US obesity rates have dropped for the first time in over a decade, according to a new study. The decline is attributed to the growing use of weight loss medications like semaglutide, which has seen a significant increase in prescription rates since 2019.
The study, published in JAMA Health Forum, analyzed data from 16.7 million US adults and found that obesity rates decreased slightly from 46% in 2022 to 45.6% in 2023. The average BMI also dropped marginally, from 30.24 to 30.21.
Women and adults aged 66-75 saw the largest declines in obesity, while people living in the South experienced a notable decrease due to high dispensing rates of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide.
While the study suggests that weight loss medications may be contributing to the decline in obesity rates, experts caution that other factors are also at play. Lifestyle changes following the pandemic and COVID-19 deaths among people with obesity may also be influencing the trend.
The findings are encouraging but too early to determine if this trend will continue. Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that includes weight loss, exercise, and healthier diets.
Obesity remains a critical public health issue, with nearly 60% of US adults with obesity having high blood pressure and approximately 23% having diabetes. A more nuanced approach is needed to address this complex problem.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Wellness/us-obesity-rates-drop-1st-time-decade-weight/story?id=116736017