.
You raise a good point. A holistic, multifaceted approach will likely be needed to address the root causes of obesity and improve overall health outcomes.
The stark regional differences in GLP-1 prescription rates highlights the need for more tailored, community-based solutions to address the obesity crisis. I hope policymakers and healthcare providers can work together to develop effective, equitable strategies.
Agreed. A one-size-fits-all approach won’t be sufficient. Targeted interventions that account for local demographics and social determinants of health could be more impactful.
The regional differences in GLP-1 medication use are intriguing. I wonder if factors like healthcare access, socioeconomic status, cultural norms, and availability of healthy food and exercise options contribute to these geographic trends. Addressing the root causes holistically will be key.
You raise excellent points. A deeper dive into the social determinants of health at play could shed light on how to develop more tailored, equitable solutions to support healthy communities nationwide.
It’s concerning to see such disparities in access to weight loss medications, especially in areas already struggling with high obesity rates. I hope initiatives are in place to ensure all communities have the resources and support they need to improve health outcomes.
You raise an important equity concern. Ensuring affordable, culturally-appropriate care and prevention strategies reach underserved populations should be a key priority.
The regional variations in GLP-1 medication use are intriguing. I wonder what factors – cultural, economic, healthcare access, etc. – are contributing to these geographic trends. Understanding the root causes could inform more tailored, equitable solutions.
Absolutely. Digging deeper into the underlying drivers behind these patterns could yield valuable insights to guide policymaking and program development in the fight against obesity.
The data on GLP-1 prescription rates provides an interesting snapshot of the obesity crisis in America. I’m curious to learn about the multifaceted, community-based approaches being implemented to promote wellness and address the underlying drivers of this public health challenge.
Agreed. A holistic strategy that goes beyond just medication, and engages local stakeholders, will likely be more effective in creating sustainable change and improving health outcomes for all.
While pharmaceuticals can play a role, I’m curious to learn about the non-medical interventions and public health initiatives being implemented to promote healthy lifestyles and combat obesity, especially in the highest-need communities.
That’s a great observation. A comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy that goes beyond just medication is likely needed to make sustainable progress on this complex public health challenge.
While the regional variations in GLP-1 medication use are intriguing, I hope the focus remains on developing comprehensive, equitable solutions to address the complex issue of obesity. Addressing social determinants and empowering communities seems crucial for long-term progress.
Well said. A nuanced, multifaceted approach that considers the unique needs and circumstances of different populations will be key to tackling this public health challenge effectively.