Despite some recent advancements, numerous Americans continue to encounter significant barriers when trying to afford GLP-1 medications. These medications play an essential role in managing certain health conditions, but their high cost remains a major obstacle for many.

Some individuals are turning to alternative routes to obtain unregulated versions of these drugs, often at a lower cost. While this offers some relief, it raises concerns about the safety and efficacy of unregulated alternatives.

This issue is being explored as part of the series ‘GLP-1s: Reshaping America,’ with reporting by Stephanie Sy. Stephanie Sy works as a correspondent for PBS NewsHour. Her career includes roles as an anchor and correspondent for ABC News, Al Jazeera America, CBSN, CNN International, and PBS NewsHour Weekend. Before joining NewsHour, she was with Yahoo News, where she covered the 2018 Midterm Elections and reported from Donald Trump’s victory event on Election Day 2016.