Study finds women more aware of obesity drugs than men

New UK research being presented at this year’s European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025, Malaga, Spain, 11–14 May) reveals that women are significantly more aware of obesity medications known as GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists than men. These medications include semaglutide and tirzepatide.

The study is led by Nadja Auerbach of Voy, London, and Dr Austen El-Osta, Director of the Self-Care Academic Research Unit (SCARU) at the School of Public Health, Imperial College London, alongside colleagues.

Multiple randomised controlled trials have shown that GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists (GLP-1/GIP RAs) can lead to substantial weight loss. Their use is increasing globally, and a national rollout of tirzepatide (Mounjaro) on the NHS is anticipated. Understanding public knowledge and perceptions of these medications is essential to support equitable uptake and promote informed decision-making.

The researchers conducted a survey of UK adults via the Imperial College Qualtrics electronic survey platform between 10 October and 12 November 2024. Participants were recruited through Voy’s network, partnering organisations, community groups, and social media platforms including X and LinkedIn. The 45-question survey explored knowledge and attitudes towards GLP-1/GIP RA use, weight loss behaviours, and participant views on various statements about these treatments.

A total of 1,297 adults took part in the study. The median age was 44 years, and the median BMI was 28.4 kg/m². Of the participants, 35 per cent identified as male, 62 per cent as female, 0.3 per cent chose ‘other’, and 0.3 per cent preferred not to disclose their gender. Around 17 per cent were from non-white ethnic groups. Nearly three-quarters (72.6 per cent) reported attempting weight loss in the past year, and a third (33.3 per cent) said they had been trying to lose weight for over 10 years.

Overall, 80 per cent of respondents reported being aware of GLP-1/GIP RAs. Women were significantly more likely than men to report both high awareness (87 per cent vs. 68 per cent) and excellent understanding (20 per cent vs. 8 per cent) of the medications.

A total of 359 participants (35 per cent) reported current use of these medications, while 85 per cent reported prior use, and 11 per cent expressed interest in starting treatment.

Participants cited understanding potential side effects (81 per cent), medication effectiveness (79 per cent), and the ability to maintain weight loss (67 per cent) as key considerations in their decision-making. Safety concerns (67 per cent), potential side effects (65 per cent), and risk of regaining weight after stopping the medication (65 per cent) were the main barriers identified.

Those with current or previous experience of GLP-1 RAs were around seven times more likely than non-users to strongly disagree with sceptical statements such as “the risks outweigh the benefits” or “there is not enough evidence to suggest these medications are safe”.

The authors conclude: “There is high awareness of these newer generation obesity medications in the general population. Concerns regarding safety profiles, side effects, and the risk of weight regain after discontinuation were among the most cited reasons for not starting treatment. Current users generally perceive these medications as safe and effective, and advocate for improved access. Addressing the concerns of non-users is crucial for ensuring equitable uptake of these novel treatments.”

They add: “Obesity remains a serious challenge for individuals and health systems worldwide. While it’s encouraging that effective pharmacotherapy is now available, our study highlights that many people first hear about these medications via the news and social media. It’s therefore vital to tackle misinformation and communicate scientific findings in a way that boosts public health literacy. This will empower individuals and support informed, evidence-based choices.”