GLP-1 Use Surges Among Non-Diabetic Adults
A Northwestern study finds use of GLP-1 receptor agonists grew sharply from 2017 to 2022 while out-of-pocket costs fell for patients.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Weight Loss
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A Northwestern University study found GLP-1 receptor agonist use rose 643% among U.S. adults without diabetes between 2017 and 2022, while use among adults with diabetes rose 230%. Average out-of-pocket payments fell 26% for adults without diabetes and 39% for adults with diabetes over the same period.
Why it matters
The rapid growth in use of these medications for non-diabetic adults shows how quickly demand has expanded beyond their original diabetes indication. Changing payment patterns and employer and state coverage decisions will shape how many Americans can access them.
Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists among adults without diabetes rose 643% from 2017 to 2022, with average total payments per user up 157% and average out-of-pocket payments down 26%. The figures are nominal, not inflation-adjusted, and cover only people taking the drugs.
The players
Northwestern University
A private research university in Evanston, Illinois, whose researchers conducted the study of GLP-1 receptor agonist use and payments.
Boston University
A private research university in Boston whose medical school is the affiliation of study contributor Krishnan.
The details
Krishnan, a Boston University medical school affiliate, and colleagues at Northwestern analyzed how GLP-1 receptor agonists were used and paid for over the five-year period. Some employers have restricted access through employer insurance or dropped coverage altogether, and certain states have reduced Medicaid coverage for the drugs when used for weight management because of their high cost.
Timeline
2017 to 2022: Period covered by the study of GLP-1 receptor agonist use and payments.
July 1: Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program launched, allowing eligible beneficiaries to access certain drugs for weight management for $50 a month.
2027: Scheduled end of the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program.
Health Landscape
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program, which launched July 1 and runs through 2027, sets a $50 monthly price for eligible beneficiaries to obtain certain drugs for weight management. The study's findings on rapidly rising non-diabetic use arrive as federal policy begins to test broader public access to these medications.
Eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries can now access certain GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight management for $50 a month under the Bridge Program. Patients whose employers have restricted or dropped coverage may face higher out-of-pocket costs for the same medications.
The takeaway
Patients considering GLP-1 medications should check their own insurance and Medicare Part D eligibility, since coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary by employer and state. Asking a doctor or pharmacist about the current price before starting treatment can prevent surprise costs.
What happens next
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program runs through 2027, when its scheduled end will determine whether beneficiaries keep the $50 monthly price for these drugs.
Further reading
Explore more on Weight Loss to see how these medications fit into broader treatment options.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Northwestern.
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