GLP-1 statistics & facts (2026)
The numbers that matter on GLP-1 medications — how much weight people lose, health outcomes, cost and coverage. Every clinical figure links to its primary source; pricing figures are labeled as provider- or list-reported.
How much weight people lose
~15%
Average weight loss on semaglutide (Wegovy) over 68 weeks
Source: New England Journal of Medicineup to ~21%
Average weight loss on tirzepatide (Zepbound) over 72 weeks
Source: New England Journal of Medicine~24%
Average weight loss on retatrutide at 48 weeks (phase 2, investigational)
Source: New England Journal of Medicine~8%
Average weight loss on liraglutide (Saxenda) over 56 weeks
Source: New England Journal of MedicineHealth outcomes
20%
Reduction in major cardiovascular events on semaglutide, in adults with obesity and heart disease
Source: New England Journal of MedicineSuperior
Tirzepatide vs semaglutide for weight loss, head-to-head (SURMOUNT-5)
Source: New England Journal of MedicineWhat it costs
$1,000–$1,350
Monthly cash list price of branded GLP-1 (Wegovy/Zepbound) without insurance
Manufacturer list pricing, 2026
from $69/mo
Cheapest verified compounded semaglutide (our top pick, Embody)
Top GLP-1 pricing research, 2026
$25–$100
Typical monthly copay when a plan actually covers GLP-1
Top GLP-1 research of plan formularies, 2026
Coverage
~11–13
State Medicaid programs that cover GLP-1 for obesity in 2026 — and shrinking
Source: KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation)$50/mo
Copay under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program (July 2026–Dec 2027)
Source: Medicare Rights CenterWhy demand is so high
Want the fuller picture? Read the medication guides, the results timeline, or the quick answers.
Sources & references
Clinical figures on this page trace to peer-reviewed trials and official regulators. We link the primary record so you can verify it yourself.
- 1.Wilding JPH, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989–1002.Clinical trialNew England Journal of Medicine
- 2.Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205–216.Clinical trialNew England Journal of Medicine
- 3.Jastreboff AM, et al. Triple–Hormone-Receptor Agonist Retatrutide for Obesity — A Phase 2 Trial. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(6):514–526.Clinical trialNew England Journal of Medicine
- 4.Pi-Sunyer X, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(1):11–22.Clinical trialNew England Journal of Medicine
- 5.Lincoff AM, et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(24):2221–2232.Clinical trialNew England Journal of Medicine
- 6.Aronne LJ, et al. Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2025.Clinical trialNew England Journal of Medicine
- 7.KFF. Medicaid Coverage of and Spending on GLP-1s.Policy analysisKFF (Kaiser Family Foundation)
- 8.Medicare Rights Center. GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drug Demonstration Begins July 2026.Policy analysisMedicare Rights Center
- 9.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult Obesity Facts.RegulatoryU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention