America is Losing Weight One Shot at a Time

The number of U.S. adults using popular GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wigovy for weight loss has surged, increasing nearly fourfold in just two years.

This uptick is evident on a larger scale, as obesity rates across the country show a slow but steady decline after years of consistent growth.

According to a recent Gallup poll conducted from May 28 to June 5 among 5,065 adults nationwide, 11% of Americans over 18 are now using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, up from just 3% in 2024.

Moreover, 15% of those surveyed reported having used advanced diabetes and obesity medications for weight loss, a significant rise from two years ago.

This rapid adoption of GLP-1 medications also coincides with a decrease in the national obesity crisis. The obesity rate among adults peaked at 39.9% in 2022, then gradually fell to 36.4% by 2026.

Interestingly, the national diabetes rate has leveled off after years of consistent increases.

The Evolution from Diabetes to Weight Loss

The GLP-1 class of drugs mimics hormones released by the intestines after eating, aiding in the regulation of blood sugar levels, appetite, and digestion. Although the first drug was approved over two decades ago for type 2 diabetes, it gained widespread popularity only in 2021.

That year, the FDA greenlit Novo Nordisk’s Wigovy, which has demonstrated an average weight loss of 15% over 16 months in clinical trials.

Before its approval, semaglutide—a key component—was mainly utilized for blood sugar regulation under the brand Ozempic. Since then, more options have emerged, including Eli Lilly’s tirzepatide-based Zepbound and Mounjaro.

Currently, brand-name GLP-1 is more commonly prescribed than the combination of semaglutide and tirzepatide. Notably, these combinations are often acquired through telemedicine, though they lack FDA approval.

However, a Gallup study showed that about one-third of users of the combined GLP-1 are sourcing it from FDA-approved drugs, while only 10% made the opposite switch.

Cost and insurance coverage seem to significantly influence these choices. The study revealed individuals switching from branded GLP-1 to combined versions were twice as likely to cite cost and coverage as their main motivation.

The Future of GLP-1 Medications

Considered a game-changer in weight loss medication, GLP-1’s popularity is projected to increase with the advent of more accessible and potentially stronger formulations.

In December 2025, the FDA approved Wegovy in a daily tablet form, now allowing those averse to needles to opt for an oral solution. In April, Eli Lilly received approval for another oral weight loss option, orforglipron, marketed as Foundayo.

Looking ahead, Eli Lilly’s once-weekly injection, letartortide—sometimes referred to as “Triple G” for its mockery of three hormones—may seek FDA approval this year, with initial results suggesting it could yield even more significant weight loss than existing GLP-1 options.

Expanded application of these drugs could promote even greater growth, as researchers examine uses beyond weight loss and diabetes treatment.

Wegovy’s label has already expanded to include treatment for non-cirrhotic MASH, a concerning liver condition, and it is also approved to lower the risk of severe cardiovascular events in obese individuals or those with advanced heart conditions.

Additionally, Zepbound stands out as the first FDA-approved medication for treating moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea in obese adults. Ozempic is also now authorized to diminish the risk of chronic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes.

This list of potential uses is likely to keep expanding, with ongoing research into applying GLP-1 for various conditions, including addiction disorders and neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimer’s.

That said, GLP-1 isn’t without its drawbacks. The drugs can cause a myriad of side effects, the most common being gastrointestinal issues like nausea and diarrhea. For some, these complications can escalate to severe conditions involving the pancreas, gallbladder, or intestinal tract.

Additionally, patients may experience challenges related to rapid weight loss, such as sagging skin and muscle loss, along with the risk of re-emerging eating disorder symptoms.