Obesity Decline from Record High, Survey Reveals: Key Reasons
A Shift in Obesity Trends
For the first time in years, the obesity rate in the United States is showing a decline, marking a significant shift in public health trends. This change is largely attributed to the increasing use of weight loss injections such as Ozempic and Wegovy. These medications have gained popularity, leading to a noticeable drop in obesity rates across the country.
Recent Findings from Gallup
Gallup recently released its National Health and Well-Being Index, revealing that the adult obesity rate has decreased to 37.0% in 2025, down from a record high of 39.9% in 2022. This reduction equates to approximately 7.6 million fewer obese adults nationwide. Despite this positive trend, the US still maintains one of the highest obesity rates among Western nations.
The Rise of GLP-1 Injectables
Alongside the decline in obesity, there has been a surge in the use of GLP-1 injectables like semaglutide for weight loss. According to Gallup, 12.4% of adults now use these medications, up from 5.8% in early 2024. This increase highlights a growing awareness and acceptance of these treatments among the population.
- Women are at the forefront of this trend, with 15.2% reporting the use of these drugs, compared to 9.7% of men. Both genders have more than doubled their usage in the past year, as awareness of the medications has risen from 80% to 89% nationwide.
Age Group Impacts
Obesity rates have declined across most age groups, particularly among adults aged 40 to 64, who also report the highest use of GLP-1 treatments. Those aged 40 to 49 saw their obesity rate fall by 4.3 points since 2022, reaching 43.3%, while adults aged 50 to 64 experienced a five-point drop to 42.8%.
Persistent Health Challenges
Despite the progress in weight loss, the data reveals a concerning trend: diabetes diagnoses have reached an all-time high of 13.8%. This indicates that even as obesity rates improve, chronic conditions like diabetes continue to affect a significant portion of the population.
- “The growing popularity of GLP-1s has led to healthier [body mass index] scores but has not lessened the rate of diabetes diagnoses, which is a lifetime diagnosis,” said Gallup. “Only if the rate of new diabetes cases starts to decline will the US rate eventually follow.”
The Role of Semaglutide
Semaglutide was approved for weight loss in 2021 and has since become one of the most recognized medications in the US. Thirteen states now fully cover GLP-1 treatments for obesity through Medicaid, with more considering similar legislation. This expansion of access is crucial for ensuring that more individuals can benefit from these life-changing treatments.
Balancing Medical Innovation and Lifestyle Changes
While the new drugs have contributed to lower obesity rates, experts emphasize that they are not a substitute for healthier lifestyle choices. Gallup researchers noted that sustained health progress will likely depend on both medical innovation and the development of healthier daily routines that complement pharmacological treatments.
- “Sustained health progress will likely depend not only on medical innovation but also on rebuilding healthier daily routines that complement pharmacological treatments,” Gallup said.
Methodology and Data Collection
Gallup conducted its survey by interviewing 16,946 adults online during the first nine months of 2025. This comprehensive approach ensures that the findings reflect a broad spectrum of the adult population across the United States.
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