Key Takeaways:

• Approximately 54% of Americans view the use of weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy positively for adults.
• Support for these medications is lower when it comes to teens, with only 35% viewing it as a good option for those aged 12-17.
• A significant majority, around 73%, disapprove of using weight-loss drugs among youths who are not overweight.

According to a recent AP-NORC poll, a majority of U.S. adults express support for the use of weight-loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, designed to aid in the treatment of obesity and related health issues. The survey highlights that about 54% of Americans consider it a good idea for adults facing weight challenges to utilize these medications, though support significantly diminishes when focusing on teenagers aged 12 to 17, where only 35% agree on their appropriate use.

Additionally, the survey indicates that a considerable proportion of Americans view the concept of youth utilizing weight-loss drugs unfavorably, particularly if they are not struggling with obesity. An overwhelming 73% expressed concerns, deeming it a “very or somewhat” bad idea for non-obese teens to use these drugs. Support declines even further for adults without obesity, with 60% of the population suggesting this practice is inappropriate.

The weight-loss drugs in question, classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially received FDA approval in 2021 for weight loss purposes, previously aimed at managing diabetes. Their rising popularity is now evident across various platforms, from celebrity endorsements to social media discussions. Despite this trend, some individuals remain skeptical of their efficacy and ethics, particularly concerning their use in young population groups.

Dr. Cate Varney, an obesity specialist at UVA Health, emphasized the importance of equitable treatment options for weight loss, which these medications represent. “It’s like telling somebody to nail a nail into a board and then giving one person a hammer and another person... like a chopstick,” she stated, shedding light on the varied responses and opinions towards these treatments.

In light of these mixed feelings, a call to action for health insurance coverage to extend to weight-loss medications has emerged, with half of Americans supporting coverage through federal programs like Medicare and Medicaid, while about 20% oppose it. Currently, federal programs do not regulate these drugs for obesity treatments, although coverage varies among Medicaid programs across states and private employers.

This new data aligns with previous studies, suggesting doubts among U.S. citizens regarding the far-reaching impact of weight-loss drugs. According to a Pew Research Center survey from earlier workings, roughly 70% of the population dismisses the notion that these drugs will significantly reduce the country's obesity rate. As of 2024, an estimated 42% of the American population is categorized as obese, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The AP-NORC poll was conducted from January 9-13, with a sample of 1,147 adults, presenting a margin of error of 3.9 percentage points. These findings represent an important snapshot of the evolving perceptions surrounding obesity treatments in the U.S.