U.S. Obesity Rate Declines as Use of Injectable Weight Loss Drugs Rises
The U.S. adult obesity rate has dropped to 37% this year, a decrease from 39.9% three years ago, coinciding with a more than doubling in the use of injectable medications for weight loss, according to a new survey.
The Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index found that 12.4% of Americans are now taking drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro) compared to 5.8% in February 2024. These GLP-1 agonists, first approved for obesity treatment in 2021, work by suppressing hunger and slowing digestion, representing a significant shift in the approach to managing a condition linked to numerous health problems.
The decline in obesity rates is particularly noticeable among adults aged 40 to 64, a group with higher reliance on GLP-1 medications; obesity in the 50-64 age group dropped 5.0 points to 42.8%. Women also reported greater use of the drugs and corresponding weight loss compared to men. However, access to these medications remains a significant barrier, and could become more limited as insurance coverage changes. “I would say this correlation happened for those that had great coverage, but it’s going to be pulled back,” says Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, a Harvard University obesity specialist, noting that many insurers are ending coverage of GLP-1 medications in the new year, potentially costing patients around $500 per month out of pocket. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers further information on obesity prevalence and related health risks.
Drug manufacturers are working on less expensive pill versions, but affordability remains a concern. Officials say they are monitoring the impact of these medications on public health and exploring ways to expand access to effective obesity treatments, as Gallup’s full report details.
