U.S. Adult Obesity Rate Falls Amid Growing Use of Weight‑Loss Medications, Gallup Survey Shows
A new Gallup survey released on Tuesday indicates that the prevalence of obesity among U.S. adults has begun to decline, coinciding with an increase in the number of people using prescription weight‑loss drugs. The poll, which sampled a representative cross‑section of the adult population, found that the obesity rate among respondents dropped to its lowest level in over a decade.
The study reports that roughly one‑third of surveyed adults have tried a pharmacologic weight‑loss treatment in the past year, up from about 15 % five years ago. The most commonly reported medications belong to the class of glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonists, which have been shown in clinical trials to support modest to significant weight loss when combined with lifestyle changes. Users also cited improved appetite control and easier adherence to healthier eating patterns as key benefits.
Historically, the United States has grappled with a steady rise in obesity rates, which peaked at around 42 % of adults in 2017‑2018. Public‑health officials have linked the trend to factors such as sedentary lifestyles, high‑calorie diets, and limited access to preventive care. The recent downturn, though modest, marks the first reversal in years and suggests that medical‑intervention strategies may be beginning to complement traditional prevention efforts.
Health authorities and industry analysts responded cautiously to the findings. Federal health officials noted that while the data are encouraging, sustained reductions will require broader access to affordable treatments and continued emphasis on diet and exercise. Experts in metabolic research highlighted the importance of monitoring long‑term outcomes, warning that medication alone does not address underlying behavioral and socioeconomic drivers of obesity.
Looking ahead, the Gallup poll projects that if current usage trends continue, the national obesity rate could fall further over the next five years. Policymakers are expected to consider ways to expand insurance coverage for approved weight‑loss drugs and to integrate them into comprehensive obesity‑management programs. The evolving landscape underscores a shift toward a more multifaceted approach to tackling one of the nation’s most persistent public‑health challenges.
