Millions in US use unapproved GLP-1s—and use them in unapproved ways
Summary
A CDC survey of more than 8,000 U.S. adults found that about 27 million used GLP-1 medications in 2025. Nearly half of users changed how they took the drugs, often because of cost or availability, and use of compounded versions was linked to more frequent changes from prescribed instructions.Key Facts
- An estimated 9.8 percent of U.S. adults used a GLP-1 medication in 2025.
- The survey gathered responses from more than 8,000 adults in July and August 2025.
- Forty-four percent of GLP-1 users reported taking the medication differently from how it was prescribed.
- More than half of users who changed their use cited cost or availability.
- Among users aged 14 to 39 who modified their use, 58 percent cited cost as a barrier; among users aged 65 or older, 20 percent did.
- At least 23 percent of GLP-1 users reported taking a compounded version, while 9 percent did not know whether their medication was compounded.
- Sixty-two percent of users of compounded GLP-1 drugs were not taking them as prescribed, compared with 36 percent of brand-name drug users.
- The FDA does not review compounded drugs for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are sold.
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