{"id":104082,"date":"2024-02-26T18:57:34","date_gmt":"2024-02-26T23:57:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/2024\/02\/26\/how-americans-view-weight-loss-drugs-and-their-potential-impact-on-obesity-in-the-u-s\/"},"modified":"2025-05-07T10:49:21","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T14:49:21","slug":"how-americans-view-weight-loss-drugs-and-their-potential-impact-on-obesity-in-the-u-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2024\/02\/26\/how-americans-view-weight-loss-drugs-and-their-potential-impact-on-obesity-in-the-u-s\/","title":{"rendered":"How Americans View Weight-Loss Drugs and Their Potential Impact on Obesity in the U.S."},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-640-wide\"><img decoding=\"async\" sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2024\/02\/PS_24.02.26_ozempic_featured.png?w=640\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4775\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> A woman prepares a dose of compounded semaglutide. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. (From left, Malcom Jackson for The Washington Post; Michael Siluk\/UCG\/Universal Images Group; Mario Tama, all via Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<div style=\"border-width:1px;padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);--block-gap: inherit\" class=\"wp-block-prc-block-collapsible has-background has-ui-beige-very-light-background-color has-border-color has-ui-beige-dark-border-color\" id=\"how-we-did-this\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/collapsible&quot;}\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;collapsibleId&quot;:&quot;how-we-did-this&quot;,&quot;isOpen&quot;:false}\" data-wp-class--is-open=\"context.isOpen\" data-wp-init--scroll-into-view=\"callbacks.onInitScrollIntoView\"><div class=\"wp-block-prc-block-collapsible__title\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.onClick\"><div>How we did this<\/div><button class=\"wp-block-prc-block-collapsible__icon\"><span data-wp-bind--hidden=\"context.isOpen\"><i class=\"icon icon-library__light icon__circle-plus\"><svg style=\"width: 1em; height: 1em;\"><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/plugins\/prc-icon-library\/build\/icons\/sprites\/light.svg#circle-plus\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i><\/span><span data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!context.isOpen\" hidden><i class=\"icon icon-library__light icon__circle-minus\"><svg style=\"width: 1em; height: 1em;\"><use xlink:href=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/plugins\/prc-icon-library\/build\/icons\/sprites\/light.svg#circle-minus\"><\/use><\/svg><\/i><\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-prc-block-collapsible__content\">\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pew Research Center conducted this study to understand Americans\u2019 views of drugs being used for weight loss. For this analysis, we surveyed 10,133 U.S. adults from Feb. 7 to 11, 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone who took part in the survey is a member of the Center\u2019s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way, nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/methods\/u-s-survey-research\/american-trends-panel\/\">ATP\u2019s methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are the <a href=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_TOPLINE.pdf\">questions used for this report<\/a>, along with responses, and <a href=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2024\/02\/26\/weight-loss-drugs-methodology\/\">its methodology<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A new Pew Research Center survey examines Americans\u2019 attitudes about a new class of drugs being used for weight loss, including Ozempic and Wegovy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this report, we cover views of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The use of weight-loss drugs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The impact of weight-loss drugs on obesity in America<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The factors that impact a person\u2019s weight, including the role of willpower<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;views-of-weight-loss-drugs&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"views-of-weight-loss-drugs\">Views of weight-loss drugs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About three-quarters of Americans say they have heard a lot or a little about Ozempic, Wegovy and other similar drugs that are being used for weight loss. Among those familiar with these drugs, 53% think they are good options to lose weight for people with obesity or a weight-related health condition, while just 19% think they are not good options and 28% say they\u2019re not sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-420-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-121345\" href=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2024\/02\/26\/how-americans-view-weight-loss-drugs-and-their-potential-impact-on-obesity-in-the-u-s\/ps_2024-02-26_weight-loss-drugs_00-01-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"e0e3e1\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #e0e3e1;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-01.png?resize=480,365 480w, https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-01.png?resize=782,594 782w, https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-01.png?resize=840,638 840w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"319\" width=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-01.png?w=420\" alt=\"Bar chart showing that many Americans view Ozempic, Wegovy and other similar drugs as good options for weight loss for people with obesity; far fewer support their use by people without a weight-related health condition.