The number of individuals utilizing injectable obesity treatments is experiencing a rapid increase, which is positively impacting obesity rates in the United States. According to a recent survey conducted by the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index, the obesity rate among U.S. adults has decreased to 37% this year, a significant drop from a peak of 39.9% three years ago. This survey highlights a growing trend in the adoption of weight loss medications, revealing that the percentage of Americans using drugs such as semaglutide (marketed under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (available as Zepbound and Mounjaro) has more than doubled in the past year and a half.
According to the survey, 12.4% of respondents reported using these medications, a marked increase from 5.8% in February 2024 when Gallup first tracked this data. The GLP-1 agonists, the class of drugs that includes semaglutide and tirzepatide, gained approval in the U.S. market in 2021. These medications work by affecting brain functions and regulating bodily hormones to suppress hunger and slow down digestion. Their approval has been regarded as a significant milestone in the ongoing battle against obesity and related health issues that have persistently plagued Americans over the decades.
The survey data indicates a promising trend: since the introduction of these injectable treatments, declines in obesity rates have been particularly pronounced among individuals aged 40 to 64. This age group has shown a higher reliance on GLP-1 medications, with the highest usage observed among adults aged 50 to 64. In this demographic, obesity rates have decreased by 5.0 percentage points, now standing at 42.8%.
Furthermore, the survey reveals that the uptake of these medications is greater among women, who are also experiencing more significant weight loss compared to their male counterparts. These injectable treatments have proven to be a transformative solution for many patients grappling with obesity. However, accessibility remains a critical concern, as highlighted by Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity specialist from Harvard University.
Dr. Stanford notes that while the correlation between increased medication usage and declining obesity rates is evident, access to these treatments is becoming increasingly challenging. Many private insurers, including those covering a substantial portion of her patients, are set to discontinue coverage for GLP-1 medications next year. As Dr. Stanford explains, without insurance coverage, the out-of-pocket expenses for these injections typically amount to around $500 per month.
As pharmaceutical companies strive to develop potentially more affordable pill versions of these medications, Dr. Stanford cautions that these alternatives may still remain financially inaccessible for many individuals. The ongoing challenge of affordability and accessibility underscores the pressing need for comprehensive healthcare solutions to combat the obesity epidemic effectively.
