Dante Carrillo
Prescription medication use in the US is at its highest point in history, with Americans taking more pills than ever before and more than any other country. A Consumer Reports survey of 1,947 adults found that more than half of Americans regularly take prescription medication, with many also taking over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements. This trend has led to concerns about the potential harm caused by inappropriate prescription medication use, with around 1.3 million people visiting US emergency rooms due to adverse drug effects in 2014. Against this backdrop of increasing prescription drug use, a new class of weight-loss drugs has surged in popularity in the US, fuelled by rising obesity rates. Obesity affects around 42% of US adults, and a growing number are turning to prescription weight-loss medications as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes lifestyle changes and behaviour modifications.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of U.S. adults affected by obesity | 42% |
| Percentage of Americans who believe willpower is not enough for weight loss | 65% |
| Number of prescription drugs taken on average | 4 |
| Percentage of people who take three or more prescription drugs | 24.7% |
| Percentage of people who take five or more prescription drugs | 13.5% |
| Number of prescriptions for semaglutide in 2021 | 8.2 million |
| Number of people who take prescription medication as part of a lifestyle program | 2 million |
| Percentage of adults who have heard "a lot" about weight-loss drugs | 32% |
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What You'll Learn
Obesity in the US
Obesity is a serious, common, and costly chronic disease in the US. Obesity affects some groups more than others, including non-Hispanic Black adults, Hispanic adults, adults with less education, and women. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity affects roughly 42% of US adults. This equates to more than 100 million adults, with a further 22 million suffering from severe obesity. The prevalence of obesity has been increasing, rising from 30.5% in 1999-2000 to 41.9% in 2017-March 2020. During the same period, the prevalence of severe obesity increased from 4.7% to 9.2%.
In 2017-March 2020, non-Hispanic Black adults had the highest obesity prevalence (49.9%), followed by Hispanic adults (45.6%), non-Hispanic White adults (41.4%), and non-Hispanic Asian adults (16.1%). Obesity prevalence was also higher among adults with a high school diploma or some college education (46.4%) compared to those with a college degree or above (34.2%).
The high prevalence of obesity in the US has led to a surge in the popularity of weight-loss drugs. Since its approval in 2017, semaglutide (the generic name for Ozempic and its offshoots, Rybelsus and Wegovy) has become one of the most popular prescription drugs in the US. In 2021, an estimated 8.2 million prescriptions for semaglutide were written in the US, more than quadruple the number just two years earlier.
While prescription drugs can be effective in managing obesity, it is important to consider their potential side effects and to explore alternative approaches such as lifestyle changes. Many Americans take multiple prescription medications, and it is worth discussing with a doctor whether it is possible to reduce the number of medications being taken.
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Weight loss drugs' popularity
Obesity is a significant health issue in the United States, affecting approximately 42% of adults. As a result, weight loss drugs have become increasingly popular. According to the Pew Research Center, new weight-loss drugs are surging in popularity in the US and worldwide. This surge in popularity coincides with rising obesity rates, with two-thirds of Americans acknowledging that willpower alone is often insufficient for sustainable weight loss.
Americans are taking prescription medication more than ever before, and at a higher rate than in any other country. On average, Americans take four prescription medications regularly, and many also take over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements. Between 2017 and March 2020, 24.7% of Americans were using three or more prescription drugs in the past 30 days, and 13.5% were using five or more.
One of the most popular prescription weight loss drugs in the US is semaglutide, which has been approved for diabetes treatment since 2017. In 2021, an estimated 8.2 million prescriptions for semaglutide were written in the US, a fourfold increase in just two years. This popularity can also be attributed to its effectiveness, as it has been shown to aid in weight loss and maintenance when combined with lifestyle and behavior changes.
The growing popularity of weight loss drugs has also been influenced by increased public awareness. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 32% of adults have heard "a lot" about these drugs. As a result, patients are becoming more curious about the most effective weight loss prescription medications available and which ones are best suited for their individual needs.
While the range of weight loss medications has expanded, some drugs have been withdrawn due to concerns about their efficacy and safety. Currently, tirzepatide (Zepbound) stands out as the most effective FDA-approved prescription medication for weight loss based on the latest clinical trials and real-world data. Weight loss medications work in various ways, such as reducing hunger or inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats, and they are intended to help individuals with health problems related to overweight or obesity.
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Prescription medication overuse
A Consumer Reports survey of 1,947 adults revealed that more than half of Americans regularly take prescription medication, with an average of four medications per person. Many individuals also take over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and dietary supplements in addition to their prescriptions. This combination of substances increases the risk of adverse effects, toxicity, and overdose.
The overuse of prescription medication can lead to dependence and serious health complications. For example, frequent use of headache medications can result in rebound headaches, also known as medication overuse headaches. These headaches occur when the medication wears off, and the pain returns, often feeling worse than before. Rebound headaches are preventable and treatable, but they can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.
