Gallup Report Shows Decline in U.S. Obesity Rates Linked to Weight Loss Drug Usage
According to new findings from Gallup, the obesity rate among U.S. adults has shown a significant decline, lowering to 37% in 2025 from a record high of 39.9% in 2022. This marked improvement is accompanied by a notable increase in the use of weight loss medications, particularly GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, which are also prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes.
Understanding Obesity and Weight Loss Treatments
Obesity is defined by a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which is a measurement used to classify individuals based on their weight in relation to their height. The Gallup survey, which involved 16,946 adults across the U.S., revealed an estimated 7.6 million fewer obese adults compared to three years ago, signaling a potential turning point in the nation’s battle against obesity.
- GLP-1 Drugs: These medications work by mimicking hormones that help regulate appetite and digestion, leading to reduced food intake and weight loss.
- Semaglutides: The active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, which has gained popularity for its dual role in weight management and diabetes control.
Trends in Drug Usage
Data from the Gallup survey indicates that the proportion of adults using GLP-1 medications for weight loss has nearly doubled from 5.8% in February 2024 to 12.4% in the latest survey. This increase is particularly significant among adults aged 40 to 64, who not only represent the largest demographic of GLP-1 users but also experienced the greatest reduction in obesity rates.
“Amid increased use of GLP-1 injectables for weight loss, obesity rates have been coming down for most age groups since 2022,” the report noted.
Challenges and Considerations
While the decline in obesity is promising, researchers caution that there are limitations to the findings. One potential issue is the accuracy of self-reported data, as individuals may feel pressure to present themselves in a more favorable light. Nonetheless, Gallup maintains that its consistent methodology offers valuable insights into trends over time.
- Data Consistency: Gallup’s approach to collecting height and weight information has remained unchanged, providing a reliable basis for comparisons over the years.
- Historical Context: The steady rise in GLP-1 usage since the FDA’s approval in 2021 further supports the connection between these drugs and obesity trends.
Looking Ahead
Despite the encouraging trend in declining obesity rates, the U.S. still surpasses many Western countries in terms of weight. The effectiveness and increasing accessibility of weight loss treatments, like GLP-1 medications, may be crucial in sustaining this downward trend in obesity rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted that around 40% of U.S. adults were classified as obese as of September 2024, highlighting ongoing challenges in addressing this public health issue.
“The reported decline represents a changing narrative in the nation’s historical struggle with obesity,” experts suggest.