The “peak obesity” illusion
America’s obesity rate appears to be plateauing—again. According to a new estimate from the CDC, as of August 2023, 40.3 percent of U.S. adults met the clinical definition for obesity, which is almost two percentage points lower than the government’s previous rating from 2017 to 2020. The oft-cited explanation for this drop? Ozempic, Mounjaro, and all of the new breakthrough GLP-1 drugs that have recently exploded onto the weight-loss scene.
“For all the expectations that are attached to the present age of GLP-1s, the past should be a source of caution. This is not the first time that obesity’s relentless spread has seemed to be abating,” Atlantic senior editor Daniel Engber writes. “And so far, at least, claims of peak obesity, like predictions of ‘peak oil,’ have been prone to falling flat.” Some experts remain wary of ascribing this so-called obesity plateau to GLP-1 drugs; it’s unclear how many Americans were taking Ozempic or Mounjaro when they responded to the obesity survey, and other factors—including shrinkflation in the food industry and reduced sugar consumption in recent years—could affect these numbers.
More data is needed to fully understand the effects of GLP-1 drugs, Engber notes. But for all of his skepticism, he admits: “Having covered these reports for 15 years, I’ve never seen an intervention as dramatic as Ozempic.”
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Today’s newsletter brings you stories about obesity and weight loss in America:
Yogacology author
3 周It seems to follow the time curve until now at least
English Teacher at Forney Independent School District
1 个月GLP drugs should be made affordable to anyone who needs to use them. They not only help you lose fat, but they prevent diabetes and contribute to lower levels of triglycerides, glucose, and cholesterol in your blood if you combine it with a proper diet and exercise. Just think how low that obesity rate would go if more people could actually afford to buy it.
B2B Trade Press Press Placement Expert, Enabling Companies | Creator of Effective Market-Focused Content | Builder of Relationships with Local Media and National Trade Press Editors
1 个月Obesity is a worldwide issue. I remember visiting Paris the people looked like they were slim and trim. Went back 20 years later and a lot if people lacked girth control. The McDonalds factor.
Interested in health psychology and being your best at all ages. Also, interested in equity and inclusion in society at large.
1 个月If you google “how much does being significantly over weight contribute to poor health and reduced life expectancy” you will find substantial research from credible sites (NIH, etc.)showing the deleterious effects.
Even in technology, people *always* come first | Organizational transformation through team-first technology | JEDI-focused leader of people | 4x ERG Founder | #AtlassianCommunity Leader and #Atlassian Creator
1 个月Jesus, are yall still pretending that the “obesity epidemic” is s real thing, despite all the science that says fatness isn’t a primary determinant of health in any way, and the rigorous studies that also show there’s no epidemic?? Boy I wish Ed Yong was still around.