\" class=\"wp-image-121345 not-transparent\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By contrast, just 12% of those familiar with these drugs say they are good options for people who want to lose weight but <em>do<\/em> <em>not<\/em> have a weight-related health condition. A far larger share (62%) say these drugs are not good options for people without a weight-related health condition, while 26% aren\u2019t sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/11\/22\/well\/ozempic-diabetes-weight-loss.html\">Ozempic and Wegovy belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists<\/a> that manage blood sugar levels and suppress appetite. Ozempic is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for people with obesity or excess weight who also have a weight-related health condition. Mounjaro and Zepbound are other similar drugs. Mounjaro is for treating diabetes, while Zepbound is for people with obesity.[1. Blum, Dani. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2022\/11\/22\/well\/ozempic-diabetes-weight-loss.html\">What Is Ozempic and Why Is It Getting So Much Attention?<\/a>\u201d Nov. 13, 2023. The New York Times.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.everydayhealth.com\/type-2-diabetes\/ozempic-shortage-how-a-weight-loss-fad-has-slashed-access\/\">Demand for Ozempic and Wegovy has led to supply shortages<\/a>, raising concerns about off-label use and impacting people who rely on these drugs to manage their health conditions.[2. Rapaport, Lisa. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.everydayhealth.com\/type-2-diabetes\/ozempic-shortage-how-a-weight-loss-fad-has-slashed-access\/\">Ozempic Shortage: How a Weight Loss Fad Has Slashed Access to a Diabetes Drug.<\/a>\u201d Dec. 4, 2023. Everyday Health] <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;impact-of-weight-loss-drugs-on-obesity-in-america&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"impact-of-weight-loss-drugs-on-obesity-in-america\">Impact of weight-loss drugs on obesity in America<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some experts have heralded drugs like Ozempic as a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.science.org\/content\/article\/breakthrough-of-the-year-2023#section_breakthrough\">breakthrough for treating obesity in America<\/a> and a catalyst for changing the way excess weight conditions are understood.[3. Couzin-Frankel, Jennifer. \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.science.org\/content\/article\/breakthrough-of-the-year-2023#section_breakthrough\">Obesity meets its match.<\/a>\u201d Dec. 14, 2023. Science.] <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-310-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-121347\" href=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2024\/02\/26\/how-americans-view-weight-loss-drugs-and-their-potential-impact-on-obesity-in-the-u-s\/ps_2024-02-26_weight-loss-drugs_00-02-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"e2e4e4\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #e2e4e4;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-02.png?resize=480,522 480w, https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-02.png?resize=620,674 620w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"337\" width=\"310\" src=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-02.png?w=310\" alt=\"Chart shows Modest expectations for the impact Ozempic and other similar drugs will have on obesity in America\" class=\"wp-image-121347 not-transparent\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For now, the public has modest expectations for the impact drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy will have on obesity in the United States. Only 16% of those familiar with these drugs think they will do a great deal or quite a bit to reduce obesity, while 35% think they will do some and 33% expect they will do not much or nothing at all to reduce obesity in the U.S. (15% say they\u2019re not sure).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">About four-in-ten U.S. adults have obesity, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/obesity\/data\/adult.html\">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/a>, and there\u2019s been a significant increase in the share of Americans with this disease over the past two decades. Obesity is linked to a number of conditions that can lead to premature death, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes. It also accounts for billions of dollars in health care costs each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By and large, views on the use and impact of weight-loss drugs are similar across most major demographic groups. For instance, comparable shares of women (56%) and men (51%) who are familiar with these drugs think they are good options for weight loss for people with obesity or a weight-related health condition. And men and women are also similar in their expectations about the impact these drugs will have on obesity in the U.S. <a href=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2024\/02\/26\/weight-loss-drugs-appendix\/\">Go to the Appendix for more details<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One modest difference in views: Those who have heard<em> a lot<\/em> about these drugs are somewhat more optimistic than those who have heard <em>a little<\/em> to say they will reduce obesity in the U.S. a great deal or quite a bit (27% vs. 