For the second consecutive year, the United States has seen a measurable drop in adult obesity rates – signaling what experts call a “turning point” after decades of rising weight-related health challenges.
According to newly released data from the Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index, the nation’s adult obesity rate declined to 25.3% in the third quarter of 2025, down from 25.7% in 2024 and 26.1% in 2023. This is the lowest figure recorded since 2019 and reflects a significant public health improvement after years of concern over growing obesity levels.
At the same time, the proportion of Americans at a healthy or normal weight has climbed to 38.3%, the highest rate observed since 2020.
Weight-Loss Medications Driving the Shift
Public health researchers attribute much of this improvement to the increasing availability and use of a new class of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications including Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. These drugs, originally developed for diabetes treatment, have proven remarkably effective for weight management.
Gallup’s analysis suggests that the surge in GLP-1 usage has helped move roughly five million American adults out of the obesity category in just two years. The data also shows that obesity rates fell across nearly all demographic groups, with the most significant progress seen among individuals aged 45 to 64 and those with annual incomes above $100,000.
Experts Urge a Balanced Approach
While the findings are promising, healthcare professionals emphasize that medications alone aren’t a permanent solution. Long-term success, they say, depends on sustainable lifestyle choices such as maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and consistent medical supervision.
Experts also caution that access to these drugs remains uneven. High costs and insurance restrictions mean that not everyone who could benefit is able to obtain them. “These medications are changing lives,” said Dr. Laura Henderson, a public health specialist. “But to sustain this positive trend, we need broader affordability and education about overall wellness.”
Looking Ahead
If the current momentum continues, analysts predict that the U.S. could see further declines in obesity rates through the end of the decade. For now, the latest numbers offer a hopeful sign that a healthier national trajectory may finally be underway.
