Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, aka GLP-1 agonists, such as semaglutide -- better known as Ozempic -- have gained popularity globally, not just for managing type 2 diabetes but also due to their weight loss benefits. This increase in popularity is mainly due to celebrity endorsements and the power of social media. According to a research letter published last year, the number of semaglutide fills increased by 442% between 2021 and 2023. Ozempic accounted for over 70% of those fills.

Its popularity has even influenced wholesale retailer Costco to sell Ozempic and Wegovy (another popular semaglutide) at its pharmacy to customers without health insurance at a heavily discounted rate of $499 a month. According to GoodRX , Wegovy can cost $1,590.47 and Ozempic $1,216.69 at

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