WASHINGTON: A new survey conducted by KFF reveals that nearly half of adults in the United States are interested in using weight-loss drugs, including new medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. The survey also found that most adults in the US have heard about this new class of drugs being used for weight loss.
While less than 1 in 7 adults reported having ever had a prescription for weight loss, nearly 60% of adults who are currently trying to lose weight, and even a quarter of those not actively trying to lose weight, expressed interest in trying a weight-loss prescription drug if it is proven to be safe and effective.
Interest was particularly high among adults who were told by a doctor or healthcare provider that they were overweight or obese in recent years and among those trying to lose more than 20 pounds.
Women’s Interest in Using Weight-loss Drugs
Women showed more interest in weight-loss drugs than men, with 51% of women expressing interest compared to 38% of men. Additionally, Hispanic adults were more interested than White or Black adults.
As survey participants learned more about prescription weight-loss drugs, overall interest decreased. Less than a quarter of adults remained interested in weight-loss drugs that required routine injections, similar to Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
Only about 1 in 7 respondents remained interested if they were informed they might gain weight back after stopping drug use, and only about 1 in 6 were still interested if the drug was not covered by insurance or was not specifically approved for weight loss by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Regarding insurance coverage, more than half of adults believe that insurance should cover weight-loss prescription drugs for anyone wanting to lose weight, and about 80% believe they should be covered for individuals who are overweight or obese, according to the KFF survey.
