A recent study by the Pew Research Center has shown that a majority of Americans are doubtful about the potential of new weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, to impact the country’s obesity rate significantly.
What Happened: Despite the optimism surrounding these drugs, the majority of Americans remain skeptical, as reported by The Hill on Tuesday. The survey, conducted from Feb. 7 to Feb. 11, found that only 35% believe these drugs will somewhat reduce obesity, while 33% think they will have little to no impact.
Additionally, 65% of Americans believe that willpower alone is not enough for sustainable weight loss, suggesting a broader discussion about the role of genetics in weight loss success.
Over the past 20 years, the obesity rate in the U.S. has been steadily increasing, with about 42% of American adults now classified as obese, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Ozempic and Wegovy, both GLP-1 agonists produced by Novo Nordisk NVO, are designed to manage blood sugar levels and suppress appetite. The FDA has approved Ozempic for managing Type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy, a weekly injectable drug, has been approved for long-term weight management.
Why It Matters: The skepticism surrounding these weight loss drugs may be influenced by several factors. The rising prices of these drugs may be a deterrent for many.
Furthermore, the increasing reports of counterfeit versions of these drugs may also be causing concern among potential users. There is also increasing pressure on food companies to alter their offerings in response to the popularity of these drugs.
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