Key Takeaways
- Over 1 in 4 Americans are planning to use GLP-1 weight-loss medication to reach their 2025 New Year’s resolution goals, with Gen Z leading at 37%.
- High costs are the biggest concern for 64% of Americans interested in GLP-1 use.
- 86% of GLP-1 users say the side effects are worth the results.
- Nearly 8 in 10 Americans believe GLP-1 medications are unaffordable for the average person.
- 66% of Americans believe GLP-1 medications are more effective than traditional methods like diet and exercise.
- Nearly 1 in 4 GLP-1 users are using it without guidance from a medical professional.
New weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are changing how some people approach their health and wellness goals. Tebra surveyed over 1,000 Americans to understand the impact of GLP-1 medications on health priorities, self-image, and access. The findings highlight growing demand, affordability concerns, and shifting perceptions as these drugs shape wellness strategies for 2025.
Motivations for GLP-1 use
As weight-loss medications like GLP-1 drugs gain popularity, understanding why people turn to them can shed light on shifting wellness priorities. From achieving New Year's resolutions to overcoming past obstacles, Americans are increasingly incorporating these medications into their health strategies.
- Over 1 in 4 Americans (26%) are planning to use GLP-1 weight-loss drugs to reach their 2025 New Year's resolution goals, with Gen Z leading at 37%.
- Percentage of Americans planning to use GLP-1 drugs to reach wellness goals in 2025, by gender:
- Women (30%)
- Men (20%)
- Women plan to lose 23 pounds on average in 2025, while men are aiming for 19 pounds.
- Americans' top concerns for using GLP-1 medications like Ozempic:
- High cost (64%)
- Potential side effects (59%)
- Uncertainty about long-term effectiveness (41%)
- Long-term dependency (39%)
- Lack of adequate medical guidance (16%)
- 23% feel excluded from using GLP-1 weight-loss medications because they are inaccessible.
- Nearly half (49%) have abandoned wellness goals in past New Year's resolutions, with 31% giving up as early as February.
Independent small practices can help address many of these concerns by providing personalized guidance and support for patients considering GLP-1 medications. Their patient-centered approach ensures individuals have access to the resources and medical advice needed to navigate cost, side effects, and long-term use effectively.
GLP-1 medication results and challenges
GLP-1 medications are helping many users achieve their weight-loss goals and boost their self-confidence, but they aren't without challenges.
- 86% of users say the GLP-1 side effects are worth the results.
- Nearly 1 in 4 GLP-1 medication users are using them without guidance from a medical professional.
Independent small practices often provide the hands-on support and individualized care that patients need to address the unique challenges of GLP-1 use. Their focus on patient-centered approaches helps users better manage side effects and make sustainable lifestyle changes alongside their medication.
Breaking down GLP-1 use stigma
While GLP-1 medications are praised for their effectiveness, stigma and affordability issues continue to shape public perception. Understanding these barriers is key to addressing misconceptions and improving access to these treatments.
- Nearly 8 in 10 Americans believe GLP-1 weight-loss medications are unaffordable for the average person.
- 66% of Americans believe GLP-1 medications are more effective than traditional methods like diet and exercise, with women (75%) being more likely than men (53%) to think so.
- Percentage of respondents who find GLP-1 weight-loss medications more effective than traditional weight-loss methods, by generation:
- Gen Z (58%)
- Millennials (64%)
- Gen X (70%)
- Baby Boomers (72%)
The importance of independent small practices in GLP-1 care
Independent small practices are redefining the patient experience by offering a supportive and personalized approach to care. They help reduce the stigma surrounding GLP-1 medications through open, judgment-free conversations, while also addressing financial barriers with transparent pricing and insurance guidance. By focusing on individual needs, these practices make weight-loss treatments more accessible and empower patients to confidently navigate their health journeys.
Methodology
Tebra surveyed 1,012 Americans in November 2024 to examine how GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Ozempic are reshaping wellness goals for the upcoming year. The respondents included 60% non-users and 40% current GLP-1 medication users.
About Tebra
Tebra, headquartered in Southern California, empowers independent healthcare practices with cutting-edge AI and automation to drive growth, streamline care, and boost efficiency. Our all-in-one EHR and billing platform delivers everything you need to attract and engage your patients, including online scheduling, reputation management, and digital communications.
Inspired by "vertebrae," our name embodies our mission to be the backbone of healthcare success. With over 165,000 providers and 190 million patient records, Tebra is redefining healthcare through innovation and a commitment to customer success. We're not just optimizing operations — we're ensuring independent practices thrive.
Fair use statement
Are you intrigued by the rising role of weight-loss drugs in wellness trends? Feel free to share the findings of this study with your audience for any non-commercial purposes. We ask that you link back to this page to provide access to the full study and methodology.
Subscribe to The Intake:
A weekly check-up for your independent practice
Get expert tips, guides, and valuable insights for your healthcare practice
