After more than a decade of rising numbers, the percentage of U.S. adults with obesity saw a marginal decline last year. This could relate to the booming popularity of weight loss drugs, though experts urge caution before declaring a trend.
Research published in the journal JAMA Health Forum reveals that the prevalence of adult obesity in the United States decreased from 46% in 2022 to 45.6% in 2023. This slight decrease marks the first time in over ten years that obesity rates have dipped, with the South displaying the most significant reduction. Particularly, women and adults between the ages 66 to 75 showed marked declines, despite older age groups not typically being the main consumers of weight loss drugs.
This decline coincides with the increased use of weight loss medications, like Ozempic, known for their effectiveness in managing Type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss. Yet, experts like Dr. Michael Weintraub caution against attributing this entire shift to these drugs. “I find the data exciting,” said Weintraub, though he noted the need for more extended research to confirm this downward trend.
The study examined body mass index (BMI) data from over 16.7 million adults, incorporating factors like geographic regions, age, sex, race, and ethnicity from 2013 through 2023. While the South saw notable decreases, the findings varied across demographics. Black Americans experienced significant reductions in obesity rates, whereas Asian American communities saw increases, emphasizing regional and demographic disparities.
Dr. Tannaz Moin highlights that the medications studied belong to the GLP-1 class, which includes Ozempic. While effective, they represent only part of the prescription options available. This limited focus, along with the price of these medications, could skew who accesses and benefits from them.
Additional factors may also influence regional trends, such as the South’s high number of Covid-19 deaths among obese individuals, potentially impacting these statistics. Despite these findings, experts reiterate the necessity for further research to determine if these changes mark the start of a sustained decline in obesity or merely a temporary fluctuation.
The slight reduction in U.S. adult obesity rates offers a glimmer of hope amidst longstanding concerns. However, experts advise caution and a call for more comprehensive research to fully understand the trends and the role of modern weight loss drugs in shaping these dynamics.
Source: Yahoo
