About 40% of Americans are obese, and if you add those overweight, that number increases to 70%. However, according to Gallup, the adult obesity rate is declining. Wonder why? In this example it seems the wonder drugs Americans seem to demand (as opposed to doing things the old-fashioned way of hard work) has been found: the class of GLP-1s including semaglutides like Ozempic and Wegovy. Specifically, the obesity rate has declined to 37% in 2025 after having hit a record high of 39.9% in 2022, representing about 7.6 million fewer obese adults compared with three years ago.
Here’s an interesting (read: important) offshoot: these drugs also treat type 2 diabetes, which is still at an all-time high. Translate that to mean the tail hasn’t yet wagged the dog but you can expect new cases of diabetes to drop if and as the rates of obesity continue to fall. In case you’re wondering, about 12.4% of adults are taking GLP-1 and similar meds for weight loss. Both the highest use and the biggest reduction in obesity are being seen among those aged 40 to 64.
To the “whatabouts” out there, worried about side effects like “Ozempic face,” yes, there are real examples of challenges, but most side effects are mild and temporary. In any event, in the vast majority of cases these side effects pale to the reduction in the life threats posed by obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure far too many of us seem willing to accept. Have a conversation with your physician about how to best address your obesity. The life you save may be your own. Reach out to us via the contact form on this site or visit https://asksterlingmd.com/ for more information.