A new study reveals that more than half of U.S. adults about 137 million people could be eligible to use Ozempic, a popular medication used for managing diabetes, weight loss, and even heart disease prevention. The drug, made by Novo Nordisk, is sold under the brand names Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight loss. Semaglutide, the active ingredient in these medications, has become widely known for its ability to help people with obesity and type 2 diabetes, as well as those at risk for heart disease.
The study, conducted by researchers led by Dr. Dhruv Kazi at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, looked at data from a large U.S. federal health survey. The team found that millions of Americans who are obese, overweight with other health conditions, or have type 2 diabetes could benefit from this drug. The researchers based their numbers on health data collected from over 25,500 adults, which was then used to estimate the total number of eligible candidates across the entire U.S. population.
Ozempic, as part of the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of drugs, is already prescribed to people with diabetes to help control their blood sugar. It has also shown great potential in reducing weight, with Wegovy being marketed as a weight loss medication. In addition, the medication is showing promise for preventing heart disease in those at high risk. The study found that about 129 million adults could use the drug for weight management, 35 million could take it for diabetes, and about 8.9 million people might benefit from it as a preventive measure for heart disease.
However, despite its widespread potential, there is one major issue: cost. At nearly $1,000 per month, Ozempic is prohibitively expensive for many Americans. This high price tag means that although millions could benefit from the drug, the financial burden is keeping it out of reach for many. Insurance companies usually only cover the cost of Ozempic for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, and even then, coverage may be limited. This leaves many Americans unable to afford the medication, even if they could benefit from it for weight loss or heart disease prevention.
The study highlights the fact that many of those who could benefit from semaglutide, especially for diabetes and heart disease, are not covered by health insurance. Of the 39.3 million adults who might use the drug for these purposes, only about half are covered by Medicare or Medicaid. This leaves a large portion of the population without financial support to access the drug.
The financial challenges surrounding Ozempic are not new. Last year, semaglutide was already the highest-grossing drug in the U.S., with sales topping $13.8 billion. However, the high cost has sparked significant criticism. In September 2024, the CEO of Novo Nordisk, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, faced questions from lawmakers in Congress about the drug’s price. He pointed the finger at pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), who, he claimed, would not offer Ozempic and Wegovy at lower prices.
These rising concerns have led experts to call for changes in how medications like Ozempic are priced and distributed. Dr. Kazi and his team noted that, given the growing number of Americans who could benefit from this medication, there is an urgent need for policies to reduce the financial barriers to accessing such drugs. This includes finding ways to make medications like Ozempic more affordable for everyone who might need them, especially as the number of eligible individuals continues to grow.
While some people have benefited from the drug, many others are left wondering how they will afford a treatment that could significantly improve their health. As the population of eligible candidates continues to grow, there is increasing pressure on both pharmaceutical companies and policymakers to find solutions that will make these life-changing medications accessible to all.
The study’s findings underscore just how many people could potentially benefit from Ozempic, but the cost remains a significant roadblock for millions of Americans. With this in mind, it is clear that access to life-saving medications must be addressed as a critical issue moving forward. The hope is that, with ongoing discussions and potential policy changes, more people will be able to get the treatment they need without having to face financial hardship.
