Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and the Deepening Health Equity Divide in America

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have changed the landscape of diabetes management, obesity treatment, and cardiometabolic health. As a result, GLP-1 utilization has increased significantly over the past few years. However, emerging evidence raises questions about the potential of these medications to widen existing health disparities. Cost, insurance status, and structural racism all are barriers to access, and these barriers hit hardest on underserved communities who are most in need of these drugs. This article discusses potential evidence of disparities in GLP=1 medication access, utilization, and availability, as well as potential solutions and frameworks that can be adopted with hopes of mitigating these disparities.