For the first time in more than a decade, adult obesity rates in the United States (US) are showing signs of decline. After peaking at a record high of 39.9% in 2022, the US adult obesity rate has gradually declined to 37.0% in 2025, marking a small but notable shift in a long upward trend.

Analysts point to a new class of weight loss medications, GLP‑1 (glucagon‑like peptide‑1) receptor agonists, as a major factor.

These weight loss drugs mimic natural hormones that control appetite, slow digestion, and improve insulin sensitivity. Initially approved for type 2 diabetes, they are now widely prescribed for chronic weight management, often helping patients lose between 10% and 15% of their body weight.

Adoption has been rapid. About 12% of US adults have tried a GLP‑1 drug and roughly 6% are currently using one. Prescriptions for overweight and obesity rose nearly six‑fold between 2019 and 2024.

South Africa has the highest adult obesity rate in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2022, the World Health Organisation reported that around three in ten adults were obese, while the Global Nutrition Report shows 42.9% of women and 18.2% of men fall into this category.

The country is beginning to follow the US lead. Wegovy, a weight loss drug, was registered for weight management in August 2025 and Mounjaro, another weight loss drug, received approval in October 2025, although access is limited. Prices are high, roughly R3 400 to R3 700 per month, and most medical aids do not cover obesity treatment, viewing it as a lifestyle issue rather than a chronic condition.

The US experience shows the potential of GLP‑1 drugs to change obesity trends when combined with diet and exercise. In South Africa, these medications offer hope, but their impact will depend on affordability, coverage, and long‑term adherence. They are not a cure-all, but they could mark the start of a significant shift in how obesity is treated.