11%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;How-Americans-think-about-weight-and-weight-loss&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"How-Americans-think-about-weight-and-weight-loss\">How Americans think about weight and weight loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.axios.com\/2024\/01\/19\/weight-loss-drugs-america-obesity-diabetes-risks\">The boom in popularity of Ozempic and other similar drugs<\/a> has become part of a broader societal discusion about weight and the factors that shape it, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.axios.com\/2023\/02\/18\/obesity-treatments-drugs-insurance-coverage-stigma\">behavior, environment and genetics<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-420-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-121349\" href=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2024\/02\/26\/how-americans-view-weight-loss-drugs-and-their-potential-impact-on-obesity-in-the-u-s\/ps_2024-02-26_weight-loss-drugs_00-03-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"dcdfd8\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #dcdfd8;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-03.png?resize=480,701 480w, https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-03.png?resize=782,1141 782w, https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-03.png?resize=840,1226 840w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"613\" width=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-03.png?w=420\" alt=\"Bar chart showing that 65% of Americans say willpower alone is not enough for most people to lose weight and keep it off. This view is widely held across most demographic groups\" class=\"wp-image-121349 not-transparent\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On balance, Americans do not believe willpower alone is enough to lose weight and keep it off. About two-thirds (65%) say willpower alone is usually <em>not<\/em> enough for people who are trying to lose weight and keep it off. By contrast, 34% think that willpower is usually enough for most people who are trying to lose weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The view that losing weight is not only a matter of willpower is widely held across most demographic groups. There are, however, some differences by demographic characteristics:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Gender:<\/strong> Women are more likely than men to say willpower alone is not enough for most people (71% vs. 59%).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Race and ethnicity:<\/strong> Large majorities of White and Black adults say willpower alone is not enough to lose weight and keep it off (68% and 70%, respectively). Smaller majorities of Hispanic and English-speaking Asian adults say the same (55% and 54%).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Age:<\/strong> Larger shares of older than younger adults believe that willpower alone is not enough for most people to lose weight (though this remains the predominant view across all age groups).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-420-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-121351\" href=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2024\/02\/26\/how-americans-view-weight-loss-drugs-and-their-potential-impact-on-obesity-in-the-u-s\/ps_2024-02-26_weight-loss-drugs_00-04-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"e9eae8\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #e9eae8;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-04.png?resize=480,406 480w, https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-04.png?resize=782,661 782w, https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-04.png?resize=840,710 840w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"355\" width=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-04.png?w=420\" alt=\"Bar chart showing Americans\u2019 views on weight loss and willpower by respondents\u2019 description of their own weight. Majorities of adults across all perceived weight types say losing weight and keeping it off involves more than just willpower alone.\" class=\"wp-image-121351 not-transparent\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The survey also includes a question on respondents\u2019 self-reported perception of their own weight that is used in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/healthyyouth\/data\/yrbs\/index.htm\">CDC surveys<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notably, majorities of adults across all perceived weight types say losing weight and keeping it off involves more than just willpower alone. Among those who describe their weight as very or slightly overweight, 71% say willpower alone is usually not enough for people who are trying to lose weight. Majorities of those who describe their weight as about right (56%) or very or slightly underweight (61%) also take this view, though by somewhat smaller margins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 data-is-section=\"true\" data-wp-context=\"{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;what-factors-impact-a-person-s-weight&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"{&quot;namespace&quot;:&quot;prc-block\\\/table-of-contents&quot;}\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"what-factors-impact-a-person-s-weight\">What factors impact a person\u2019s weight?