How FDA Crackdowns Are Affecting GLP-1 Use In 2025

GLP-1 users are starting to feel the effects of stricter FDA rules for compounded semaglutide production. With rising costs and new supply challenges, many are rethinking their options. A recent survey of 251 current and former users gives us a closer look at how these changes are shaping real experiences in 2025. From shifting opinions on regulation to growing interest in alternatives, it's clear the conversation around GLP-1 medications is changing.

Key Takeaways

• 17% of GLP-1 users say it's gotten harder to get their medication since the FDA tightened rules on compounded semaglutide.

• Opinions on GLP-1 regulation are mixed: 40% think the current rules are fair, 28% want fewer restrictions, and 22% think there should be more. Millennials tend to want less regulation, while Gen Z leans toward more.

• 38% of GLP-1 users say they may switch to an alternative like Compounded* Liraglutide with B12 soon. Millennials are the most likely group to consider making that change.

Rising Awareness and Access Issues Are Shaping Demand

• 47% of GLP-1 users are aware of the FDA's new policy shift that has restricted the availability of compounded semaglutide on the market, and 17% say it's been harder to get their medication because of it.

• Millennial GLP-1 users are the most aware of the new policy (57%) and the most likely to feel affected by it (25%).

• Zepbound users are the most likely to say the restrictions have disrupted their GLP-1 access (25%).

• 37% of GLP-1 users have heard of Compounded* Liraglutide with B12 as an alternative, with awareness highest among millennials (47%).

• Affordability is the top reason users would consider switching from semaglutide to liraglutide (65%). Millennials are the most focused on cost, while Gen Z cares more about availability.

• Cost is the top concern GLP-1 users have with their current treatment, followed by side effects and shortage/supply interruptions.

• 59% of users feel confident in their prescriber's knowledge of alternative GLP-1 options.

What GLP-1 Users Want Most From Their Medication

• When choosing a GLP-1 or similar medication, users say effectiveness matters most (43%), followed by affordability (27%). Gen X users care most about effectiveness (46%), while Gen Z puts affordability first (37%).

• 65% of users say personalized care throughout weight loss treatment is important, but only 15% would pay more for medication if it came with that support.

• Millennials are more likely to favor fewer GLP-1 regulations (31%) than more (19%). Gen Z leans the opposite way, with 37% supporting stricter regulations and 32% wanting fewer.

• 75% of GLP-1 users believe they'll still be on their treatment plan a year from now. Gen Z is the least likely to think so (58%).

• Millennials are the most likely group to say they're planning to switch to an alternative like Compounded* Liraglutide with B12 (46%). Across all users, 38% said the same.

Methodology

For this study, we surveyed 251 current and recent GLP-1 users about their thoughts on new FDA regulations, GLP-1 alternatives, and what matters most to them regarding their medication.

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*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.