GLP-1 Drugs Like Ozempic Are Modestly Lowering US Obesity Rates
Source: https://nypost.com/2026/05/31/health/what-ozempic-is-actually-doing-to-obesity-rates-in-the-us/
Executive Briefing
- Reveals GLP-1 prescriptions quadrupled from 2021 to 2026, reaching 8,819 per 100,000 patients
- Shows US obesity rate declined from 42.3% to 40.7% as semaglutide prescriptions surged
- Indicates only 12% of Americans currently use GLP-1 drugs, limiting broader population impact
- Warns discontinuing medications risks weight regain and increased chronic disease risk
- Notes generic semaglutide available globally for $15/month, but US patents block access until 2032
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