The U.S. obesity rate has seen a significant decline for the first time in a decade, according to a new study conducted by Harvard University researchers. The study, which analyzed data on almost 17 million adults nationwide, revealed that the obesity rate dropped from 46.2% in 2021 to 45.6% in 2023. Obesity was defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or above.
One interesting trend that coincided with the decline in obesity rates was the rise in the use of GLP-1 medications for weight loss. GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Zepbound have seen a surge in usage, although the researchers caution that it is not possible to confirm a direct cause-and-effect relationship between the two trends. However, they did note that the most significant decrease in obesity rates was observed in the South, which also had the highest rate of dispensing GLP-1 medications.
The study, led by Benjamin Rader, an assistant professor of anesthesia at Harvard Medical School, was published in the journal JAMA Health Forum on December 13. The researchers highlighted that obesity rates in the U.S. have been on the rise for several decades, with some forecasting a continued increase while others predict a plateau. The introduction of GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) into the market has been a new factor that may be contributing to the recent decline in obesity rates.
These injected medications have seen a significant increase in sales, with impressive results in terms of weight loss. The drugs work by mimicking a hormone in the intestine that helps individuals feel full, leading to reduced food intake and subsequent weight loss. The study tracked health insurance data from 2013 through 2023 on nearly 17 million adults, most of whom were between the ages of 26 and 75.
The findings of this study shed light on the potential impact of GLP-1 medications on obesity rates in the U.S. and highlight the importance of further research in understanding the relationship between these medications and weight loss. As obesity continues to be a significant public health concern, innovative approaches such as GLP-1 medications may play a crucial role in combating this epidemic.
