Obesity pillarsOct 11, 2026

Challenges and high costs of starting glucagon-like peptide-1 therapy in young adults

GLP-1 Therapies Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Oct 12, 2026

Abstract

GLP-1-based therapies for weight management have seen a nearly sixfold increase in prescribing among young adults in the United States from 2020 to 2023.

Limited understanding exists regarding the decision-making process young adults use to start GLP-1 therapy.
Social and financial factors may significantly influence the initiation of GLP-1 treatment.
Access to these therapies could be affected by structural barriers in healthcare.

Simplified

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based therapies have emerged as a major option for weight management, with prescribing among young adults increasing nearly sixfold between 2020 and 2023 in the United States. Despite this growth, little is known about how young adults decide to initiate GLP-1 therapy, navigate access, and manage treatment costs. This study examined individual, social, financial, and structural influences shaping GLP-1 initiation for weight management among young adults.

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Challenges and high costs of starting glucagon-like peptide-1 therapy in young adults

Abstract

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