New data shows the U.S. adult obesity rate has dipped to 37 percent, down from nearly 40 percent just a few years ago, according to a survey referenced by ScienceAlert. Meanwhile, GLP-1 use has nearly doubled, from about 5.8 percent of adults in early 2024 to 12.4 percent in 2025, marking one of the most dramatic shifts in weight-management trends to date.
The most significant declines were seen among adults ages 40 to 49 and 50 to 64—the same groups where GLP-1 adoption increased the most. While the report doesn’t establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship, the timing and demographic overlap suggest these medications may be playing a meaningful role in the change.
The survey also found that 89 percent of adults are now familiar with GLP-1 drugs, up from 80 percent in early 2024, proof of how mainstream these medications have become in a short period of time.
As ScienceAlert notes, the data is self-reported and has limitations, and access to GLP-1s still varies widely. Even so, the numbers highlight a shift in how people are approaching long-term weight management and metabolic health.
