The GLP-1 Map: Where Your State Stands in the GLP-1 Peptide Revolution
- Jennifer Hardy
- 6 hours ago
- 11 min read
You can't turn a corner or scroll a social media site without seeing an ad or a post about someone taking GLP-1 meds like Ozempic or Wegovy. Most research shows one in eight people have tried them or is currently on them. Now, a new GLP-1 map shows a state-by-state breakdown of how many people are using these medications.
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.
In this article, we'll break down what percentage of each state is using GLP-1s, and how much the prescription numbers for these breakthrough medications are changing. However, if you just want to see where your state ranks, jump down to the alphabetical list of states.
About the GLP-1 Map Data
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.
States with the Biggest Increase in GLP-1 Prescriptions
The data shows the increase in each state between 2023 and 2024. Keep in mind, these numbers were gathered during the formal shortages, which allowed compounding pharmacies to make non-FDA-approved versions. This was also before approved indications like sleep apnea were added for GLP-1s such as tirzepatide and semaglutide.
10. North Dakota 📈20.80%
Up north, the increase came close to 21% in 2024. About one in 10 people in that state are using GLP-1s.
9. Hawaii 📈21%
While it's the lowest state for GLP-1 usage, the percentage increase of 21% shows that could soon change.
8. Alaska 📈21.80%
The Last Frontier might as well be one of the GLP-1 Frontiers. Prescriptions went up nearly 22% in 2024.
7. Wisconsin 📈21.80%
Wiconsinites are taking GLP-1s at a rate of one in 10, you betcha. The increase was close to 22% between 2023 and 2024.
6. Maryland 📈22.60%
In Maryland, about one in 10 people statewide is using a GLP-1. The percentage increase from 2023 was nearly 23%.
5. Florida 📈23.70%
From South Beach to the Panhandle, Floridians are looking to get rid of those love handles at an increase rate of nearly 24%.
4. Maine 📈27.20%
Vacationland also makes the top 10 list on the GLP-1 map of states with the biggest increase in GLP-1 prescriptions. Scripts for semaglutide or tirzepatide jumped 27% in 2024.
3. New Jersey 📈35.80%
The Garden State is blooming with GLP-1 users, accounting for every one in seven residents. The increase was almost 36% between 2023 and 2024.
2. Massachusetts 📈48%
Data shows that Massachusetts GLP-1 users increased by nearly 50% (48%, to be exact) in 2024.
1. Rhode Island 📈67.80%
With a surging rate of nearly 68% between 2023 and 2024, Rhode Island leads the pack in the growing number of GLP-1 medication prescriptions.
States that Saw Fewer Prescriptions for GLP-1s Between 2023 and 2024
The report shows us how many states are seeing a decline in prescriptions for GLP-1s like Ozempic and Zepbound. The decrease shouldn't be seen as a lack of interest. Many factors come into play, such as:
GLP-1 shortages
Restrictive insurance
Lack of Medicaid coverage (only 13 states allow GLP-1s for obesity)
High out-of-pocket costs
Administrative barriers
What I found particularly interesting is that some of the states seeing a decrease are also still among the highest rates of users in the nation.
Keep in mind that a state with declining numbers also just means that prescriptions through insurance were declined. Anyone who lost coverage or was denied coverage could've gone to a telehealth company or compounding pharmacy.
Louisiana 📉-11.6%
Even with a decline of nearly 12%, Louisiana still has an average usage rate of one in five residents. Also, Louisiana is one of the poorest states in the country, with a poverty rate about the same as the GLP-1 usage rate. That means low-income households don't have the luxury of disposable income to cover the pricey medications.
South Dakota 📉-11.1%
South Dakota saw a dip in GLP-1 prescriptions in 2024, and it’s not hard to see why. Between nationwide shortages, tighter insurance rules, and limited Medicaid coverage, a lot of people hit roadblocks. Add in local concerns about fraud and sketchy supply chains, and even folks who wanted the meds might’ve backed off.
Idaho 📉-11%
With a drop of about 11% in GLP-1 prescriptions, there isn't a firm data point that points to why. The best assumption is a combination of all the factors we've addressed earlier, or people seeking compounded alternatives.
West Virginia 📉-3%
West Virginia’s drop in GLP-1 use came after the state abruptly ended a pilot program that had covered weight loss meds for public employees. Without that coverage, many couldn’t afford the $1,000+ monthly price tag, and new prescriptions dried up almost overnight.
Vermont 📉-2%
A slight dip in Vermont could mirror some of the previous issues, but it's helpful to know that there's a push to make these meds more affordable statewide. However, covering those drugs can also lead to premium increases. It's a common struggle for all states that want easier access to GLP-1s.
