Obesity rates among U.S. adults have slightly decreased for the first time in more than 10 years, according to the JAMA Health Forum. The study found rates dropped from 46% in 2022 to 45.6% in 2023, with average body mass index falling marginally from 30.24 to 30.21.
The decline is linked to the growing use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as semaglutide in drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Usage of these medications for weight loss rose by 700% between 2019 and 2023, with the South showing notable improvements.
Women and adults aged 66 to 75 saw the biggest declines. While experts cite lifestyle changes post-COVID-19 as another factor, they caution it’s too early to predict a sustained trend. Obesity remains a major concern, with high rates of hypertension and diabetes among affected adults.
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