# Millions of US adults use GLP-1s outside approved guidance

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/millions-in-us-use-unapproved-glp-1s-and-use-them-in-unapproved-ways/
- Published: 2026-11-13T21:59:01+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-13T22:13:39+00:00
- Original publisher: Ars Technica
- Original article: https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/11/millions-in-us-use-unapproved-glp-1s-and-use-them-in-unapproved-ways/
- Topics: Americas, World

## Key points

- Around 27 million US adults used GLP-1 medicines in 2025.
- 44 per cent of users changed how they took them.
- Cost pressures and compounded versions raise safety questions.

## Summary

A CDC survey estimates that around 27 million US adults used GLP-1 medicines in 2025, while many users changed how they took them or used compounded versions that are not FDA-approved. The findings raise public health questions about safety and effectiveness, particularly as cost and access pressures appear to be driving some of these choices.

Among GLP-1 users, 44 per cent reported taking the medicine differently from their prescription; more than half of those cited cost or availability. At least 23 per cent used compounded versions, and 62 per cent of that group were not taking them as prescribed, compared with 36 per cent of brand-name users. The CDC researchers say more evidence is needed on the safety of these practices and the quality of compounded medicines.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.