Arkansas 📉-1.4%
Arkansas likely saw a drop in GLP-1 prescriptions in 2024 due to Medicaid and state employee plans refusing to cover them for weight loss, strict prior authorization rules even for diabetes use, and ongoing drug shortages. Delays in updating the Medicaid drug list and pharmacy access issues added more barriers. At the same time, Arkansas is still one of the states with the highest GLP-1 usage percentage.
States with the Largest Percentage of GLP-1 Users in 2024
I took the data provided and wanted to see a broader picture that defined how many people in each state were using GLP-1s. I took the population of the state and the number of prescriptions to do the math.
I also wanted to see which of the states with the highest usage on the GLP-1 map also have the highest rates of diabetes and obesity. Those are the two main indications these medications, like Wegovy and Mounjaro, are approved.
In addition, since insurance is more likely to cover semaglutide or tirzepatide for Type 2 Diabetes, it makes sense that states with higher rates will rank higher in usage.
(🩺) means the state has among the highest Obesity rates
(💉) means the state has among the highest Type 2 Diabetes rates
10. *Arkansas 🩺💉
Arkansas comes in at number 10 on the Top 10, but about 17% of the population statewide uses a GLP-1. That's about one in six people. Arkansas is also the third on the list of states where Obesity is prevalent. About 13% of the adults in the state deal with Type 2 Diabetes.
9. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s high GLP-1 usage stems from broad Medicaid coverage that includes weight loss, a large eligible population in cities like Philly, and strong demand fueled by media attention. Add in top-tier medical institutions and few state-level restrictions (for now), and it’s easy to see why prescriptions are high. It's part of a three-way tie for usage, coming in a 17% or one in six people.
8. Alaska
Alaska is the headscratcher of the group. There's not a surge in rates of Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes, and nearly 15% of its population is uninsured. Despite that, 17% (one in six people) use GLP-1s, and the percentage increase between 2023 and 2024 was more than 20%.
7. North Dakota
North Dakota saw a significant jump in GLP-1 use after becoming the first state to require coverage for weight loss meds under both Medicaid and ACA health plans. Starting in 2024, new rules made drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound accessible to more people, regardless of income. The state's obesity rates, around 35%, were cited as the reason why, but it's not one of the highest-ranking states for Obesity or Type 2 Diabetes. About one in every 5.5 people uses GLP-1s now.
6. *Mississippi 🩺💉
With an obesity rate second-highest in the nation (40.1%) and another 17% of the population dealing with Type 2 Diabetes, it's not surprising that about one in five people use GLP-1s in Mississippi. That number also doesn't account for the 13% of uninsured people, which could make the number much higher.
5. *Alabama 🩺💉
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.
4. *Oklahoma 🩺
Despite GLP-1 usage controls, one in five Oklahomans (about 20%) are using the meds. Oklahoma is also among the highest states for Obesity; almost 40% of people deal with it. In 2024, Medicaid still doesn’t cover these drugs for weight loss, and commercial plans added new restrictions. Yet, the scripts increased by 17% in 2024.
3. *Louisiana 🩺💉
Even with the number of GLP-1 prescriptions dropping nearly 12% in 2024, that still leaves about 20% of the population with a GLP-1. Louisiana consistently ranks among the highest levels of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes. Again, the decrease could be impacted by the shortage, leading people to seek compounded or telehealth GLP-1s.
2. *Kentucky 🩺
Kentucky has the second-highest GLP-1 usage in the country—about 1 in 4 adults. With some of the nation’s highest obesity and diabetes rates, demand is high, and providers are clearly on board. Medicaid covers GLP-1s for diabetes and sometimes for weight loss, despite added controls. The result? Strong access, strong adoption, and a lot of Kentuckians on these meds.
1. *West Virginia 💉
In 2024, nearly 1 in 4 West Virginians—24%—were prescribed a GLP-1, the highest rate in the country. With the nation’s highest diabetes rate (18.2%) and over 40% obesity, the need is massive. A state-run insurance program for public employees helped drive early access, and even after it ended, demand stayed high.
States with the Lowest Percentage of GLP-1 Users
The list below shows the top 10 states with the lowest percentage of GLP-1 users. I also looked up the information about which states rank among the healthiest, and there's an overlap here, which makes sense since obesity and diabetes are two of the main reasons people use the meds.
At the same time, I've noted which states saw the most considerable growth in GLP-1 usage between 2023 and 2024. Even at the lowest (Hawaii), that is still one in 20 people using the medications.
Rhode Island saw the highest growth, with prescriptions increasing by almost 70%. Maryland came in sixth with a nearly 23% growth. Hawaii, while having the lowest use, also saw a 21% growth.
