The GLP-1 Knowledge Gap

With GLP-1 medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide making headlines, many Americans are still unclear on how these treatments work, what the FDA allows, and where to find safe information. Levity's latest survey highlights just how widespread the confusion is and how cost concerns may be driving unsafe decisions.

Key Takeaways

• 58% of Americans can't explain how GLP-1s work.
  
• 22% of Americans have used a weight loss product that wasn't prescribed by a medical professional.
  
• 26% of Americans have seen unsafe GLP-1 advice on TikTok.

Understanding GLP-1s Remains a Challenge

• More than 1 in 10 (15%) Americans have received incorrect or misleading information about GLP-1s from a healthcare provider, pharmacist, or online source.
• 26% of Americans have seen unsafe GLP-1 advice on TikTok.
• 58% of Americans can't confidently explain how GLP-1s work.

Affordability Challenges With GLP-1s

• Over 1 in 4 Americans (26%) would seek alternatives outside of a doctor's office if their insurance did not cover GLP-1s.
• 31% would be willing to switch insurance providers to get on a GLP-1 medication.
• 22% have used a weight loss product that was not prescribed by a medical professional.
• 21% of Americans on GLP-1 medication have skipped doses, delayed refills, or stopped GLP-1 treatment due to cost.

Methodology

For this study, we surveyed 1,004 Americans, ages 18–82. Among them, 50% were men, and 50% were women. Eighty-eight percent of respondents reported having health insurance, while 12% said they did not. As for GLP-1 coverage through insurance, 7% of respondents said their insurance fully covers the medication, 15% said their insurance partially covers it, 51% were not sure about their coverage for the medication, and 27% said their insurance does not cover the medication.

About Levity

Levity is a modern weight care clinic that helps people achieve lasting results through safe, evidence-based treatments. By offering access to GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, and Compounded* Liraglutide with B12, Levity makes it easier to get expert medical support, personalized plans, and affordable care all from the comfort of home.

Fair Use Statement

The information in this article may be shared for noncommercial purposes only. If you use or reference these findings, please include a link back to Levity with proper attribution.

*Compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law but are not FDA-approved and do not undergo FDA review for safety, effectiveness, or quality.