Nearly half of US adults interested in using weight-loss drugs, new KFF poll finds

Many adults in the United States know about new drugs used for weight loss, like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. Almost half of them are interested in trying these drugs, says a recent survey from KFF.

Only a few adults, less than 1 in 7, have been given a prescription for weight loss. However, almost 60% of adults trying to lose weight, and even 25% of those not trying, would like to try a weight-loss drug if it's safe and works well.

People who were told by a doctor that they're overweight or obese, and those trying to lose more than 20 pounds, were most interested, the KFF survey found.

More women (51%) than men (38%) wanted to try these drugs. Hispanic adults were more interested than White or Black adults.

But interest dropped as people learned more. Less than a quarter were still interested if the drug had to be injected like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.

Only about 1 in 7 would still be interested if they might gain weight back after stopping the drug. About 1 in 6 would still be interested if it wasn't covered by insurance or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for weight loss.

Over half of adults think insurance should cover weight-loss drugs for anyone wanting to lose weight. About 80% say they should be covered for people who are overweight or obese, according to the KFF survey.