A new study has found that the adult obesity rate in the United States decreased by 0.15% between 2022 and 2023, marking a change in trend after a decade of steady increases. Researchers are considering whether the rise in popularity of weight loss drugs like Ozempic contributed to this decline.
The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, analyzed data from nearly 17 million American adults aged 26-75 and found that obesity rates dropped most significantly among Black women aged 66-75. The research suggests that better access to healthcare and new food and drug guidelines may also have played a role.
While the decline is notable, obesity remains a prevalent disease in the US, with over one in three adults experiencing it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 20% of adults in each state live with obesity.
Ozempic, a prescription medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity, has seen increased popularity among Americans, particularly Black women. The study’s findings align with national trends, which show that Black Americans are more likely to take Ozempic or other weight loss medications.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2024/12/16/adult-obesity-decline-study-ozempic/77027360007