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A new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that about half of Americans approve of using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and other GLP-1 receptor agonists to treat obesity in adults. However, public sentiment becomes divided when the focus shifts to teens dealing with obesity.
The survey found that roughly half of U.S. adults believe it’s beneficial for those struggling with obesity or health conditions related to weight to use weight-loss medications, while only about two in 10 view it negatively. Conversely, when asked about teenagers aged 12 to 18 who have obesity, opinions were split: One-third of respondents thought it was a good idea, a similar percentage considered it a bad idea, and about 30% remained neutral.
The GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed to treat diabetes, have gained widespread attention since the FDA approved them for weight loss in 2021. Their popularity has skyrocketed due to endorsements from celebrities, media coverage, and personal testimonials. Health professionals argue these medications are valuable tools in the fight against obesity, with organizations like the American Medical Association pushing for insurance coverage and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommending them for children aged 12 and older.
Despite the medical endorsement, concerns persist. Some Americans question the ethical implications of prescribing these drugs to teens or individuals who are not severely obese. “It’s like telling somebody to nail a nail into a board and then giving one person a hammer and another person, you know, like a chopstick,” said Dr. Cate Varney, who treats obesity at UVA Health. She emphasized that the medications help level the playing field for those struggling with weight loss.
The issue of insurance coverage also remains contentious. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over 100 million adults in the U.S. are obese, many insurance programs, including Medicare, do not currently cover weight-loss drugs for obesity. The poll indicated broad support for federal coverage under Medicare and Medicaid for individuals with obesity, although coverage remains inconsistent across states and insurance plans.
The survey also highlights a growing concern over the use of weight-loss drugs for individuals who are not obese. Roughly 60% of Americans disapprove of non-obese adults using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, with the disapproval rate climbing to 70% for teens who aren’t obese.
As more individuals turn to weight-loss drugs for help, the debate continues about their accessibility, ethical use, and long-term impact, especially in younger populations.
Disclaimer: This article is based on findings from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of the poll respondents or the organizations mentioned in the report.
