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.”
Today’s newsletter brings you stories about obesity and weight loss in America:
“The ‘Peak Obesity’ Illusion,” by Daniel Engber. America’s obesity rate looks to be plateauing—again.
“The Ozempic Shortage Is Over,” by Yasmin Tayag. Obesity-drug shortages have led to a boom in risky alternatives. They may be impossible to stop.
“Ozempic or Bust,” by Daniel Engber. America has been trying to address the obesity epidemic for four decades now. So far, each new “solution” has failed to live up to its early promise.
“The Weight-Loss-Drug Revolution Is a Miracle—And a Menace,” by Derek Thompson. How the new obesity pills could upend American society (From 2023)
“People Just Want to Lose Weight,” by Olga Khazan. Americans go on yo-yo diets, but we also have a yo-yo relationship to dieting. (From 2023)
Yogacology author
10moIt seems to follow the time curve until now at least
English Teacher at Forney Independent School District
11moGLP 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
11moObesity 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, inclusion and justice in society at large.
11moIf 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.
Atlassian Architect | System of Work Advocate | Strategic Communicator
11moJesus, 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.