In the United States, obesity is a major problem with longstanding ramifications. Recent CDC findings reveal that 40% of Americans suffer from obesity, while almost 10% are severely obese. This is almost twice as prevalent among women than men.
The rise of obesity in this country also tracks with an increase in sedentary lifestyles. More Americans are sitting for longer periods of time and not getting the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity per week. This is less of a problem in European countries where walking is more ingrained in their culture and day-to-day life.
Amid surging obesity levels and their subsequent health risks, weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy are garnering more attention. However, these GLP-1 agonists are not all they’re cracked up to be. They come with health risks of their own that the public should be aware of.
The real risk factors associated with weight loss drugs
Only a very small minority of Americans have consumed weight loss drugs so far. However, these pharmaceuticals are gaining more attention and perceived popularity, thanks to social media and celebrity endorsements.