Innovative Weight Loss Drug Surpasses Ozempic in Trials

WHO:

Science Daily - The new weight-loss pill is called orforglipron.

Gallup News - The survey involved 5,065 U.S. adults and was part of the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index.

WHAT:

CNBC - In 2026, GLP-1 drugs accounted for 11.4% of annual claims, up from 6.9% in 2023.

Gallup News - The percentage of Americans who have ever tried GLP-1 medications for weight loss is currently 15%, up from 12% in 2025.

Gallup News - The U.S. adult obesity rate has dropped to 36.4% in 2026, down from a record high of 39.9% in 2022.

Gallup News - Brand-name GLP-1 medications comprise 68% of current usage, while 19% use compounded or custom-mixed versions.

CNBC - Around 36% of employers provide coverage of GLP-1s for both diabetes and weight loss, the same percentage as 2025 and up from 34% in 2024.

CNBC - 60% of employers offer coverage for diabetes only, up from 55% in 2025 and 57% in 2024.

CNBC - In 2026, GLP-1 drugs accounted for 11.4% of annual claims, up from 6.9% in 2023.

CNBC - Around 27% of employers encourage employees to obtain GLP-1s through a direct-to-consumer platform.

CNBC - 9% of employers are considering adopting coverage of GLP-1s for obesity.

Science Daily - Orforglipron is cheaper to manufacture than injectable drugs, which could expand access globally.

Gallup News - The percentage of U.S. adults currently taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss has risen to 11% in 2026, up from 8% in 2025.

Gallup News - The percentage of Americans who have ever tried GLP-1 medications for weight loss is currently 15%, up from 12% in 2025.

Gallup News - The percentage of Americans who have heard of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss has reached 91%, up from 80% in 2024.

Science Daily - Orforglipron delivered better weight loss and blood sugar improvements than oral semaglutide (Ozempic) in a major clinical trial.

Gallup News - The percentage of U.S. adults currently taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss has risen to 11% in 2026, up from 3% in 2024.

Gallup News - 15% of U.S. adults report having used GLP-1 medications for weight loss at some point, an increase of nine percentage points.

Gallup News - 91% of Americans are now aware of GLP-1 drugs intended for weight loss, up from 80% in 2024.

Gallup News - The U.S. adult obesity rate has dropped to 36.4% in 2026, down from a record high of 39.9% in 2022.

Gallup News - Brand-name GLP-1 medications comprise 68% of current usage, while 19% use compounded or custom-mixed versions.

WHERE:

Gallup News - The survey was conducted across all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

WHEN:

Gallup News - The survey was conducted from May 28 to June 5, 2026.

Gallup News - The FDA approved Wegovy (semaglutide) for weight loss in 2021.

Gallup News - The Eli Lilly drug Zepbound (tirzepatide) received FDA approval in November 2023.

Gallup News - The survey was conducted from May 28 to June 5, 2026.

WHY:

Science Daily - Orforglipron offers a more convenient alternative to injectable drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy because it does not require refrigeration or special timing with meals.

Gallup News - The increase in GLP-1 medication usage correlates with a decline in obesity rates.

HOW:

CNBC - Around 27% of employers encourage employees to obtain GLP-1s through a direct-to-consumer platform.

Gizmodo - The oral Wegovy pill was approved in late 2025, and pharmaceutical companies are reportedly working on more pills that will likely give patients more options in the future.

Gallup News - The survey measured lifetime use of weight loss medications by asking respondents if they have ever taken medications such as semaglutide, liraglutide, or tirzepatide. Current individual use was measured by asking if they are currently taking these medications.

(UPDATED July 9, 2026 06:18 UTC)

In 2026, GLP-1 drugs made up 11.4% of annual claims, a significant increase from 6.9% in 2023, while the percentage of Americans who have tried these medications for weight loss rose to 15%, up from 12% in 2025. The adult obesity rate in the U.S. has also seen a decline, dropping to 36.4% this year from a record high of 39.9% in 2022, with brand-name GLP-1 medications now accounting for 68% of usage. Additionally, approximately 27% of employers are encouraging their employees to access GLP-1s through direct-to-consumer platforms.

(UPDATED July 8, 2026 19:26 UTC)

Recent data shows that around 36% of employers now provide coverage for GLP-1 medications used for both diabetes and weight loss, maintaining the same percentage as last year and increasing from 34% in 2024. Additionally, 60% of employers offer coverage specifically for diabetes, which is an increase from 55% in 2025 and 57% in 2024. In 2026, GLP-1 drugs made up 11.4% of annual claims, a significant rise from 6.9% in 2023, with about 27% of employers encouraging employees to access these medications through direct-to-consumer platforms.

(UPDATED July 8, 2026 16:31 UTC)

Orforglipron, a new oral medication, is cheaper to manufacture than injectable drugs, which could significantly expand access to weight loss treatments worldwide. In the U.S., the percentage of adults currently taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss has increased to 11% in 2026, up from 8% the previous year, while 15% of Americans have tried these medications at some point, rising from 12% in 2025. Additionally, awareness of GLP-1 drugs has surged, with 91% of Americans now familiar with them, compared to just 80% in 2024, and pharmaceutical companies are actively developing more oral options following the approval of the Wegovy pill in late 2025.

(UPDATED July 8, 2026 10:41 UTC)

A new weight-loss pill called orforglipron has shown promising results, delivering better weight loss and blood sugar improvements than the popular injectable Ozempic in a major clinical trial. According to a recent Gallup survey, the percentage of U.S. adults currently taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss has surged to 11% in 2026, a significant increase from just 3% in 2024, while the overall obesity rate has dropped to 36.4%. The survey, conducted across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, also revealed that 91% of Americans are now aware of GLP-1 drugs, reflecting a growing trend in the use of these medications.