Gallup data shows a sharp rise in weight-loss drug use among Americans. But the real story lies in which age groups are driving the boom — and which aren’t
Just a few years ago, weight-loss drugs like Ozempic were Hollywood’s secret and a lifeline for people with diabetes. Now, they’re a household name, and new data from Gallup shows just how deep they’ve sunk into American life, and who is (and isn’t) on board.
According to the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index, 12.4% of U.S. adults now say they’re using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss, up from 5.8% in early 2024 when Gallup first began tracking usage. Awareness has also jumped, with nearly nine in ten Americans now knowing about the drugs, up from 80% last year.
Women are leading the charge, with 15.2% reporting use compared to 9.7% of men. Both groups have more than doubled since last year, showing just how fast the category is expanding for both men and women.
The highest adoption rates come from adults in their 40s, 50s, and early 60s, the same age brackets seeing the most significant drops in obesity. Gallup found that 16.2% of people aged 40 to 49 are using GLP-1s for weight loss, while 17.0% of those aged 50 to 64 are (the highest share of any group). Even among people who already have diabetes, 14.1% say they’re using GLP-1s specifically for weight loss.
Older adults are using them too, though not as much: 11.1% of those 65 and older report taking GLP-1s, and Gallup notes the drugs appear less effective in that demographic. Perhaps surprisingly, younger adults, who have an affinity for fitness and wellness, remain mostly on the sidelines, showing little movement in either use or obesity rates.
Public Perception Is Shifting
Public sentiment is also shifting. According to Pew Research, 53% of Americans say weight-loss drugs are a good option for those with obesity or weight-related conditions, though 62% still oppose their use by people without a medical need.
As for why women are embracing these drugs, it might be a chicken-or-egg situation. Are women driving the demand, or is the industry simply catching up to them? Regardless, telehealth platforms have zeroed in on hormonal health, and new peri- and menopause treatments have widened the on-ramp for midlife women to talk about weight concerns with minimal friction and, often, a quick path to a prescription.
Celebs, Investment Firms Zero In on Medical Weight Loss
Just a few years ago, shrinking celebrities rumored to be on weight-loss meds kept mum. Now, many are coming forward with pride, as well as partnerships. Add athlete and celebrity validation from Ro’s Serena Williams and Queen Latifah, the face of WeightWatchers’ new menopause program (which offers hormone replacement therapy and GLP-1s), and what began as a diabetes treatment has evolved into something else entirely: a reclamation of health.
And the money follows, even beyond borders. This month, London-based women’s health technology company SheMed raised $50 million to expand its GLP-1–powered weight management platform. Meanwhile, in the U.S., Las Vegas-based startup Andel just raised $4.5 million to make GLP-1 access more affordable for employers and their workers. The company operates a cooperative purchasing platform that pools demand from employers to negotiate directly with drug manufacturers, cutting costs and streamlining prescriptions through its digital app.
Also this month, Amy Schumer–backed Midi Health announced it had raised $50 million to expand its telehealth platform for perimenopause and menopause care. Schumer, who’s been open about using Mounjaro, has also publicly praised Midi after trying its virtual care program, sharing that hormone therapy helped her manage perimenopause symptoms.
What comes next? It could be the age of the micros: smaller, more personalized doses for weight management and longevity perks. It’s a concept behavioral health platform Noom has embraced, partnering with Rebel Wilson to promote a free tier focused on “microhabits” and the idea of microdosed GLP-1s.
This approach has been echoed in longevity circles, with experts like Dr. Frank Lipman and Dr. Tyna Moore suggesting that strategic, low-dose GLP-1s can be impactful for anti-aging and other health benefits.
