Obesity rate is declining as more Americans use weight loss drugs, survey finds
A recent survey conducted by Gallup has revealed a promising trend in the fight against obesity in the United States. The data shows that the adult obesity rate in the country has seen a decline, dropping to 37% in 2025 from a record high of 39.9% in 2022. This decrease is significant, representing approximately 7.6 million fewer obese adults compared to three years ago.
The survey, which included 16,946 U.S. adults, found that the use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss has been on the rise. These medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, are also used to treat type 2 diabetes, a chronic disease that still affects 13.8% of the participants in Gallup’s Well-Being Index.
According to the report, the percentage of adults using GLP-1 injectables for weight loss has increased from 5.8% in February 2024 to 12.4% in the latest survey. This rise in medication usage has coincided with a decrease in obesity rates across most age groups since 2022, with the most significant reductions seen among individuals aged 40 to 49 and 50 to 64.
While the report acknowledges potential biases in self-reporting data, it emphasizes the consistency in Gallup’s method of collecting information on weight and height over time. The authors also note that the continuous increase in GLP-1 usage for weight loss aligns with reports of rising trends since the FDA approval of these medications in 2021.
Despite the positive shift in obesity rates, the U.S. still surpasses many Western countries in terms of weight. However, the report suggests that expanding access to weight loss treatments could contribute to a sustained decline in obesity rates. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also indicated a stabilization in the nation’s obesity rate, marking a significant milestone after years of gradual increases.
Overall, the findings from Gallup’s survey offer hope for addressing the obesity epidemic in the U.S. and emphasize the importance of continued efforts to promote healthy weight management strategies. With ongoing advancements in medical treatments and a growing awareness of the impact of obesity on overall health, there is potential for further progress in combatting this widespread issue.
