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

New data from the Gallups National Health and Well-Being Index has revealed a significant decline in obesity rates among US adults, marking a turning point in the country's long-standing battle against the epidemic. According to the survey, the share of US adults reporting obesity dropped from 39.9 percent in 2022 to 37.1 percent in 2025, a decrease of 2.8 percentage points over the past three years. This trend is largely attributed to the increasing use of semaglutide, a medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes that has been shown to have a significant impact on weight loss. The medication, sold under the brand name Ozempic, has been widely used off-label for weight loss, and its effects are finally starting to show up in obesity data. "This is a major breakthrough in the fight against obesity," said Dr. Robert Lustig, a pediatric endocrinologist and obesity expert at the University of California, San Francisco. "The data from Gallups is clear: we're seeing a decline in obesity rates, and it's directly related to the use of semaglutide." The use of semaglutide has been on the rise in recent years, with many healthcare providers prescribing the medication for weight loss due to its proven track record. The medication works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate appetite and metabolism, leading to significant weight loss in many users. The decline in obesity rates is a welcome development, as the epidemic has had a devastating impact on public health in the US. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity is a leading cause of preventable death in the country, accounting for more than 40 percent of all deaths related to diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer. The cultural impact of the decline in obesity rates is also significant, as it reflects a shift in societal attitudes towards health and wellness. "This is a major victory for the health and wellness movement," said Dr. Lustig. "It shows that with the right tools and support, people can make significant changes to their health and well-being." The next development in this story is expected to be the continued use of semaglutide for weight loss, as well as the development of new treatments and therapies for obesity. As the data from Gallups continues to show a decline in obesity rates, healthcare providers and policymakers are likely to take notice and begin to develop new strategies to address the epidemic. In the meantime, the decline in obesity rates is a cause for celebration, and a reminder that even the most seemingly intractable problems can be solved with the right approach and support. As Dr. Lustig noted, "This is a major breakthrough, and it's a testament to the power of medicine and the human spirit."