Obesity Rates Plummet: The Ozempic Effect Takes Hold in US Adults

Data from the Gallups National Health and Well-Being Index has shown a significant decline in obesity rates among US adults, marking a turning point in the decades-long trend of rising obesity prevalence. According to the survey, the share of US adults reporting obesity decreased from 39.9 percent in 2022 to 37.4 percent in 2025, with the largest drop observed among middle-aged adults. The decline is attributed to the increased use of semaglutide, a medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes, but also found to be effective in weight loss. This phenomenon has been dubbed the "Ozempic effect," named after the brand name of one of the medications, Ozempic, which is a formulation of semaglutide. The medication has been widely prescribed off-label for weight loss, leading to a significant reduction in obesity rates. "This is a major breakthrough in the fight against obesity," said Dr. David Ludwig, a pediatric endocrinologist at Boston Children's Hospital. "We've been waiting for a long time for a medication that can really make a difference in weight loss, and semaglutide has delivered." The Gallups National Health and Well-Being Index has been tracking obesity rates in the US since 2008, when the share of US adults reporting obesity was 25.5 percent. Over the past 17 years, obesity rates have continued to rise, with the exception of the past three years, when the trend began to reverse. Experts attribute the decline in obesity rates to the increased use of semaglutide, which has been shown to be effective in weight loss due to its ability to suppress appetite and increase feelings of fullness. The medication has also been found to have a positive impact on other health metrics, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels. While the decline in obesity rates is a welcome trend, experts caution that it is too early to declare victory. "We still have a long way to go in terms of addressing the root causes of obesity," said Dr. Ludwig. "But this is a step in the right direction, and we should be encouraged by the progress we're seeing." The Gallups National Health and Well-Being Index will continue to track obesity rates in the US, providing valuable insights into the impact of semaglutide and other weight loss interventions. As the trend continues to unfold, experts will be watching closely to see if the decline in obesity rates is sustained over time.