Interest in Weight-Loss Prescription Drugs High Among US Adults, New Survey Shows
A recent survey conducted by KFF revealed that a majority of adults in the United States are aware of the new class of weight-loss drugs, including Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Furthermore, nearly half of the respondents expressed their interest in using one of these drugs to aid their weight loss journey.
The survey found that less than 1 in 7 adults have previously been prescribed a weight-loss drug. However, approximately 60% of adults currently attempting to lose weight, as well as a quarter of those not actively trying, stated their willingness to try a prescription drug if it was proven to be safe and effective.
The level of interest was particularly high among individuals who had been informed by a healthcare professional that they were overweight or obese in recent years. Additionally, those aiming to shed more than 20 pounds also showed a higher inclination towards weight-loss prescription drugs.
Gender differences were observed in the survey results, with women being significantly more interested than men. Approximately 51% of women expressed their willingness to try these drugs, compared to 38% of men. Moreover, Hispanic adults were found to be more likely to consider weight-loss prescription drugs than White or Black adults.
Interestingly, as survey participants became more informed about the drugs, their interest seemed to decline. Less than 25% of adults indicated their interest in a weight-loss drug that required routine injections, similar to Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
Furthermore, only 1 in 7 individuals stated they would still be interested in a weight-loss drug if there was a possibility of weight regain after discontinuation. Similarly, only 1 in 6 respondents expressed continued interest if the drug was not covered by insurance or lacked approval by the US Food and Drug Administration specifically for weight loss.
Regarding insurance coverage, more than half of the surveyed adults believed that weight-loss prescription drugs should be covered for anyone wanting to lose weight. An even higher percentage, approximately 80%, supported coverage for individuals who were overweight or obese, according to the KFF survey.
The findings of this survey suggest that there is a significant and growing interest in weight-loss prescription drugs among adults in the United States. However, factors such as administration method, potential weight regain, insurance coverage, and FDA approval play important roles in shaping individuals’ decisions regarding the use of these drugs for weight loss.