GLP-1 usage highest in states with top obesity rates, data reveals

With a new deal, President Donald Trump promises to lower prices on popular items. weight loss drugsthe use of GLP-1 therapeutics such as Ozempic and Munjaro may soon see another surge. This trend is already spreading unevenly across the country, with some states seeing larger increases than others.

2024 report based on insurance claims data from Purple Labs, a Pennsylvania health analytics company. GLP-1 Newsroom We analyzed the estimated number of prescriptions for weight loss and diabetes drugs by state.

Prescription records come from both commercial and government insurers and do not include those who paid cash, used a telemedicine provider, used a combined version, or were uninsured. That means the actual number is likely much higher.

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The report identified the following states where 15% or more of the state’s population is prescribed GLP-1 for weight loss or diabetes management:

The report identifies the following states where 15% or more of the state’s population is prescribed GLP-1 for weight loss or diabetes management: (St. Petersburg)

See the list below.

• West Virginia – 24%
• Kentucky – 22%
• Louisiana – 20%
• Oklahoma – 20%
• Alabama – 19%
• Mississippi – 19%
• North Dakota – 18%
• Alaska – 17%
• Arkansas – 17%
• Pennsylvania – 17%
• Iowa – 16.5%
• Michigan – 16%
• Ohio – 14.5%
• Georgia – 15%
• Kansas – 15%
• Tennessee – 15%
• Texas – 15%

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The highest rates of GLP-1 use are concentrated in the South, Midwest, and Appalachia, likely due to higher rates of obesity and diabetes.

The report also identified states with the lowest usage, primarily in coastal and western regions. Hawaii had the lowest overall prescriptions.

The highest rates of GLP-1 use are concentrated in the South, Midwest, and Appalachia, likely due to higher rates of obesity and diabetes. (St. Petersburg)

See list below.

• Florida – 10%
• Maryland – 10%
• Wisconsin – 10%
• Washington – 9%
• California – 9.5%
• Nevada – 8%
• Oregon – 8%
• Arizona – 8%
• Colorado – 8%
• Utah – 8%
• Rhode Island – 7.5%
• Hawaii – 5%

Could GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic become a “panacea”?

Dr. Brett Osborne, a neurologist and longevity expert in Florida, often prescribes GLP-1 drugs to his patients, who take microdoses daily to promote heart health.

“These drugs are primarily prescribed for the following purposes: type 2 diabetesHowever, the tide is changing, and in my humble opinion, these drugs will soon be used more to treat obese (or clearly “overweight”) people without diabetes. However, there is usually a high degree of crossover between the two symptoms,” Osborn told FOX News Digital.

“My guess is that these drugs are being prescribed more in states like Kentucky, West Virginia and other Midwestern states where obesity and diabetes are prevalent,” Choju said. (St. Petersburg)

He also predicts that GLP-1 will soon be used to treat and prevent vascular disease, curb alcohol use, combat gambling addiction, slow cognitive decline, and perhaps as a complement to chemotherapy. cancer treatment.

“Prescribing practices and indications are expanding rapidly, so we need to be cautious in our conclusions,” Osborne said. “That being said, my guess is that these drugs are being prescribed more.” In states such as KentuckyWest Virginia and other Midwestern states with high obesity and diabetes epidemics.

Obesity rate by state

The Trust for America’s Health recently released a State of Obesity report based on 2024 data from the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

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The report identifies the following 10 U.S. states with the highest adult obesity rates, all located in the South or Midwest.

In nine out of 10 states, at least 15% of the population is prescribed GLP-1, according to insurance claims data.

Previous studies have shown that GLP-1 drugs can reduce alcohol intake and desire to drink. (St. Petersburg)

• West Virginia – 41.4%
• Mississippi – 40.4%
• Louisiana 39.2%
• Alabama – 38.7%
• Arkansas – 38.4%
• Oklahoma – 37.9%
• Kentucky – 37.7%
• Tennessee – 37.2%
• Indiana – 36.9%
• Texas – 36.8%

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Overall, 19 states had adult obesity rates of 35% or higher, compared to 23 states the previous year.

This was the first time there were no adults in any state. obesity rate Less than 25%, according to the report.

Overall, 19 states had adult obesity rates of 35% or higher, compared to 23 states the previous year, according to the latest report. (St. Petersburg)

According to the report, the states with the lowest obesity rates are:

• District of Columbia – 25.5%
• Colorado – 25%
• Hawaii – 27%
• Massachusetts – 27%
• California – 27.6%
• Florida – 28%
• New Jersey – 28.2%
• Washington – 28.8%
• Vermont – 29%
• New York – 29.1%

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“Structural barriers to healthy eating and physical activity require continued policy attention and investment,” J. Nadine Gracia, MD, president and CEO of Trust for America’s Health, said in a statement.

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“It is important that governments and other sectors invest (rather than cut) in proven programs that support support. good nutrition and ensuring that physical activity reaches all communities. ”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the GLP-1 manufacturer for comment.