Recent data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that the widespread use of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists—used to treat diabetes and obesity—is facing increasing regulatory and health challenges. Estimates based on a survey conducted in the summer of 2025 indicate that approximately 27 million American adults, equivalent to 9.8% of the population, have used these medications.
Dosage Adjustments and Cost Challenges
The study revealed that 44% of users of these medications do not adhere to prescribed prescriptions, as they resort to skipping doses, delaying refills, or reducing dosages. More than half of these users attributed these adjustments to cost barriers or lack of availability, a phenomenon more prevalent among younger age groups (14-39 years) compared to older adults.
Risks of Unapproved Versions
The report raised concerns regarding the use of compounded versions of GLP-1 medications, which are manufactured in specialized pharmacies to mimic FDA-approved drugs such as Wegovy or Ozempic. The problem lies in the fact that these versions are not subject to FDA oversight regarding safety, efficacy, or quality.
The data indicated that 23% of GLP-1 users relied on compounded versions, with an additional 9% unaware of the nature of the medication they are taking. The study also showed that users of these unapproved versions are the most likely to not adhere to prescriptions (62%) compared to users of well-known brand-name medications (36%).
Why This News Matters
The importance of these findings lies in the deception of consumers; a parallel study found that about 40% of websites selling these compounded versions falsely claim to be FDA-approved, and 80% of them use protected brand names in their advertisements, which is a violation of regulatory standards. Researchers warn that the lack of oversight on these practices poses unknown health risks and emphasize the need for further research to guide clinical practices and ensure the safe use of these medications in light of the increasing global demand for them.