Rising awareness of GLP-1/GIP weight loss drugs reported in women
A UK survey reveals growing recognition and interest in obesity medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, with women showing significantly higher awareness and understanding.
Rising awareness of GLP-1/GIP weight loss drugs reported in women | Image Credit: © Siam - © Siam - stock.adobe.com.
Awareness about the obesity drugs glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists (GLP-1/GIP) has significantly increased among women, according to a recent study to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Malaga, Spain, from May 11 to May 14, 2025.1
These antagonists include semaglutide and tirzepatide, with multiple randomized controlled trials highlighting the efficacy of GLP-1/GIP toward significant weight loss. Additionally, a significant increase in GLP-1/GIP RA use has been observed worldwide, including an upcoming national rollout of tirzepatide (Mounjaro; Eli Lilly and Company) in the United Kingdom.
“There is high awareness of these newer generation obesity medications in the general population,” wrote investigators. “Concerns regarding safety profiles, side-effects, and risk of weight re-gain after discontinuation were among the leading perceived barriers to initiating GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists in people not currently using them.”
Importance of public understanding
According to investigators, equitable treatment rollout and uptake may be obtained through an understanding of public beliefs related to GLP-1/GIP RAs. This may also allow for improved decision-making through the identification of target areas for education.
The study was conducted using the Imperial College Qualtrics electronic survey platform. Adults in the United Kingdom completed the survey between October 10 and November 12, 2024, responding to 45 questions about knowledge and attitudes toward GLP-1/GIP RA use, weight loss behaviors, and agreement with statements about GLP-1/GIP RA.
Statistical modelling was used to evaluate the data. A median age of 44 years and a median body mass index of 28.4 kg/m2 were reported among participants. Of the 1297 adults included in the final analysis, 35% were male, 62% female, 0.3% other, and 0.3% did not disclose.
Weight loss history and awareness
Being non-White was reported in 17% of participants, attempting weight loss within the previous 12 months in 72.6%, and more than 10 years of attempted weight loss in 33.3%. Eighty percent were aware of GLP-1 /GIP RAs, though awareness was significantly more likely in women than men, at 87% vs 68%, respectively.
Similarly, rates of excellent understanding were 20% and 8%, respectively. Current use of GLP-1 /GIP RA obesity drugs was reported by 35% of participants overall, prior use by 85%, and interest in use by 11%.
Key considerations for use
Eighty-one percent of participants considered understanding potential side effects as an important factor in using GLP-1 /GIP RAs, while 79% considered the medication’s efficacy important, and 67% the ability to maintain weight loss. Concerns over these factors were barriers to GLP-1 /GIP RA use in 67%, 65%, and 65%, respectively.
The odds of being more favorable toward GLP-1 /GIP RAs were increased among patients currently or previously using the medications. Compared to non-users, the odds of strongly disagreeing with the statements “risks outweigh the benefits" and "there is not enough evidence to suggest GLP-1RAs are safe" were increased 7-fold in these patients.
Looking ahead
Investigators noted that many patients first hear about these medications through the news and social media. This highlights a need to address misconceptions and effectively communicate research findings.
“The obesity epidemic has been a serious concern for people and health systems worldwide, and it’s exciting that we now have access to effective pharmacotherapy that can help people achieve a healthy weight range,” wrote investigators.
Further details will be presented at the 2025 European Congress on Obesity.2
References
- Study finds women much more likely to be aware of and have good understanding of obesity drugs. European Society for the Study of Obesity. April 17, 2025. Accessed April 21, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1080747?
- Congress. European Society for the Study of Obesity. Accessed April 21, 2025. https://easo.org/congress/.
