Ozempic Use in Oklahoma Ranks Among Nation’s Highest

Ozempic Use in Oklahoma Ranks Among Highest as Costs Rise

Ozempic use in Oklahoma ranks among the highest in the nation, according to a new study that highlights both the state’s ongoing health challenges and the growing financial burden of prescription weight-loss medications.

The study places Oklahoma sixth nationwide for Ozempic use, with households spending close to $6,000 per year on the drug and similar medications used for weight loss and diabetes management.

Ozempic use in Oklahoma tied to obesity and chronic disease

Health experts say the high usage rate reflects Oklahoma’s struggle with obesity and related chronic conditions. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows Oklahoma consistently ranks among states with the highest obesity rates in the country.

Ozempic, originally approved to treat Type 2 diabetes, has increasingly been prescribed off-label for weight loss, driving demand and costs higher.

Household budgets strained by rising drug costs

Researchers estimate that spending on Ozempic and comparable medications accounts for nearly 10 percent of total household income for some users. Many insurance plans do not fully cover weight-loss prescriptions, leaving patients to pay a significant portion out of pocket.

According to Kaiser Family Foundation data, prescription drug costs remain one of the fastest-growing healthcare expenses nationwide.

Health officials urge broader solutions

Public health officials stress that medication alone is not a long-term solution. The Oklahoma State Department of Health says sustainable improvements in health outcomes require increased access to nutrition education, physical activity, and preventative care alongside medical treatment.

Experts warn that reliance on expensive medications without addressing underlying health factors could worsen financial strain for families already facing rising living costs.

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