Download the survey here

The International Food Information Council (IFIC) commissioned an online survey among U.S. consumers to measure knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about prescription drugs for weight loss. One thousand adults ages 18 years and older completed the online survey from October 11-17, 2024, and respondents were weighted to ensure proportional results.

Key findings include:

• Almost half of Americans describe their current body weight as neither underweight nor overweight.
• 4 in 10 Americans are currently trying to lose weight.
• More Americans believe that what and how much they eat and drink has the biggest impact on their body weight compared to when, why, and where they eat and drink.
• Americans report feeling less control over how much they eat and drink when they eat away from home, dessert, and snacks compared to other eating occasions.
• 3 in 10 Americans say they have heard “a lot” about prescription drugs for weight loss.
• Among those who have heard about prescription drugs for weight loss, most report hearing an equal mis of positive and negative information about these drugs.
• More than 4 in 10 Americans are interested in taking a prescription drug for weight loss.
• Among those not interested in taking a prescription drug for weight loss, almost half say they do not need to lose weight and/or prefer to manage their weight without medication.
• Among those interested in taking a prescription drug for weight loss, losing weight and feeling better about themselves would be their most desired benefits.
• Nearly half of Americans think taking a prescription drug for weight loss would increase their water intake, healthfulness of food choices, as well as their fruit and vegetable consumption.