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Asked about the impact of different factors on a person\u2019s weight, Americans rank diet at the top of the list: A large majority says diet affects a person\u2019s weight a great deal (57%) or quite a bit (29%). Exercise habits rank second, with 43% saying this impacts a person\u2019s weight a great deal and 36% saying it has quite a bit of impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-420-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-121352\" href=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2024\/02\/26\/how-americans-view-weight-loss-drugs-and-their-potential-impact-on-obesity-in-the-u-s\/ps_2024-02-26_weight-loss-drugs_00-05-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"c9d2da\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #c9d2da;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-05.png?resize=480,477 480w, https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-05.png?resize=782,776 782w, https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-05.png?resize=840,834 840w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"417\" width=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-05.png?w=420\" alt=\"Bar chart showing that a large majority of Americans say diet affects a person\u2019s weight a great deal (57%) or quite a bit (29%). Exercise habits rank second, with 43% saying this impacts a person\u2019s weight a great deal and 36% saying it has quite a bit of impact. Three-quarters say stress and anxiety has at least quite a bit of impact on a person\u2019s weight. A majority says genetics influence weight at least quite a bit, while about half say the same about grocery store access.\" class=\"wp-image-121352 not-transparent\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three-quarters of Americans say stress and anxiety has at least quite a bit of impact on a person\u2019s weight, including 35% who say it has a great deal of impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A majority also says genetics influence a person\u2019s weight at least quite a bit, though the share saying genetics has a great deal of impact (22%) is 13 percentage points lower than the share who say the same about stress and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Roughly half say access to grocery stores affects a person\u2019s weight at least quite a bit, including 20% who say it has a great deal of impact. Access to grocery stores and things like safe, convenient places to exercise are among what public health experts describe as the <a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\/healthypeople\/priority-areas\/social-determinants-health\">social determinants of health<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Americans across different traits and demographic characteristics hold largely similar views on what affects a person\u2019s weight. There are some modest differences in views by self-described weight: Adults who say they are very or slightly overweight are 11 points more likely to say stress and anxiety affects a person\u2019s weight a great deal than those who describe their weight as about right (40% vs. 29%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Men and women largely agree on the factors influencing weight. For instance, diet tops the list for both men and women.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-420-wide\"><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-121354\" href=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/science\/2024\/02\/26\/how-americans-view-weight-loss-drugs-and-their-potential-impact-on-obesity-in-the-u-s\/ps_2024-02-26_weight-loss-drugs_00-06-png\/\"><img data-dominant-color=\"f4f4f4\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #f4f4f4;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\"  srcset=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-06.png?resize=480,466 480w, https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-06.png?resize=782,760 782w, https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-06.png?resize=840,816 840w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 480px) 480px, (max-width: 782px) 782px, 640px\" height=\"408\" width=\"420\" src=\"https:\/\/beta.pewresearch.org\/pewresearch-org\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2024\/02\/PS_2024.02.26_weight-loss-drugs_00-06.png?w=420\" alt=\"Dot plot showing that women are more likely than men to say stress and anxiety affects a person\u2019s weight a great deal.\" class=\"wp-image-121354 not-transparent\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Still, women are more likely than men to emphasize the role of stress and anxiety.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Women are about as likely to say stress and anxiety affects a person\u2019s weight a <em>great deal<\/em> as to say exercise has this level of impact (42% vs. 40%). Black and Hispanic women are especially likely to emphasize the impact of stress and anxiety on weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By contrast, men place more emphasis on exercise habits than stress and anxiety when it comes to factors that affect a person\u2019s weight a great deal (46% vs. 29%).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>About three-quarters of Americans say they have heard a lot or a little about Ozempic, Wegovy and other similar drugs that are being used for weight loss. Among those familiar with these drugs, 53% think they are good options to lose weight for people with obesity or a weight-related health condition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":581,"featured_media":121357,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sub_headline":"Many view these drugs as good options for people with weight-related health conditions; doubts about national impact on obesity","sub_title":"Many view these drugs as good options for people with weight-related health conditions; doubts about national impact on 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