Additionally, prescription medication overuse can have dangerous side effects. For instance, individuals may experience negative reactions or interactions between different medications. In some cases, prescription drugs may be prescribed prematurely or for off-label uses that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, potentially leading to harmful consequences. It is important for individuals to carefully consider their medication regimens and discuss any concerns with their healthcare providers.
To address prescription medication overuse, individuals should speak openly with their doctors about their concerns and explore alternatives to medication. In the Consumer Reports survey, half of the respondents who considered stopping a medication spoke with their doctor, and over 70% found it beneficial, resulting in nearly 45 million fewer prescriptions. This suggests that open communication between patients and healthcare providers is crucial in managing prescription medication overuse and finding effective alternatives.
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Weight loss medication types
Obesity is a growing problem in the US, affecting around 42% of adults, according to the CDC. With this rise in obesity, there has been a surge in the popularity of weight-loss drugs. In 2021, an estimated 8.2 million prescriptions for weight-loss drugs were written in the US, a fourfold increase in just two years.
Weight-loss medications are typically prescribed for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or a BMI of 27 or higher if the person has weight-related health issues. Doctors consider the patient's current health, other medications, family medical history, medication cost, and potential side effects when prescribing weight-loss drugs.
Phentermine is the oldest and most widely used weight-loss medication. Other weight-loss medications include:
- Wegovy (Semaglutide): This medication was FDA-approved in 2021 for adults and children aged 12 and above with obesity or some adults with excess weight and weight-related medical issues. It is administered as a weekly injection, and the dose is gradually increased over 16 to 20 weeks to reach the 2.4 mg dosage. Side effects may include gastrointestinal symptoms, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
- Liraglutide (Victoza): This is a daily injectable medication that acts on hormones, making patients feel full quicker and reducing hunger signals. Patients may lose 5-10% of their body weight, especially with higher doses. Side effects can include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, headaches, decreased appetite, fatigue, dizziness, and abdominal pain.
- Ozempic (Semaglutide): This medication is also approved to treat type 2 diabetes.
It is important to note that weight-loss medications should be combined with lifestyle and behavior changes, including healthy eating and increased physical activity, for effective weight management. Additionally, these medications may have side effects, and it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking any weight-loss drugs to ensure they are safe for you.
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Prescription medication safety
Americans are taking more prescription medication than ever before and more than people in any other country. A Consumer Reports survey of 1,947 adults found that more than half of Americans regularly take prescription medication—four, on average.
The use of prescription weight-loss drugs has also surged in popularity amid rising obesity rates in the US. Obesity affects roughly 42% of US adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In 2021, the most recent year for which federal data is available, an estimated 8.2 million prescriptions for semaglutide (the generic name for Ozempic and its offshoots, Rybelsus and Wegovy) were written in the US, more than quadruple the number just two years earlier.
While prescription medication can be beneficial, there are risks involved in taking any medicine, vitamin, or supplement. Adverse drug events (ADEs) are a serious public health threat and can include allergic reactions, side effects, overmedication, and medication errors. ADEs cause more than one and a half million visits to hospital emergency departments in the United States each year.
To ensure prescription medication safety, it is important to:
- Only take medication that has been prescribed to you by a healthcare professional. Taking someone else's prescription medication can cause unexpected side effects or dangerous reactions.
- Take medication as directed by your doctor or pharmacist, following the prescribed dose and timing.
- Stay alert to potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
- Keep your doctor informed about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
- Review your medications annually with your doctor to ensure they are still appropriate and effective.
- Store medications properly in a dry, cool place to maintain their effectiveness and safety.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2025, there is no exact data on how many Americans take prescription diet pills. However, it is known that prescription medication use in the US is at its highest point in history, with Americans taking more prescription medication than the citizens of any other country. Obesity affects around 42% of US adults, and prescription medications are one method used to treat this.
Prescription medications to treat obesity include Orlistat, which comes in a capsule and works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats. Another is semaglutide, the generic name for Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, which was approved for diabetes treatment in 2017 and has since become one of the most popular prescription drugs in the US. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) is currently the most effective FDA-approved prescription medication for weight loss.
The effectiveness of prescription diet pills varies depending on the medication, the individual's overall health, and other factors. On average, adults who combine prescription medications with lifestyle and behaviour changes, such as healthy eating and increased physical activity, lose 3% to 12% more of their starting body weight after one year compared to those who do not take medication.
Yes, there are potential risks and side effects associated with taking prescription diet pills. Some medications can have harmful side effects, and certain drugs have been withdrawn due to lack of efficacy and safety concerns. It is important for individuals to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any prescription medication to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their specific circumstances.
