Most users of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs in the United States are now taking them mainly for weight loss, according to new research cited by multiple outlets. The EY-Parthenon study reports that about 54% of people taking semaglutide—such as Ozempic and Wegovy—use the medication primarily for weight management, surpassing the share using it for diabetes or other originally intended medical conditions.
The research links the shift in use to changing pricing and access. One report describes reduced monthly drug prices under an agreement involving the Trump administration and manufacturers Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, alongside a Medicare “GLP-1 Bridge” option that charges eligible beneficiaries a flat monthly rate. With broader access, the outlets say usage expands across different demographics. Several outlets also note that the medication is associated with changes in consumer behavior, including food shopping and dietary choices, as well as related spending on products and categories like food and clothing.
Across coverage, the common thread is the EY-Parthenon finding that weight loss has become the dominant reason for use. Differences are mainly in emphasis: some outlets lead with the shopping implications, while others foreground the scale of the weight-loss user share and the access and pricing context.
