Obesity Rates Take a Record-Breaking Dip

Obesity rates in the US have begun to decline, according to the latest data from Gallup's National Health and Well-Being Index. The share of US adults reporting obesity fell to 38.2 percent in 2024, down from 39.9 percent in 2022. This marks the first time in decades that obesity rates have decreased in the country. The decline is largely attributed to the increasing use of semaglutide, a medication commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes, but also found to have a significant impact on weight loss. "The data suggests that the Ozempic effect is finally showing up in obesity data," said Dr. David Ludwig, a pediatric endocrinologist at Boston Children's Hospital. "Semaglutide has been shown to be effective in helping people lose weight and maintain weight loss over time." The use of semaglutide, also known as Ozempic, has been on the rise in recent years, with many people using it off-label to aid in weight loss. The medication works by mimicking a natural hormone in the body that helps regulate appetite and glucose levels. While it was initially approved for use in people with type 2 diabetes, its use has expanded to include weight loss in people without diabetes. The decline in obesity rates is a significant development, as obesity has been a major public health crisis in the US for decades. 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 an estimated 39.9 percent of adults reporting obesity in 2022. The CDC has also reported that obesity is a major risk factor for a range of serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. While the decline in obesity rates is a positive development, experts caution that it is still too early to declare victory. "We need to see sustained declines in obesity rates over time to truly make a dent in this public health crisis," said Dr. Ludwig. "But this is a promising trend, and we should be encouraged by the data." As the use of semaglutide continues to rise, it is likely that we will see further declines in obesity rates in the coming years. However, experts also note that there are many other factors that contribute to obesity, including diet, exercise, and socioeconomic status. "We need to take a comprehensive approach to addressing obesity, one that includes not just medication, but also changes to our food environment, physical activity levels, and social determinants of health," said Dr. Ludwig. In the meantime, the decline in obesity rates is a welcome development, and a reminder that even the most intractable public health crises can be addressed with the right combination of science, policy, and community engagement.