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Obesity Med Prescriptions Surge, But Access Remains Limited

6/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Between 2020 and 2023, prescriptions for obesity medications among US adolescents skyrocketed by 301.7%, but a mere 0.5% of those struggling with obesity actually received them. Alarmingly, Black adolescents, who face higher obesity rates, are prescribed these medications less frequently. Additionally, real-world weight loss from drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy falls short of clinical trial results, averaging only 8.7%.

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Story summary

Between 2020 and 2023, prescriptions for obesity medications among US adolescents skyrocketed by 301.7%, but a mere 0.5% of those struggling with obesity actually received them. Alarmingly, Black adolescents, who face higher obesity rates, are prescribed these medications less frequently. Additionally, real-world weight loss from drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy falls short of clinical trial results, averaging only 8.7%.