Morning Business Report: GLP-1 prescriptions rise as obesity rate slightly drops

New data suggests the rise in GLP-1 prescriptions across the United States may be contributing to a slight decline in obesity rates.

(LILAMAX)- New data suggests the rise in GLP-1 prescriptions across the United States may be contributing to a slight decline in obesity rates.

Health analytics organization Epic Research found GLP-1 prescriptions among U.S. adults increased more than fourfold between the second quarter of 2021 and the first quarter of 2026.

During that same period, the national obesity rate declined from 42% to 41%.

Meanwhile, Delta Air Lines says it is hiring more employees ahead of the busy summer travel season in an effort to improve operations.

The airline plans to add pilots and other workers after facing operational issues earlier this year.

Delta canceled hundreds of flights during the first weekend of May, citing minor weather disruptions, while some competing airlines continued operating normally.

On Wall Street, stocks closed mixed Tuesday as investors continued monitoring developments involving the Iran war.

Chip stocks helped push technology companies higher.

In housing news, Wells Fargo announced it will offer mortgage incentives for homes built using ICON 3D-printing technology.

The bank says eligible borrowers could receive a half-percent reduction on mortgage rates.

Wells Fargo believes 3D-printing technology could allow homes to be built faster and at lower costs.

Lenders have historically raised concerns about the long-term value of 3D-printed homes and whether the properties could easily be sold or insured.

Travel experts are also predicting a busy summer vacation season.

Kayak says the busiest travel periods this summer are expected around long weekends and school breaks.

The company says mid-to-late June is shaping up to be one of the busiest periods for domestic travel, with travelers beginning summer trips earlier than usual this year.