A new report by the RAND Corporation has found that nearly 12% of Americans have used GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, with usage especially common among women aged 50 to 64.
These medications, which include well-known names like Ozempic, have revolutionized how people manage obesity and weight-related conditions.
In a national survey involving 8,793 Americans, researchers discovered that 11.8% of people had already used GLP-1 agonists, and an additional 14% expressed interest in trying them. Still, the majority—about 74%—said they had no plans to use the drugs.
These GLP-1 drugs have gained popularity quickly. Since 2020, the number of prescriptions has more than tripled. They work by mimicking a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and appetite, making it easier for people to lose weight and maintain that loss.
While the drugs are generally effective, they are not without side effects. Among those who have used them, about half reported experiencing nausea, and roughly one-third experienced diarrhea. These are known to be the most common side effects linked to GLP-1 use.
The survey also looked at how age and gender affected the use of these drugs. Women were generally more likely than men to have used them, especially in the 50–64 age group. In that category, nearly one-fifth of women reported using a GLP-1 drug.
Interestingly, among people aged 65 and older, more men than women used the drugs. And among people aged 30 to 49, women were more than twice as likely to have used the drugs as men in the same age range.
The research was carried out using the RAND American Life Panel, a long-standing survey project that includes around 11,000 regularly surveyed participants aged 12 and older. This panel has been providing nationally representative data since 2006.
Titled “New Weight Loss Drugs: GLP-1 Agonist Use and Side Effects in the United States,” the report was written by Robert Bozick, Shannon Donofry, and Katherine M. Rancaño. It is the first in a new series of reports that will use the American Life Panel to explore current issues in health, education, and employment.
The authors hope that their findings can help inform future research and guide public health policies around weight loss, obesity management, and medication safety.
The study is published RAND.
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