Key Points
➤ The prevalence of obesity in the United States has increased dramatically
over the past few decades from 30.5% in 1999–2000 to 41.9% in
2019–2020.
➤ In adults, obesity-related complications such as cardiovascular disease,
stroke, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis,
obstructive sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, and certain types of cancer (e.g.,
colorectal cancer) have also increased, contributing to high morbidity and
mortality.
➤ Lifestyle intervention(s) has limited effectiveness and durability for most
individuals.
➤ Pharmacological therapies with high efficacy in achieving weight loss have
seen limited use, partly due to lack of familiarity and limited insurance
coverage.
➤ A small number of providers are responsible for >90% of the anti-obesity
medication prescriptions.
