U.S. Divided on Weight-Loss Drugs: Support for Adults, Concerns for Teens

A new poll reveals that while many Americans support weight-loss drugs for adults with obesity, concerns grow over their use in teens and non-obese individuals.

Advertisement
U.S. Divided on Weight-Loss Drugs: Support for Adults, Concerns for Teens

The growing popularity of weight-loss drugs, especially GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy, has sparked a significant debate in the United States. These drugs, originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes, have become widely known for their effectiveness in helping people lose weight, leading to their FDA approval for weight loss in 2021. However, a recent poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that while many Americans see the benefits of using weight-loss drugs for adults struggling with obesity, there are concerns surrounding their use in teenagers and individuals without obesity.

The Rise of Weight-Loss Drugs

The popularity of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, is undeniable. Celebrities, TV advertisements, and social media influencers have played a role in making these medications highly visible. But beyond the hype, these drugs have shown tangible results in treating obesity. Obesity is a growing concern in the U.S., with more than 100 million adults classified as obese, and over 22 million suffering from severe obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The drugs are not just a quick fix but are viewed as a legitimate medical treatment for a chronic disease that can lead to various health complications, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Health experts like Dr. Cate Varney, who treats obesity at UVA Health in Charlottesville, Virginia, argue that these medications level the playing field. In her view, using these medications is like providing patients with the right tools for the job, especially when weight loss may be more challenging due to factors like genetics and environmental influences.

Public Opinion on Weight-Loss Drugs

The AP-NORC poll reveals that public opinion on the use of weight-loss drugs is divided. When it comes to adults, around half of the population believes it’s a good thing for people struggling with obesity or related health issues to use these drugs. The rest of the population remains divided, with some viewing their use as a “bad thing,” and others being neutral.

However, the survey reveals a stark difference in opinion when it comes to teenagers. About one-third of respondents believe that using weight-loss drugs for teenagers dealing with obesity is a good idea, while a similar proportion disagrees. Concerns about the safety and long-term effects of these medications on adolescents may contribute to this division.

The Impact on Children and Adolescents

Obesity in children and teens is another growing concern, with roughly 20% of children in the U.S. facing obesity. For children and adolescents, obesity can lead to a higher likelihood of developing severe obesity later in life, which increases the chances of needing medication or bariatric surgery as adults. According to Dr. Gitanjali Srivastava, the medical director of obesity medicine at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, children respond well to these medications. Early intervention can be crucial in managing obesity and preventing future health complications.

Despite the potential benefits, there remains resistance to the idea of giving weight-loss drugs to teenagers, especially those who aren’t severely obese. Many believe that the use of these medications should be reserved for those whose obesity poses immediate health risks. Critics also worry about the broader societal implications of promoting weight-loss drugs to younger populations, including the message it sends about body image and health.

Insurance and Accessibility

Another major issue highlighted by the poll is the cost and accessibility of weight-loss drugs. Without insurance coverage, out-of-pocket expenses for GLP-1 receptor agonists can be exorbitant, running into hundreds of dollars per prescription. For many Americans, the cost is a barrier that limits access to these potentially life-saving treatments.

The poll shows that nearly half of Americans support the idea of Medicare and Medicaid covering weight-loss drugs for individuals with obesity. However, Medicare, the federal health insurance program for seniors, does not currently cover these drugs for obesity treatment. Some large employers and Medicaid programs are beginning to cover the cost, but many health insurance companies are reluctant to provide coverage, citing the high costs associated with the medications.

Ethical Concerns and Misuse

The poll also reveals that many Americans are concerned about the misuse of weight-loss drugs, particularly among individuals who are not obese. Around 60% of respondents believe it is a bad idea for adults to use GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss if they do not suffer from obesity. This sentiment is even stronger for teenagers, with around 70% of respondents believing it is a bad idea for teens to use these medications for non-medical weight loss.

The misuse of these drugs by individuals without obesity could lead to a normalization of weight loss medications as a quick fix for body image issues, rather than addressing the underlying factors that contribute to obesity and weight management. Younger adults, especially those under 45, are somewhat more open to the idea of using GLP-1s for non-obese teens, but the majority of older adults are strongly opposed to this practice.

The Role of Doctors and Medical Associations

Despite the public’s concerns, many medical professionals and organizations, such as the American Medical Association (AMA), support the use of weight-loss drugs for individuals with obesity. The AMA has urged health insurance companies to provide coverage for these medications, emphasizing that they are effective tools for managing a chronic disease.

In 2023, the American Academy of Pediatrics also recommended that doctors consider prescribing weight-loss drugs to children aged 12 and older who are struggling with obesity. This endorsement from medical experts is significant in shifting the narrative around these drugs, which are often perceived as controversial.

The use of weight-loss drugs in the U.S. is a complex issue that intersects with public health, personal choice, and medical ethics. While these medications have shown significant promise in helping people with obesity lose weight and improve their health, they also raise important questions about their use in teens, the potential for misuse, and the costs associated with treatment.

As the debate continues, the public remains divided on how weight-loss drugs should be used and who should have access to them. For some, these medications represent a life-changing opportunity to manage obesity and its related health risks, while for others, they signal a shift towards medical solutions that may have unintended consequences.

Ultimately, the future of weight-loss drugs in the U.S. will depend on a variety of factors, including medical research, public opinion, and policy decisions. As more people use these drugs and their long-term effects are studied, the conversation surrounding their use will likely evolve, but the need for careful consideration of the risks and benefits will remain.