Individuals are cut up on utilizing weight reduction medicine akin to Ozempic and Wegovy to deal with weight problems or weight-related circumstances, in keeping with a survey printed Friday.
The brand new Related Press (AP)-NORC Middle for Public Affairs Analysis ballot discovered that 54 p.c of respondents stated it’s a good suggestion to make use of weight reduction medicine for U.S. adults who need to deal with weight problems or comparable circumstances. Some 17 p.c argued it’s a “very or considerably” unhealthy thought whereas one other 28 p.c have been impartial.
The help for the usage of weight reduction medicine by these between the age of 12 and 17 was not as excessive, with 35 p.c saying it’s a good suggestion to make use of them to deal with weight problems. Round 27 p.c of respondents have been impartial whereas one other 37 p.c argued it’s a unhealthy thought, in keeping with the survey.
Individuals have been largely not supportive of these between the ages of 12 and 17 utilizing weight reduction medicine if they don’t seem to be scuffling with weight problems or comparable circumstances. Round 73 p.c stated it’s a “very or considerably” unhealthy thought to make use of it at that stage in life if the person shouldn’t be battling weight problems. Practically 2 in 10, 19 p.c, have been impartial whereas 8 p.c have been supportive of the thought, in keeping with the ballot.
The medicine have been authorized by the Meals and Drug Administration in 2021. Some 25 p.c of U.S. adults would think about using the medicine with no prescription, in keeping with a examine from Ohio State College’s Wexner Medical Middle that was launched in September final yr.
A Pew Analysis Middle survey from late February final yr discovered that 70 p.c of Individuals don’t assume that weight reduction medicine can have a big effect on the nation’s weight problems fee. The weight problems fee elevated within the final 20 years with 42 p.c being slotted as overweight in 2024, in keeping with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.
The AP-NORC survey was performed Jan. 9-13 amongst 1,147 adults. The margin of error was 3.9 proportion factors.
