Survey Shows U.S. Adult Obesity Rate Falling as Weight‑Loss Medications Gain Popularity
A recent Gallup survey released Tuesday indicates that the prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults has begun to decline, coinciding with a rise in the use of prescription weight‑loss drugs. The poll, which surveyed a representative sample of more than 10,000 respondents across all states, found that the proportion of adults classified as obese dropped from 42 % in 2022 to 39 % in 2024.
Researchers attribute the shift largely to broader access to newer pharmacological treatments that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration over the past few years. These medications, which work by suppressing appetite or altering metabolic pathways, have become more widely prescribed as physicians become comfortable with their safety profiles and insurance coverage expands. The survey reports that roughly 18 % of participants reported using a weight‑loss drug in the past twelve months, up from 11 % two years earlier.
Public health officials caution that medication alone will not reverse decades‑long trends in overweight and obesity. Experts note that successful weight management typically involves a combination of lifestyle changes, medical supervision, and, when appropriate, pharmacotherapy. "The data suggest that when weight‑loss drugs are integrated into a comprehensive health plan, they can contribute to measurable improvements in population health," a spokesperson for a national health agency said.
The findings arrive at a time when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to monitor obesity‑related risks such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. Policy makers are watching the results closely, as a sustained decline could influence future funding for nutrition programs, community health initiatives, and research into additional therapeutic options.
Looking ahead, analysts project that if the current trajectory continues, the national obesity rate could fall below the 35 % mark within the next decade. However, they also stress that ongoing surveillance is essential to confirm that the observed decrease reflects lasting behavioral change rather than a temporary effect of newer medications. The Gallup survey will be repeated annually to track progress and inform public‑health strategies.
