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U.S. Obesity Rate Drops as GLP-1 Use Surges, Gallup Finds

New survey data tie the decline to wider use of weight‑loss injectables, with access now the pivotal factor.

Overview

  • Gallup reports adult obesity at 37% in 2025, down from 39.9% in 2022, an estimated 7.6 million fewer obese adults based on self‑reported BMI from nearly 17,000 respondents.
  • Self‑reported use of injectable GLP‑1 drugs for weight loss rose to 12.4% from 5.8% in February 2024, with usage higher among women (15.2%) than men (9.7%).
  • Declines are concentrated among adults ages 40–64, the cohorts with the highest reported GLP‑1 use, and women have seen larger reductions than men since 2022.
  • Diagnosed diabetes reached a reported high of 13.8% in 2025, which Gallup notes may not fall quickly because diabetes is a chronic condition.
  • Access is narrowing as many insurers and employers limit coverage; GoodRx data show most plans exclude Zepbound, CVS Caremark has steered formularies toward Wegovy, and patients without coverage often face about $500 per month out of pocket.