Ozempic and similar drugs are currently having a cultural moment, but many people don’t seem to buy into it. National survey data released this week suggests that a majority of Americans are not interested in taking these drugs, even if they want to lose weight.
The development of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs has dramatically changed the landscape of obesity treatment in recent years, providing doctors with drugs that can reduce weight much more effectively than diet and exercise alone. Masu. However, high demand from potential patients has created a shortage of these drugs, which has helped fuel a lucrative black and black market for them. But these new findings show that Americans overall remain wary of these drugs, at least on an individual level.
Polling company Morning Consult carried out The study was commissioned by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, a nonprofit organization of physicians focused on promoting preventive medicine. The group has previously Fast food chains and unhealthy menu options Allowed in hospitals. The poll involved a nationally representative sample of 2,205 adults and asked them whether they agreed or disagreed with this statement. “If you want to lose weight, I’d rather have an injection. weight–Not a loss drug, Please change your diet. ”
Overall, 23% of people agreed or strongly agreed with this statement, compared to 62% who disagreed or strongly disagreed and 14% who said there was no need to lose weight. When only those who might have wanted to lose weight were included, 73% were opposed to taking these drugs over changing their diet. Conversely, a slight majority of participants (57%) said they would consider a plant-based diet, at least temporarily, if it caused significant weight loss.
“The new findings do not mean Americans don’t want to lose weight. On the contrary, most people would rather change their diet than inject drugs.” said Dr. Neil Barnard. statement From the organization.
Other studies have shown that many people who take these drugs do not take them for long periods of time. For example, one study on real-world use found that Found Only about 40% had stayed in Ozempic for at least a year. Some of the reluctance to take or continue taking these drugs may be due to common gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting. However, other factors may also be at play. These drugs are often not covered by insurance companies and can cost more than $1,000 per month without insurance. Recent survey data elsewhere suggest About 12% of Americans have taken a GLP-1 drug, and about half of these users (54%) reported that they could not afford it.
Although these drugs are not suitable for everyone, they are still widely used and may help control obesity. The U.S. adult obesity rate (defined as a BMI of over 30) has only recently stopped rising for the first time in about a decade, and at least some people are starting to see a pattern, according to CDC data released last month. I broke it. experts have cause With the arrival of new GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic.
