In the past week President Donald Trump promised to get weight-loss drug cost lowered for Americans. Residents of Alabama might be happy since the State is listed as one where more than 15% of the state’s population received GLP-1 prescriptions for weight loss or diabetes control.

A 2024 report published by GLP-1 Newsroom broke down the estimated number of weight-loss and diabetes drug prescriptions per state. This data comes from a health analytics company called Purple Lab. It was gathered based on insurance claims, which means anyone who paid cash prices or used compounding pharmacies wouldn't be included. The actual numbers would likely be significantly higher.

Alabama's rate of GLP-1 use is also about one in five. It's also the fifth-ranked state for Obesity and has a nearly 16% Type 2 Diabetes prevalence. Alabama’s seen a sharp rise in GLP-1 use, thanks to expanded Medicaid coverage—Wegovy is now covered for obesity, while Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Rybelsus are covered for diabetes. Demand is high, especially among low-income patients, though drugs like Zepbound and Saxenda still aren’t covered, according to the report.

Alabama

Number of Prescriptions (2024): 993,406

Increase from 2023: 0.4%

Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 19%

States where more than 15% of the state’s population received GLP-1 prescriptions:

• West Virginia – 24%
• Kentucky – 22%
• Louisiana – 20%
• Oklahoma – 20%
• Alabama – 19%
• Mississippi – 19%
• North Dakota – 18%
• Alaska – 17%
• Arkansas – 17%
• Pennsylvania – 17%
• Iowa – 16.5%
• Michigan – 16%
• Ohio – 14.5%
• Georgia – 15%
• Kansas – 15%
• Tennessee – 15%
• Texas – 15%

States with the lowest overall prescription percentage:

• Florida – 10%
• Maryland – 10%
• Wisconsin – 10%
• Washington – 9%
• California – 9.5%
• Nevada – 8%
• Oregon – 8%
• Arizona – 8%
• Colorado – 8%
• Utah – 8%
• Rhode Island – 7.5%
• Hawaii – 5%

The GLP-1 group added "If you've ever felt alone or stigmatized by using GLP-1, especially to treat obesity or metabolic syndrome, you'll be pleasantly surprised to see that you are in good company. For the most part, trends are growing."