Clinical Intelligence | Research Intelligence · CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report · Published November 12, 2026
A new CDC report using nationally representative survey data collected in July–August 2025 examines U.S. adults’ use of GLP-1 medications for diabetes and weight management, including compounded products and changes to prescribed treatment regimens.
Key findings
- 9.8% of U.S. adults reported taking a GLP-1 medication in the preceding 12 months.
- Among GLP-1 users, 22.6% reported taking a compounded version, and 8.8% were uncertain whether their medication was compounded.
- 44% reported modifying how they used their medication from the prescribed regimen; skipping doses (28%) was the most frequently reported modification.
- Among those who modified use, 38% cited cost and 36% cited medication availability as reasons.
Why this matters for pharmacy practice
These findings underscore opportunities for pharmacists to ask proactively about missed or delayed doses, refill access, insurance and out-of-pocket costs, and patients’ use of compounded GLP-1 products. Medication reconciliation should distinguish FDA-approved products from compounded formulations. Pharmacists can counsel patients not to independently alter prescribed dosing or administration schedules and refer them to their prescribing clinician for individualized adjustments, especially after a prolonged interruption.
Compounded GLP-1 medications do not undergo FDA premarket review for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Pharmacists should verify product provenance and help patients understand relevant formulation and dosing risks.
Evidence and interpretation
The results are self-reported estimates from a cross-sectional survey, not a trial demonstrating that any particular medication-use modification caused harm. They describe reported use during 2025 rather than current 2026 prevalence.
Primary source: Pierce SL, Balasuriya L, Kompaniyets L, Goodman AB. Use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Medications and Modified Medication Use Among Adults — United States, 2025. MMWR. 2026;75(44):645–651. Read the full CDC report.
Professional information only. Clinical decisions should be individualized using current labeling, evidence, and applicable professional guidance. This NAPPSA summary is not an endorsement of a specific medication or compounded product.