Frank Olivo

Frank Olivo is the founder of Sagapixel. He writes on a number of topics related to digital marketing, but focuses mostly on SEO.

GLP-1 Search Behavior is Evolving — Trends You Need to Know

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GLP-1 Overtakes Ozempic in Search Behavior

Over the past two years, searches for “GLP-1” have surpassed those for “Ozempic,” signaling a major shift in public awareness. As of March 2025, GLP-1 averaged over 3 million monthly searches, while Ozempic declined from a peak of 6 million in early 2024.

Patients are no longer just searching brand names — they’re seeking a drug class, showing more informed and comparison-driven behavior.

GLP-1 search trends 2023-2025

A Two-Year Evolution

In April 2023, Ozempic led with over 4 million monthly searches. By early 2025:

  • GLP-1 surpassed Ozempic in volume.
  • Class-related terms like semaglutide and tirzepatide also rose.

This reflects growing consumer sophistication and recognition of GLP-1s as a drug category — much like the evolution from “Prozac” to “SSRIs.”


Why This Matters for Our Clients

The shift to GLP-1 isn’t just about trends — it offers relief from legal and marketing challenges.

Legal Pressure Around “Semaglutide”

In 2023–2024, Novo Nordisk issued legal threats to clinics using the term “semaglutide” for compounded products. Many of our clients asked us to remove it from their websites, and we’ve advised others to do the same to minimize legal exposure.

This created an SEO dilemma: how do you attract patients if you can’t mention the product name?

GLP-1 Search Growth Solves the Problem

As “semaglutide” became risky to use, consumers naturally shifted to broader terms like:

  • “GLP-1 for weight loss”
  • “GLP-1 injections near me”

GLP-1 now outpaces Ozempic in search volume, offering a high-traffic, legally safe keyword strategy.

We now optimize for GLP-1 without naming specific brands — preserving SEO while staying compliant.

What We Recommend

  1. Focus on GLP-1 Keywords
    • Use terms like “GLP-1 weight loss clinic” and “GLP-1 vs tirzepatide.”
    • Avoid potential trademark issues.
  2. Adjust Patient Communication
    • Speak to informed consumers familiar with GLP-1s, not just brand names.
  3. Create Legally-Safe, SEO-Friendly Content
    • Educate on GLP-1 use, results, and mechanisms without listing brands.
    • Align content with evolving search behavior to drive qualified traffic.

What’s Driving the Shift in Search Behavior

Several key forces are pushing consumers to search for GLP-1s at the class level rather than just by brand.

1. Broader Public Education — Advertising and Media Coverage

The biggest driver is mass media advertising, especially from digital health companies like Hims and Ro, who’ve saturated platforms like TV, streaming, podcasts, and social media. Hims, for instance, reports spending nearly half of its revenue on advertising and selling costs.

These ad campaigns consistently reference “GLP-1s” — not just individual brands — accelerating public familiarity with the class itself.

Additionally, social media influencers, wellness podcasts, and mainstream health magazines have flooded the market with content explaining how GLP-1s work and who they’re for. Coverage from outlets like Men’s Health, Vogue, and The New York Times has made the terminology common even among casual readers.

Together, advertising and media have turned “GLP-1” into a household term.

2. More Options, More Confusion

With new drugs entering the market — including Zepbound, compounded semaglutide, and tirzepatide — patients now seek clarity. Instead of searching for one name, they look for comparisons:

  • “Best GLP-1 for weight loss”
  • “GLP-1 vs Mounjaro”
  • “Tirzepatide vs semaglutide effectiveness”

3. Increased Cost and Access Awareness

As people navigate insurance restrictions, shortages, and out-of-pocket costs, they’re researching generics, alternatives, and class-wide options. Queries like “GLP-1 covered by insurance” or “cheap GLP-1 meds” are rising.

4. Shift in Provider Marketing

Many clinics now promote “GLP-1 weight loss programs” rather than specific drugs to remain legally safe and inclusive of various formulations. This has influenced how patients search for services.

The language providers use feeds directly into consumer behavior.


How We’re Helping Clients Respond to the Shift

As patient awareness matures and legal restrictions around drug names persist, we’ve helped our clients evolve how they present and promote their services. Here’s how to stay competitive:

Embrace Class-Level Messaging

  • Replace brand-specific promotion with broader language around “GLP-1 medications” or “GLP-1 weight loss programs.”
  • Use terms that align with how patients are now searching.

Update Website and Ad Strategies

  • Optimize for class-level keywords like “GLP-1 clinic near me” or “GLP-1 for weight management.”
  • Diversify paid ad targeting beyond Ozempic to include non-branded terms and comparison searches.

Create Educational, Legally Safe Content

  • Develop content explaining GLP-1s generally: how they work, what to expect, risks, and alternatives.
  • Include comparisons between semaglutide and tirzepatide without direct brand endorsements.

Position Your Practice as a Guide

  • With more choices and confusion, patients want guidance.
  • Market your ability to help navigate the options — not just offer a single product.

This isn’t just a shift in SEO — it’s a shift in patient expectations. Providers who adapt will win trust, visibility, and conversions.


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