As many as 136 million adult Americans may be eligible for Ozempic, researchers estimate.
According to a study published Monday in JAMA Network, among the 25,531 participants, 8,504 were eligible for semaglutide.
Semaglutide, the active medicine found in the drug, has become a popular option for people looking to lose weight. Ozempic, along with Wegovy, has been widely used, and both medicines are also used for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
Among eligible adults, the mean age is 50.7 years old, and 49 percent are women. The study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to identify eligible adults.
Although most of the Americans who are eligible for Ozempic based on their “weight-management indication” are not universally covered by payers, the study estimates that more than 39 million adults will qualify for the drug through indications other than weight management.
“The large number of US adults eligible for semaglutide highlights its potential impact on pharmaceutical spending and population health,” the researchers wrote.
Since the drug has become popular, the researchers wrote that quantifying the number of Americans who are eligible could guide policies for the “high-cost therapy.”
Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs have gained popularity in recent years. Other studies have found it can help with other conditions, including reducing the risk of COVID-19 deaths.
The research follows another recent study, which found tirzepatide, the medicine found in weight loss drugs Zepbound and Mounjaro, reduced the severity of sleep apnea.
The study also comes as the World Health Organization and Food and Drug Administration have increased their warnings lately of counterfeit medication resembling the weight loss drugs.