A new research has highlighted the growing trend of GLP-1 medication use for weight loss in the US. Originally, GLP-1 medications were approved for diabetes management and function by utilizing hormones to control blood sugar levels.
Interestingly, one side effect of these medications is that they help users feel satiated with smaller food portions. As a result, when these drugs are paired with a healthy diet and exercise, they can effectively aid in weight loss, leading to a surge in their popularity.
The latest survey from Gallup, published on Tuesday, provides insight into the significant rise in the use of these medications since 2024.
According to the survey, an impressive 11 percent of Americans are currently using GLP-1 medication for weight management. This marks a significant increase from the three percent recorded in 2024, indicating an eight percent rise.
Moreover, the survey reveals that 15 percent of respondents have used GLP-1 medication for weight loss at some stage, showing a notable nine percent increase.
Looking at the broader picture, one might wonder about the impact of GLP-1 medications on obesity rates in the US. Obesity peaked in 2022, with 39.9 percent of the population classified as obese. Since then, the rate has decreased to 36.4 percent, with diabetes diagnoses also showing signs of stabilization after a prolonged period of increase.
The survey was conducted on a sample of 5,000 adults from across the US, between May 28 and June 5. While there is a noticeable correlation between increased GLP-1 usage and declining obesity rates, researchers caution that other factors might also contribute to this trend.
Meanwhile, a new weight loss medication, Retatrutide, is in development. This drug, still under testing, employs multiple hormones to facilitate weight reduction. Retatrutide is a triple agonist, meaning it simultaneously targets the body’s receptors for three components: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), GLP-1, and glucagon, which are essential for regulating blood sugar, appetite, and metabolism.