GLP-1 usage surges in US

For the first time in years, the U.S. obesity rate has ticked downward, from a high of nearly 40% in 2022 to 37% in 2025. While this change may seem modest, it marks a turning point in a troubling decades-long trend. So, what’s behind the shift? Many experts point to the growing use of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound, drugs originally designed for diabetes management that are now helping millions of Americans shed excess weight and improve their overall health.

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that the human body naturally produces after eating. This helps regulate blood sugar and signals to your brain that you’re full. GLP-1 drugs mimic this hormone, helping people feel satisfied sooner and reduce cravings. In more simple terms, GLP-1 medications help people eat less without feeling deprived. This is a big deal, especially for people who’ve struggled to achieve weight loss.

A Shift in the Numbers

According to a recent Gallup survey, 12% of U.S. adults now report having used a GLP-1 medication. This is double the rate that was measured in 2024. The survey also found that awareness of GLP-1 medications is growing, with nearly half of U.S. adults saying they’ve heard of these drugs.

Usage is especially common among adults aged 45 to 64, those with higher income levels, and individuals with private insurance. This highlights some of the access challenges still persist in obesity treatment.

More Than Just Weight Loss

While shedding pounds is a key benefit, GLP-1 drugs may also help improve overall health. Obesity is linked to conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. By helping people lose weight, these medications could reduce the risk of these chronic illnesses. Accordingly, Some GLP-1 users also report feeling more energetic, sleeping better, and experiencing fewer food cravings. For many, it’s not just about the number on the scale, it’s about feeling better in their bodies, more in control of their health, and more present in the lives of loved ones (and with greater optimism about the future).

Even with such positivity about the impact of these medicines, it’s important to note that GLP-1 drugs aren’t a quick fix. They work best when combined with healthy habits like balanced eating, physical activity, and stress management. And they may not be suitable for everyone. Some users experience side effects like nausea or digestive issues, while others may not be eligible due to co-existing medical conditions.

Changing the Conversation

Another impactful effect of GLP-1 drugs is how they’ve helped change the way society views obesity. For years, weight loss was framed as a simple matter of willpower: eat less, move more, and the pounds should just melt away. But science now tells us that obesity is a complex condition influenced by genetics, hormones, environment, and more.

GLP-1 medications highlight the biological side of weight regulation. They show that for many people, hunger and satiety aren’t just about choice, they’re about body chemistry. And that shift in understanding can lead to more compassion, better treatment, and less stigma.

Looking Ahead

As research advances and more people gain access to GLP-1s, there may be further changes in both obesity rates and public health outcomes. Researchers continue to explore how these drugs affect metabolism, brain function, and long-term weight maintenance. There’s even interest in using them to treat conditions like addiction and Alzheimer’s disease.

For now, the early results are promising. People who’ve struggled with weight for years are finding new hope, and that’s worth celebrating.

If you’re curious about these medications, talk to your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the risks, benefits, and what may be a good fit for personal health goals. You can also research nearby clinical trials of these medicines.