(🍎) means among the healthiest states in the United States
(⭐) means among the states with the largest percentage of GLP-1 prescription growth
10. Maryland ⭐📈10%
9. California 🍎📈9.50%
8. Washington 🍎📈9%
7. Utah 🍎📈8%
6. Oregon 📈8%
5. Nevada 📈8%
4. Colorado 🍎📈8%
3. Arizona 📈8%
2. Rhode Island ⭐ 📈7.50%
1. Hawaii ⭐🍎📈5%
Full List of GLP-1 Map State-by-State | Alphabetical Order
Alabama
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 993,406
Increase from 2023: 0.4%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 19%
Alaska
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 128,658
Increase from 2023: 21.8%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 17%
Arizona
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 614,174
Increase from 2023: 12.6%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 8%
Arkansas
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 535,706
Increase from 2023: -1.4%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 17%
California
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 3,731,277
Increase from 2023: 5.4%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 9.5%
Colorado
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 464,404
Increase from 2023: 17.2%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 8%
Connecticut
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 482,518
Increase from 2023: 12.7%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 13%
Delaware
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 114,101
Increase from 2023: 4.7%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 11%
District of Columbia (Washington D.C.)
Number of Prescriptions (2024): DATA NOT PROVIDED
Increase from 2023: DATA NOT PROVIDED
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: DATA NOT PROVIDED
Florida
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 2,428,469
Increase from 2023: 23.7%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 10%
Georgia
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 1,705,031
Increase from 2023: 11.1%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 15%
Hawaii
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 73,037
Increase from 2023: 21%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 5%
Idaho
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 289,031
Increase from 2023: -11%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 14%
Illinois
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 1,638,601
Increase from 2023: 13.8%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 13%
Indiana
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 879,327
Increase from 2023: 0.8%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 13%
Iowa
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 527,261
Increase from 2023: 14.4%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 16.5%
Kansas
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 455,116
Increase from 2023: 7.4%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 15%
Kentucky
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 1,009,621
Increase from 2023: 2.6%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 22%
Louisiana
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 932,534
Increase from 2023: -11.6%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 20%
Maine
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 178,725
Increase from 2023: 27.2%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 13%
Maryland
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 604,082
Increase from 2023: 22.6%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 10%
Massachusetts
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 777,322
Increase from 2023: 48% 😲
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 11%
Michigan
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 1,600,221
Increase from 2023: 5.4%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 16%
Minnesota
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 622,770
Increase from 2023: 13%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 11%
Mississippi
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 551,702
Increase from 2023: 2%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 19%
Missouri
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 872,356
Increase from 2023: 7.2%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 14%
Montana
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 126,175
Increase from 2023: 7.3%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 11.5%
Nebraska
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 271,949
Increase from 2023: 9%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 14%
Nevada
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 242,809
Increase from 2023: 5.1%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 8%
New Hampshire
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 158,953
Increase from 2023: 15.3%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 11%
New Jersey
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 1,334,806
Increase from 2023: 35.8%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 14%
New Mexico
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 260,260
Increase from 2023: 20.4%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 12%
New York
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 2,820,519
Increase from 2023: 15.1%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 14%
North Carolina
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 1,362,471
Increase from 2023: 5.7%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 13%
North Dakota
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 142,108
Increase from 2023: 20.8%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 18%
Ohio
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 1,694,075
Increase from 2023: 6.9%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 14.5%
Oklahoma
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 798,802
Increase from 2023: 16.8%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 20%
Oregon
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 338,387
Increase from 2023: 12.6%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 8%
Pennsylvania
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 2,240,537
Increase from 2023: 8.8%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 17%
Rhode Island
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 83,436
Increase from 2023: 67.8% 🤯
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 7.5%
South Carolina
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 745,836
Increase from 2023: 9.3%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 13.5%
South Dakota
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 100,533
Increase from 2023: -11.1%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 11%
Tennessee
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 1,076,487
Increase from 2023: 4.2%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 15%
Texas
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 4,664,860
Increase from 2023: 4.8%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 15%
Utah
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 299,074
Increase from 2023: 6.2%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 8%
Vermont
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 74,681
Increase from 2023: -1.7%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 12%
Virginia
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 1,029,811
Increase from 2023: 9%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 12%
Washington
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 717,454
Increase from 2023: 8.4%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 9%
West Virginia
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 428,637
Increase from 2023: -3.2%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 24%
Wisconsin
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 594,805
Increase from 2023: 21.8%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 10%
Wyoming
Number of Prescriptions (2024): 71,942
Increase from 2023: 17.1%
Statewide GLP-1 Usage: 12%
How Much Will the GLP-1 Map Change in 2025?
GLP-1 usage varies widely by state, but with drug shortages easing and more people moving toward name-brand options over compounded versions, expect those numbers to climb in 2025.
Even though insurance still hasn’t fully caught up with covering these drugs for obesity, FDA approvals for conditions like sleep apnea and heart disease are already expanding the patient pool. If more indications get added—like for addiction or liver disease—the data could rise even faster in the coming years.
