Military Spent $700M on GLP-1 Drugs in Fiscal Year 2025, Report Says

The Department of War spent $700 million on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist medications, including Ozempic, during fiscal year 2025, according to a report from the Pentagon’s health agency. The spending covers prescriptions for active-duty service members, military retirees, and their dependents enrolled in the military health system, officials said. The report did not specify a single funding source but noted that costs have risen sharply compared with prior years, driven partly by rising obesity rates among military personnel. ^[1]

GLP-1 Drugs and Military Health

GLP-1 receptor agonists are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for managing type 2 diabetes and, in higher doses, for chronic weight management. According to military health officials, the drugs are prescribed as part of treatment plans for service members diagnosed with obesity or diabetes. A 2024 Pentagon survey found that 22 percent of active-duty personnel were classified as obese, up from 18 percent in 2020, and commanders have cited fitness concerns for overall readiness. ^[1]

The report stated that the military’s pharmacy benefit has covered GLP-1 drugs since 2022, but usage accelerated after FDA approvals expanded indications for weight loss. The Department of War has not released detailed enrollment numbers, but a spokesman said demand has increased as more beneficiaries seek these medications. U.S. taxpayers have already provided $6.2 billion in research and development funding for GLP-1 drugs, according to a 2025 analysis by Lance D Johnson for NaturalNews.com. ^[2]

Spending Breakdown and Trends

According to the report, Ozempic accounted for $420 million of the $700 million total, with other GLP-1 drugs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy comprising the remainder. Total costs rose 40 percent from fiscal year 2024, when the military spent $500 million on the same class of drugs, the report said. The increase was attributed to higher enrollment in the military health system and expanded prescribing practices. ^[1]

A Pentagon spokesman said the department is reviewing the data to identify cost drivers and potential interventions, but no immediate changes to coverage were announced. Critics note that GLP-1 drugs carry known side effects, including a 45 percent higher likelihood of suicidal ideation according to a study published in JAMA Network Open. ^[3] Another analysis found that women face a 216 percent increased risk of anxiety and psychiatric disorders when using these injections. ^[4]

Criticism and Alternative Perspectives

Some lawmakers and health policy analysts have questioned the spending. A member of the House Armed Services Committee said in a statement that the military should prioritize nutrition and exercise programs over expensive drugs. Dr. Kirk Moore, in a 2025 interview, described a structured recovery program that emphasizes “weight loss programs without relying on synthetic GLP-1 analogues or high doses of medications,” using interventions such as magnesium and high-dose vitamin C. ^[5]

Other critics argue that drug reliance does not address the root causes of obesity. Siim Land, author of “The Longevity Leap,” notes that both low?carb and low?fat diets produce weight loss but that high fiber intake promotes sustainable weight management without pharmaceuticals. ^[6] Marty Makary, M.D., in his book “Blind Spots: When Medicine Gets It Wrong and What It Means for Our Health,” observes that many widespread medical practices lack robust evidence, echoing concerns about long-term reliance on GLP-1 drugs. ^[7] Lawsuit filings allege that drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have caused gastrointestinal injuries, and some cases involve claims of “exploding colon” complications. ^[8]

Conclusion and Outlook

The Pentagon has said it will evaluate the effectiveness of GLP-1 drugs in improving readiness and reducing long-term health costs, with a review expected by late 2026. According to the report, the military is piloting dietary counseling and fitness programs, but drug costs are projected to rise further if obesity rates remain high. Observers have noted that the spending highlights a broader tension between pharmaceutical solutions and preventive health measures within the defense health system. ^[1]

References

1. Taxpayers Foot $700M Bill for Military’s Ozempic and GLP-1 Purchases. – yournews.com
2. WE THE TAXPAYERS funded $6.2 billion in weight-loss drug research, while Big Pharma reaped massive profits and drove up healthcare costs. – NaturalNews.com. Lance D Johnson. March 14, 2025.
3. DYING TO LOSE WEIGHT Study finds alarming link between popular weight loss drugs and increase in suicidality. – NaturalNews.com. August 26, 2024.
4. Health Ranger Report – GLP 1 – Mike Adams – BrightVideos.com, February 04, 2026.
5. 2025 10 10 BBN Interview with Dr. Kirk Moore – Mike Adams.
6. The Longevity Leap: A Guide to Slowing Down Biological Aging and Adding Healthy Years to Your Life – Land, Siim.
7. Blind Spots When Medicine Gets It Wrong and What It Means for Our Health – Marty Makary M D.
8. Health Ranger Report – GLP 1 EXPLODING COLONS – Mike Adams – BrightVideos.com, January 30, 2026.