Women show greater awareness and understanding of obesity medications

Women show greater awareness and understanding of obesity medication | Image credit: © Kassandra - stock.adobe.com

Women show greater awareness and understanding of obesity medication | Image credit: © Kassandra - stock.adobe.com

Women are more likely than men to be aware of and understand GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists—an increasingly common class of medications for obesity that includes semaglutide and tirzepatide—according to new research to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) in Malaga, Spain.

Researchers surveyed more than 1,200 adults in the UK to evaluate public perceptions and awareness of these obesity medications.

Between October 10 and November 12, 2024, 1,297 adults participated in an electronic survey hosted on Imperial College’s Qualtrics platform. Participants were recruited via Voy’s networks, partner organizations, and social media platforms, including LinkedIn and X.

The median age of respondents was 44, with a median body mass index (BMI) of 28.4 kg/m². A majority (62%) identified as female, 35% as male, and the remaining 1% as other or undisclosed. Roughly 17% of participants were from non-white ethnic groups.

More than 70% of respondents reported attempting weight loss within the past year, and one-third said they had been trying to lose weight for more than a decade.

Of all participants, 80% reported being aware of GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists. Women were significantly more likely than men to report both awareness (87% vs 68%) and a strong understanding of how these medications work (20% vs 8%).

Current use of these medications was reported by 35% of participants. Additionally, 85% indicated prior use, and 11% said they were interested in starting treatment.

When asked about factors influencing the decision to use GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists, respondents pointed to understanding side effects (81%), effectiveness (79%), and the ability to maintain weight loss (67%) as the most important considerations. Key concerns included safety (67%), side effects (65%), and the possibility of regaining weight after stopping treatment (65%).

The study found that individuals with experience using GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists were more likely to view them positively. Compared with non-users, current or former users were about 7 times more likely to strongly disagree with statements such as “the risks outweigh the benefits” and “there is not enough evidence to suggest GLP-1 RAs are safe.”

“There is high awareness of these newer generation obesity medications in the general population,” the authors concluded. “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.”

They added that “those currently using these medications perceive them as safe and effective, and advocate for wider accessibility.”

The authors also emphasized the importance of accurate health communication. “Our study found that many people are first learning about these medications from the news and social media. This makes it very important to address any prevailing misconceptions,” they said.

“A new wave of digital health providers are emerging, including Voy who co-authored this research, with a mission to improve safe and timely access to these life-changing medications.”

References:

1. European Association for the Study of Obesity. Study finds women much more likely to be aware of and have good understanding of obesity drugs. Eurekalert. April 17, 2025. Accessed April 18, 2025. https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1080747?