A recent study revealed where GLP-1 injections for weight loss are most and least popular, showing that the use was highest in West Virginia and Kentucky, and lowest in Hawaii and Nevada.
States With Highest And Lowest Use Of Weight Loss Injections
Research conducted by GLP-1 provider Nutrition NC gathered prescription numbers for GLP-1 prescriptions dispensed in 2024. GLP-1 drugs include Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, and are used by many for weight loss.
The researchers scaled the data on local populations to establish a prescription rate per 100,000 residents in each state.
The study revealed that West Virginia has the highest number of GLP-1 users, with 24,217.07 GLP-1 prescriptions per 100,000 residents, followed by Kentucky, with 22,003.90 per 100,000 residents. In West Virginia, the rate declined by 3.2%, whereas in Kentucky it increased by 2.6%.
Where GLP-1 Injections (Ozempic / Wegovy) Are Most Used — 2024 (Overview)
Top & bottom states by prescriptions per 100,000 residents (scaled rates shown).
Hawaii had the lowest number of GLP-1 users, with 5,050 GLP-1 prescriptions dispensed per 100,000 residents- a significant increase of 21.0%. In 2024, 73,037 prescriptions were dispensed in the state. In Nevada, prescriptions for GLP-1 increased by 5.10% in 2024 to 7,431.11 prescriptions per 100,000 residents.
The full state ranking of prescriptions for the GLP-1 weight loss injection in 2024 was:
| State | GLP-1 Prescriptions Dispensed in 2024 (Per 100,000 Residents) | Percentage Change (2023 to 2024) | |
| 1 | West Virginia | 24,217.07 | -3.20% |
| 2 | Kentucky | 22,003.90 | 2.60% |
| 3 | Louisiana | 20,282.44 | -11.60% |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 19,504.89 | 16.80% |
| 5 | Alabama | 19,260.64 | 0.40% |
| 6 | Mississippi | 18,745.96 | 2.00% |
| 7 | North Dakota | 17,840.03 | 20.80% |
| 8 | Alaska | 17,383.09 | 21.80% |
| 9 | Arkansas | 17,346.00 | -1.40% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 17,131.12 | 8.80% |
| 11 | Iowa | 16,266.02 | 14.40% |
| 12 | Michigan | 15,780.56 | 5.40% |
| 13 | Kansas | 15,320.65 | 7.40% |
| 14 | Georgia | 15,249.53 | 11.10% |
| 15 | Texas | 14,908.07 | 4.80% |
| 16 | Tennessee | 14,893.81 | 4.20% |
| 17 | Idaho | 14,439.86 | -10.90% |
| 18 | Ohio | 14,255.93 | 6.90% |
| 19 | New York | 14,196.83 | 15.10% |
| 20 | New Jersey | 14,049.33 | 35.80% |
| 21 | Missouri | 13,967.83 | 7.20% |
| 22 | South Carolina | 13,613.05 | 9.30% |
| 23 | Nebraska | 13,560.40 | 9.00% |
| 24 | Connecticut | 13,129.49 | 12.70% |
| 25 | Illinois | 12,892.06 | 13.80% |
| 26 | Maine | 12,720.53 | 27.20% |
| 27 | Indiana | 12,699.19 | 0.80% |
| 28 | North Carolina | 12,334.49 | 5.70% |
| 29 | Wyoming | 12,242.99 | 17.10% |
| 30 | New Mexico | 12,217.31 | 20.40% |
| 31 | Virginia | 11,687.53 | 9.00% |
| 32 | Vermont | 11,516.08 | -1.70% |
| 33 | Minnesota | 11,440.58 | 13.00% |
| 34 | New Hampshire | 11,281.01 | 15.30% |
| 35 | Montana | 11,094.91 | 7.30% |
| 36 | Massachusetts | 10,892.70 | 48.00% |
| 37 | South Dakota | 10,872.32 | -11.10% |
| 38 | Delaware | 10,846.96 | 4.70% |
| 39 | Florida | 10,390.41 | 23.70% |
| 40 | Wisconsin | 9,978.32 | 21.80% |
| 41 | Maryland | 9,644.91 | 22.60% |
| 42 | California | 9,462.74 | 5.40% |
| 43 | Washington | 9,015.30 | 8.40% |
| 44 | Utah | 8,536.16 | 6.20% |
| 45 | Arizona | 8,100.01 | 12.60% |
| 46 | Oregon | 7,920.36 | 12.60% |
| 47 | Colorado | 7,795.29 | 17.20% |
| 48 | Rhode Island | 7,501.16 | 67.80% |
| 49 | Nevada | 7,431.11 | 5.10% |
| 50 | Hawaii | 5,050.46 | 21.00% |
Natalie Mootz, CMO of Nutrition NC, said it’s fascinating to see the varying rates of GLP-1 prescriptions across the country. The study highlights the states where medications like Ozempic are most commonly used.
The differences in weight-loss injection use between that state may be due to a variety of factors, including healthcare access, lifestyle, and medical needs. Mootz says that understanding these patterns can help inform future discussions on public health and medical accessibility.
Natalie Mootz, CMO of Nutrition NC, said, “As the conversation around GLP-1 medications continues, it’s important to consider the factors driving these trends.”
Sources
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