A recent survey reveals a growing acceptance among U.S. adults regarding the use of weight-loss medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, for individuals grappling with obesity or related health issues. However, there’s a notable reservations concerning the medication use among adolescents facing obesity. The poll, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, indicates a split in opinions regarding the use of these drugs by teens aged 12 to 18, with one-third believing it to be a beneficial choice, a similar proportion viewing it negatively, and approximately 30% perceiving it as neither good nor bad.
Among adults, roughly half favor the use of these weight-loss drugs, while just around 20% oppose them. These medications, categorized as GLP-1 receptor agonists, were initially designed for diabetes management but gained popularity after receiving FDA approval for weight loss in 2021. Now, they have become ubiquitous in various media, from celebrity endorsements to social media promotion.
Medical professionals assert that these injectable treatments are effective in combating obesity. In response, the American Medical Association has advocated for insurance coverage of these drugs. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that doctors consider prescribing these medications to children aged 12 and up who are struggling with obesity.
The poll results indicate that while healthcare professionals endorse these medications, there remains public concern about their use, particularly for adolescents and individuals not classified as obese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that over 100 million U.S. adults are considered obese, with more than 22 million classified as severely obese. Given its classification as a chronic disease, obesity stems from a combination of genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. Some weight-loss medication users face stigma, perceived by others as “cheating,” as explained by Dr. Cate Varney from UVA Health in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Dr. Varney likens the situation to providing one person with a hammer to complete a task while giving another an inadequate tool. “We’re leveling the playing field with these medications,” she remarked. Anjanette Ewen, who successfully lost 67 pounds with Mounjaro, credits her weight loss with discovering a malignant lump on her breast. The Fort Walton Beach, Florida resident states that she endured years of weight management challenges due to polycystic ovarian syndrome, which caused significant weight fluctuations.
Data indicates that around 20% of U.S. children deal with obesity, and Dr. Gitanjali Srivastava from Vanderbilt University remarks that childhood obesity is often more treatable than in adults. She noted that effective intervention during youth could prevent severe obesity later in life, often necessitating medication or surgical weight-loss options. However, affordability remains a barrier, as out-of-pocket expenses for these medications can reach into the hundreds per prescription.
Findings from the AP-NORC poll suggest extensive support for federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid to cover weight-loss drugs for those with obesity. Approximately half of participants expressed strong or moderate support for this initiative; yet, coverage discrepancies exist, with Medicare currently not encompassing these treatments for obesity, and Medicaid coverage varying significantly.
The usage of GLP-1 medications among individuals not struggling with obesity is controversial. The poll found that about 60% of Americans disapprove of weight-loss drug usage for those not classified as obese, with the disapproval rate rising to 70% for teenagers in similar circumstances. Interestingly, younger adults display slightly more lenient views, as older demographics largely oppose the non-medical use of these drugs by teenagers.
This comprehensive survey of 1,147 adults, carried out between January 9 and 13, utilized a well-structured sampling method aimed at representing the national population. The margin of error for the results overall stands at plus or minus 3.9 percentage points, shedding light on the evolving perceptions of weight-loss treatments in American society.
