Summary:
-
Historical Context
The year 1963 was notable for many reasons, including the peak of cigarette sales in the US, marking a turning point in public health. -
Possible Turning Point for Obesity
There are signs that 2020 might be remembered as the year obesity rates began to decline, with recent data showing a two percentage point drop in the adult obesity rate in the US from 2020 to 2023. -
Impact of New Weight Loss Drugs
Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have been effective in reducing body weight significantly. Currently, one in eight US adults have used these drugs, contributing to the overall decline. -
Reliable Data Source
The decline in obesity levels is supported by the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which uses accurate weight and height measurements taken by professionals, making the findings more trustworthy. -
Shifting Trends
The most significant reductions in obesity are observed among college graduates, who are more likely to use these new weight-loss medications, suggesting a correlation between the drugs and the overall decline in obesity rates.
Read more at: Financial Times