(MENAFN- Live Mint) For the first time in a decade, the United States is seeing a slight decline in obesity rates. A new study published in JAMA Health Forum titled "Changes in Adult Obesity Trends in the US" reveals that obesity rates fell from 46% in 2022 to 45.6% in 2023, marking the first recorded drop in this trend in at least a decade. Studies suggest that the rise in usage of weight loss drugs like semaglutide is contributing to this change.

Study methods

The analysis was a cross-sectional study utilizing the Optum de-identified Market Clarity Data, which combines medical claims, insurance data, and electronic health records from US adults aged 18 and older.

This dataset allowed researchers to track BMI patterns and their associated contributing factors over time.

Key findings

1. First observed decline in obesity rates in a decade

In 2023, the national obesity rate was 45.6%, a slight decrease from 46% the previous year.

Mean population BMI dropped from 30.24% in 2021 to 30.21% in 2023, indicating a similar trend in reduced obesity.

2. Semaglutide and GLP-1 agonists driving the change

Semaglutide, found in popular weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists.

Semaglutide has seen an astronomical 700% increase in usage for weight loss from 2019 to 2023.

The drug is also approved for type 2 diabetes treatment and is being used in combination to address both diabetes and obesity.

3. Gender disparities in usage of Semaglutide

According to the Intake Resource Center :

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