Overweight Americans Express Interest in Switching to GLP-1 Pills by 2026

Survey Insights on GLP-1 Pills

As the new year approaches, a survey conducted by Sunlight.com delves into the perceptions and intentions of overweight Americans regarding GLP-1 medications, particularly in pill form. The comprehensive survey, which took place in January 2026, included responses from 2,000 adult participants across the United States. The results indicate a significant shift in the interest towards oral medications for weight management, especially among those currently using or considering GLP-1 treatments.

Key Findings from the Survey

According to the survey, approximately 49% of overweight Americans reported having used GLP-1 medications for weight loss purposes. This includes 39% who currently utilize these medications and 10% who have previously tried them but discontinued their use. Among individuals who have not yet tried GLP-1 medications, a notable 30% cited the injectable form as a primary deterrent against their decision to start. Additionally, 11% indicated that injections are the main reason for their lack of experience with GLP-1s.

For those who have stopped using GLP-1 medications, injections also played a substantial role, as 22% named them as the primary reason for discontinuation and 30% included injections among their reasons for stopping. While cost and side effects were significant factors as well, with 45% and 41% of respondents respectively citing them as concerns, the preference for injectable forms appeared to be a major barrier.

Interestingly, nearly 42% of overweight Americans not currently utilizing GLP-1 medications expressed a likelihood of starting one in 2026. A staggering 47% indicated a preference for a pill over an injectable option, while only 24% favored injections. The remaining respondents expressed uncertainty, highlighting a notable desire for alternative methods of administration.

In terms of considerations for starting a GLP-1 regimen, cost was mentioned by 70% of participants, followed by side effects at 62%, and overall effectiveness at 54%. This emphasis on cost-effectiveness demonstrates the need for accessible treatments in the weight management space.

Existing Users and Their Preferences

Among those currently using GLP-1 medications, the interest in switching to pill forms is particularly high. An impressive 87% expressed interest in transitioning to a pill version, with 59% indicating strong enthusiasm about this possibility. Of those looking into making a change, 43% reported taking proactive steps toward switching, which included consulting with healthcare providers (62%), conducting online research (58%), and verifying insurance coverage (57%).

Dr. Angela Tran, Chief Medical Advisor for Sunlight.com, commented on the implications of these findings: "After years of only having injectable GLP-1s, it's exciting that patients may have both a pill and an injection option. While injections usually offer more predictable absorption, pills can present strict timing challenges, meaning missing doses can influence their effectiveness."

Summary and Future Implications

These findings from Sunlight.com's survey highlight significant interest in GLP-1 pills among overweight Americans, with many seeing it as a viable alternative to current injectable options. The trend points to a growing demand for innovative and user-friendly solutions in weight management, as consumers prioritize both ease of use and cost. With the potential introduction of oral GLP-1 medications, the landscape of weight loss treatments may soon undergo a transformation that caters to the preferences and needs of a broader range of individuals.

For more detailed insights from this survey, you can access the full report on Sunlight.com.