As 2025 ushers in a new era of weight loss resolutions, many Americans are abandoning traditional gym-first approaches in favor of pharmaceutical solutions like Ozempic and Wegovy.
With recent news of pharmaceutical companies working to develop more accessible pill versions of GLP-1 drugs and promises of next-generation medications on the horizon, the landscape of weight loss is undergoing a dramatic transformation.
A new survey by Sanctuary Wellness Institute reveals that 4 in 5 Americans are planning to try to lose weight in 2025, with over half hoping weight loss solutions like GLP-1 drugs will become more accessible. Google searches for Ozempic have increased 500% over the last three years, and 61% believe its popularity is helping destigmatize weight loss medications.
With 70% of Americans saying they are not happy with their current weight, the survey reveals additional insights about weight loss goals and barriers in 2025:
- Over 1 in 2 Americans plan to lose 20 pounds or more
- The top motivators are improving physical health, building confidence, and enhancing mental health
- 50% fear abandoning their weight loss goals, with nearly 1 in 5 (19%) citing costs as the primary barrier
While some are still pursuing traditional methods, nearly 1 in 6 plan to use weight loss drugs in 2025. However, 53% who want to use these medications say they can’t afford them.
