How Many People Use Ozempic: Trends and Demographics
Learn about who uses Ozempic more and where it's most common
Omar Khaled
Updated:
March 27, 2025
min read
Ozempic (semaglutide), once used to treat type 2 diabetes but now frequently prescribed to help with weight loss, is now one of the United States’ top-prescribed GLP-1 receptor agonists.
As obesity continues to grow and more people become interested in GLP-1 medications, demand has skyrocketed. This has led to shortages, increased health insurance concerns, and controversy over the astronomical cost of weight loss medications.
The popularity of Ozempic has also brought other pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly into the limelight. Novo Nordisk makes Ozempic and its weight-loss variant, Wegovy, while Eli Lilly has developed Mounjaro and Zepbound, competing GLP-1 drugs that are also gaining momentum in weight control.
But exactly how many Americans take Ozempic? In this article, we break down prescription volumes and population trends.
Ozempic prescriptions have surged from 445,540 in 2018 to over 13.5 million in 2022, largely due to its use for weight loss.
About 59.5% of Ozempic prescriptions are for women, reflecting a higher demand for weight loss treatments among this group.
The racial distribution of Ozempic users shows a higher percentage of White and Hispanic users, with regional differences in prescription rates.
The growing demand for Ozempic has led to drug shortages and high costs, highlighting issues with insurance coverage and access.
How Many People Use Ozempic?
Ozempic usage has grown significantly, with data revealing how many people rely on it for diabetes and weight management.
Prescription and Sales Data
Ozempic and its counterpart, Wegovy, have seen exponential growth in prescriptions and sales over the last few years.
In 2022, 13.5 million prescriptions for semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus) were dispensed in the U.S., covering approximately 3.28 million patients.
According to a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)tracking poll published in May 2024, 12% of U.S. adults (about 31 million people) have used GLP-1 drugs, and 6% (15.5 million) are currently taking them.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, reported $21.1 billion in salesin 2023, an 89% increase from 2022.
Annual Growth Trends
The prescription rate for semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, has significantly increased over the past years, mainly because more people are using it off-label for weight loss.
According to ClinCalc, the number of semaglutide prescriptions in the U.S. has grown as follows:
In 2018, there were about 445,540 prescriptions.
By 2019, it rose to over 2 million.
In 2020, the number reached 4,827,483.
In 2021, it climbed to 8,153,559.
By 2022, it had reached 13,523,981 prescriptions.
This rapid increase has fueled concerns about drug shortages, high costs, and insurance coverage gaps.
Demographics and Patient Profiles
Ozempic is prescribed to a diverse population of patients with a variety of uses that cross over different ages, conditions, and treatment goals. Understanding who takes Ozempic and why can help make clear why it is so popular and what it is used to treat.
Age Distribution of Ozempic Users
Comprehensive data on the age distribution of Ozempic (semaglutide) users is limited in publicly available sources. However, in a 2023 study, the mean age of Ozempic users among 42,893 participants was 57.5 ± 13.6 years.
This data highlights how Ozempic is primarily used by adults managing type 2 diabetes, obesity, and other chronic conditions.
Gender and Ozempic Use
Women account for a larger share of Ozempic and weight-loss drug prescriptions. According to research, 59.5% of Ozempic users are women, while men account for 40.5% of prescriptions.
This trend is consistent with the higher rates of obesity treatment and weight management interventions among women.
Racial and Ethnic Breakdown of Ozempic Users
A 2023 study conducted at the University of California Health Data Warehouse (UCHDW), which examined trends in glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist use from 2014 to 2022, found the following racial distribution among Ozempic users in the U.S.:
White: 47.4%
Hispanic: 21.3%
Black: 5.5%
Asian: 7.1%
While Ozempic use is widespread, disparities in insurance coverage and access to healthcare affect different populations differently.
Geographic Distribution: Where Is Ozempic Most Popular?
According to prescription data reported by AXIOS in 2024, certain states had increased prescription rates for GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
Top States for Ozempic Prescriptions:
Kentucky - 21 prescriptions per every 1,000 people.
West Virginia - 18.9 prescriptions per 1,000 people.
Alaska - 17.5 prescriptions per 1,000 people.
Mississippi - 16.1 prescriptions per 1,000 people.
The growing demand for Ozempic is driven by several key factors, reflecting its increasing popularity and broader use. Here are the main reasons:
Effectiveness for Weight Loss
Ozempic was originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes. However, it has garnered significant attention for its ability to aid in weight loss. It works by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone called GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and glucose levels.
Many users report significant weight reduction when using the drug, making it a sought-after solution for those struggling to lose weight.
As a result, more people are turning to Ozempic as an effective tool for managing their weight, boosting its popularity beyond its original purpose.
Rising Obesity Rates
With the increasing obesity rates in the U.S., there is an increasing need for effective solutions to address this health crisis. As more individuals face the challenges of weight management, drugs like Ozempic offer a promising option.
Ozempic’s ability to promote weight loss in those with obesity has made it a popular choice for those seeking to improve their health and quality of life. As obesity becomes more widespread, the demand for Ozempic continues to rise as many turn to it for assistance in managing their weight.
Off-Label Use for Weight Loss
While Ozempic was initially approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, its use has expanded significantly due to its off-label prescription for weight loss. According to a published Google trend analysis, individuals without diabetes have sought out Ozempic for its ability to reduce body weight, leading to an increase in prescriptions.
The widespread off-label use of Ozempic for weight management has contributed to a sharp rise in demand as more people seek effective alternatives to traditional weight loss methods.
Celebrity Endorsement and Media Attention
The popularity of Ozempic has also been enhanced through celebrity endorsement and media coverage. Celebrities who have discussed using Ozempic to help with their weight loss have increased public recognition of the medication, and demand has skyrocketed.
With more celebrities openly confessing to using Ozempic, it’s become a mainstream option and, thus, more desirable to those who wish to lose their excess pounds efficiently and effectively.
Increased Awareness of GLP-1 Medications
The growing awareness of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic, has played a significant role in its increasing demand. As more people learn about the benefits of GLP-1 medications for both weight management and diabetes control, the demand for these treatments has expanded.
Positive feedback from users and increased media coverage have further amplified interest, making Ozempic one of the most prescribed drugs for weight loss.
Insurance Coverage Expansion
As insurance companies begin to expand coverage for GLP-1 medications, more individuals can afford treatments like Ozempic. This increased accessibility has driven up prescription rates, as more people can use the drug without significant financial burden.
With the support of insurance coverage for weight management, Ozempic has become a more viable option for a larger population, contributing to its rising demand.
Ozempic is now a leading prescribed medication, especially used to induce weight loss, with prescription rates still increasing all over the United States. With millions of prescriptions being written annually and more and more patients being treated with Ozempic each year, we can see that GLP-1 medications are in the limelight for type 2 diabetes and obesity management.
Drug shortage issues, sky-high prices, and the absence of insurance coverage remain areas of concern as demand continues to rise.
The population of patients who take Ozempic is diverse. A high percentage of these weight loss prescriptions are written to adults in their middle and senior years and to females. However, racial and geographical inequalities in uptake make it imperative to have access to this life-changing medicine.
As demand is on the rise, it's essential that patients navigate insurance coverage and cost factors with the medication. If you're interested in more affordable diabetes management or weight loss options, LookMeds offers trusted, affordable access to compounded medications like trizepatide and semaglutide.
Discover how LookMeds can be included in your treatment plan and take the initial step toward achieving your health goals. Get started today!
