CPHA: Canada Now Second-Largest GLP-1 User Market Globally

A Canadian Public Health Association article published by McMaster University Master of Public Health candidate Sadiqa Sheikh states that an estimated 3 million Canadian adults are taking GLP-1 receptor agonists as of early 2026, making Canada the second-largest user of GLP-1s in the world [Source: cpha.ca/glp-1-agonists-and-obesity-public-health-perspective].

Market Size and Context

The CPHA piece reports that about one-third of Canadian adults now live with obesity, and that the condition is associated with over $27 billion in economic costs in Canada including healthcare, productivity losses, and premature death [Source: cpha.ca/glp-1-agonists-and-obesity-public-health-perspective]. The article cites Novo Nordisk's near-$500 million U.S. advertising spend on GLP-1 drugs in the first nine months of 2025, while noting Canada enforces stricter direct-to-consumer drug advertising regulations [Source: cpha.ca/glp-1-agonists-and-obesity-public-health-perspective].

The CPHA article identifies semaglutide products as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus, and lists tirzepatide as Mounjaro [Source: cpha.ca/glp-1-agonists-and-obesity-public-health-perspective]. Hashtag activity on TikTok and related platforms rose from 2 million views in 2021 to more than 1.2 billion in 2023, the article notes [Source: cpha.ca/glp-1-agonists-and-obesity-public-health-perspective].

Regulatory Backdrop

The expanded user base intersects with a shifting regulatory landscape. Health Canada authorized a generic semaglutide injection on April 28, 2026, filed by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, becoming the first G7 country to approve a generic version of the molecule [Source: canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/04/canada-becomes-the-first-g7-country-to-approve-a-generic-version-of-semaglutide.html]. Health Canada confirmed it is reviewing eight other generic semaglutide submissions and expects further decisions in the coming weeks and months [Source: canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/04/canada-becomes-the-first-g7-country-to-approve-a-generic-version-of-semaglutide.html].

CBC News reported that Health Canada said it was reviewing nine submissions for generic versions of semaglutide [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-glp1-health-canada-generic-9.7034498]. CBC also noted that Canada is the only country where Novo Nordisk allowed the patent for its semaglutide drugs to expire, with regulatory exclusivity ending January 4 [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-glp1-health-canada-generic-9.7034498].

Public Health Recommendations

The CPHA article outlines three recommendations for the public health sector:

• Addressing industry influence and the commercial determinants of health, including engagement in policy reform around drug pricing, regulation, and access [Source: cpha.ca/glp-1-agonists-and-obesity-public-health-perspective]
• Strengthening evidence and surveillance to track GLP-1 use, access, outcomes, and inequities [Source: cpha.ca/glp-1-agonists-and-obesity-public-health-perspective]
• Countering misinformation through knowledge translation and health education initiatives [Source: cpha.ca/glp-1-agonists-and-obesity-public-health-perspective]

The author writes that long-term effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs in everyday use remains uncertain, including whether changes are sustained and what happens after stopping treatment [Source: cpha.ca/glp-1-agonists-and-obesity-public-health-perspective].

Private Plan Outlook

Alberta Blue Cross's 2026 drug pipeline report identifies GLP-1 therapies as a major cost driver, stating that while a semaglutide generic is expected in mid-2026, overall GLP-1 therapy plan spend is unlikely to decline in future years due to growing use and continued expansion of GLP-1 therapies [Source: ab.bluecross.ca/plans/group/drug-pipeline-2026.php]. The insurer notes future expanded uses could include metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and obstructive sleep apnea [Source: ab.bluecross.ca/plans/group/drug-pipeline-2026.php].

CBC reported that Canadians taking GLP-1 medications pay anywhere from $200 to $400 a month [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-glp1-health-canada-generic-9.7034498]. Current pharmacy prices listed on GLP1Prices.ca range from $222 to $663 for Ozempic and $270 to $490 for Wegovy, with cash-pay variation depending on dose and pharmacy. Patients can review options via the generic semaglutide tracker or the insurance coverage checker, and further background is available in the FAQ.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.