Weight Loss Drug Perceptions Changing as 4 in 5 Americans Look to Lose Weight in 2025
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
Weight is just a number, but around the new year, when many people are focusing on different ways to improve their lives, losing weight isn’t just top of mind: it’s a priority. While weight loss is always a big topic in American culture, it’s recently become an even hotter topic with many using Ozempic for weight loss (including celebrities), although it is not currently prescribed for weight loss. Searches for Ozempic have increased 500% over the last 3 years, and it’s become so popular that there have been shortages of the drug.
In a new survey, over 1,000 Americans are opening up about their weight loss plans for 2025, including how some are planning to incorporate weight loss drugs into their weight loss regiments, as well as the changing societal perceptions surrounding weight loss drugs and their uses.
1 in 2 Americans Hope Weight Loss Solutions Like Ozempic Become More Accessible
Currently, 70% of Americans are not happy with how much they weigh, which is probably why 4 in 5 want to lose weight in 2025. Many are looking to do more than shed just a few pounds. Over 1 in 2 (54%) plan to lose 20 pounds or more. The top 5 reasons Americans want to lose weight are to:
- Improve physical health
- Build confidence
- Improve mental health
- Achieve a certain look
- Follow a doctor recommendation
While 90% are expecting to lose weight through diet or exercise, nearly 1 in 10 (9%) plan to use weight loss drugs. This may be because of the growing interest in Ozempic. While the drug is technically used for diabetes treatment, it’s risen to fame as a solution to lose weight quickly. In fact, 61% think the popularity of Ozempic is helping to destigmatize using weight loss drugs.
While many people want to lose weight with the help of weight loss drugs, for some it’s out of their price range. Over 1 in 2 (53%) survey respondents shared they can’t afford weight loss drugs, which may be why 55% hope weight loss solutions like Ozempic become more accessible in 2025.
Losing weight isn’t an easy process, and 1 in 2 are afraid they’ll give up on their weight loss goal. The main challenge for 2 in 3 will be sticking to a diet. Others worry about staying motivated, remaining consistent, and finding time to do it. For over 1 in 4 (26%), the hardest part is maintaining their weight loss goals while out socially with friends or family.
States Most and Least Interested in Weight Loss
Going on a weight loss journey is not something people try to do alone. While some use family and friends or even healthcare professionals to stay accountable, many also turn to the Internet for research and help during the process. We analyzed over 4,200 weight loss searches on Google Trends to determine which states are most and least interested in weight loss based on those searching the most and least about it.
The top 10 states most interested in weight loss include:
- Wyoming
- Vermont
- North Dakota
- Delaware
- Alaska
- Rhode Island
- South Dakota
- West Virginia
- New Hampshire
- Maine
The top 10 states least interested in weight loss include:
- California
- Wisconsin
- Oregon
- Ohio
- Washington
- Michigan
- New York
- Minnesota
- Arizona
- Indiana
Nearly 1 in 6 Americans Plan to Use Weight Loss Drugs in 2025
As societal perceptions appear to be shifting around weight loss drugs, more Americans are looking to try them. In 2025, nearly 1 in 6 (17%) are planning to use weight loss drugs. Of those, 42% shared they plan to use Ozempic.
The most popular weight loss drugs Americans are searching for online are:
- Ozempic
- Mounjaro
- Semaglutides
- Wegovy
- Orlistat
The main reason half of people are planning to use weight loss drugs is to speed up their weight loss results, but for 44% of others, it’s because traditional weight loss methods aren’t working. Social media also plays a role in weight loss drugs: 23% said they’re using weight loss drugs because they’re inspired by results they saw on social media.
For many Americans, losing weight isn’t just about looks, but about living a healthier lifestyle. No matter where you are in your weight loss journey, we hope that you can lead the healthy lifestyle you’re searching for, and don’t forget that at the end of the day weight is just a number. It’s more important to feel good, confident, and comfortable in your body.
Methodology
In November 2024, we surveyed 1,017 respondents about weight loss plans and opinions. 54% were women, 45% men, and 1% were non-binary. Survey respondents ranged in age from 18 to 78 with an average age of 42. 12% were Baby Boomers, 30% Gen X, 47% Millennials, and 12% Gen Z.
To determine the percentage increase in Ozempic searches over the last three years we analyzed Google Trends data from October 2021 and October 2024.
To determine weight loss searches by state and most popular medication searches for weight loss, we used Google Trends and analyzed over 4,200 search terms related to weight loss including “weight loss drugs” and “weight loss drugs like Ozempic” from September 2021 through 2024 to determine weight loss searches by state. The total search volume during this period was then calculated per capita and visualized per 100,000.
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Fair Use
When using this data and research, please attribute by linking to this study and citing Sanctuarywellnessinstitute.com
How we reviewed this article:
Current Version
December 2, 2024
Written By
Nicholas DiBella
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
Nicholas DiBella received his psychology degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2023. He is passionate about all things cannabis.
