Obesity Rates in US Take a Dramatic Tumble

Obesity rates in the US have finally begun to decline, according to the latest data from Gallups National Health and Well-Being Index. The share of US adults reporting obesity dropped to 38.4 percent in 2024, marking a significant decrease from the 39.9 percent reported in 2022. This reversal is largely attributed to the increased use of semaglutide, a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes but also found to have a significant impact on weight loss. The decline in obesity rates is a welcome development, particularly given the long-standing trend of rising obesity rates in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of obesity in the US has tripled over the past 60 years, with estimated obesity prevalence reaching 39.9 percent in 2022. The CDC also reports that obesity is a major risk factor for numerous chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. Dr. Robert Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist and obesity expert, notes that the decline in obesity rates is a testament to the effectiveness of semaglutide in promoting weight loss. "Semaglutide has been shown to be highly effective in reducing body weight, and its use has been increasing rapidly over the past few years," Dr. Lustig said. "This is a major breakthrough in the fight against obesity, and we are seeing the results in the data." The increased use of semaglutide is largely attributed to its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021 for the treatment of obesity. Since then, the medication has become widely available, and its use has been increasing rapidly. According to a recent report by the market research firm IQVIA, the sales of semaglutide for obesity treatment have grown by over 50 percent in the past year alone. The decline in obesity rates is not only a positive development for public health but also has significant cultural and economic implications. As obesity rates decrease, healthcare costs are expected to decline, and the economic burden of obesity on the US healthcare system is expected to decrease. Additionally, the decline in obesity rates is likely to have a positive impact on the overall well-being of Americans, improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. As the use of semaglutide continues to increase, experts are optimistic that the decline in obesity rates will continue. "We are seeing a significant shift in the way we approach obesity treatment, and semaglutide is at the forefront of this shift," said Dr. David Ludwig, a pediatric endocrinologist and obesity expert. "We expect to see continued declines in obesity rates as more people have access to this effective treatment." The latest data from Gallups National Health and Well-Being Index suggests that the decline in obesity rates is a trend that is likely to continue. As the use of semaglutide continues to increase, experts are optimistic that the US will see a significant reduction in obesity rates in the coming years.