Overview of Recent Findings

New research presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) in Malaga, Spain, reveals that women demonstrate a significantly higher awareness and understanding of obesity medications known as GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists, which include drugs like semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Study Details

The study, conducted by a team from Imperial College London's Self-Care Academic Research Unit, involved a survey of UK adults between October and November 2024. The survey aimed to gauge public knowledge and attitudes toward these obesity treatments, which have been shown to facilitate substantial weight loss.

Using the Imperial College Qualtrics electronic survey platform, researchers collected responses from 1,297 participants, with a median age of 44 years and a median BMI of 28.4 kg/m². The demographic composition included 62% female respondents and 35% male, along with a small percentage identifying as non-binary or choosing not to disclose their gender.

Key Findings

Approximately 80% of respondents reported being aware of GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists, with women displaying greater awareness (87%) compared to men (68%). Furthermore, 20% of women stated they had an excellent understanding of these medications, in contrast to just 8% of men.

Of the total participants, 35% reported current use of these obesity drugs, while 85% had used them previously, and 11% expressed interest in trying them. Notably, factors influencing the decision to use GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists included understanding potential side effects (81%), the effectiveness of the medication (79%), and the ability to sustain weight loss results (67%).

Conversely, concerns about safety (67%), possible side effects (65%), and the risk of weight gain after stopping treatment (65%) emerged as major barriers to initiating the use of GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists.

Perceptions of Current Users

Current or previous users of GLP-1 receptor agonists exhibited a more favorable view of these medications, being approximately seven times more likely than non-users to reject skepticism regarding their safety and effectiveness.

Conclusions and Implications

The findings suggest a high level of awareness about these new obesity treatments within the general population. However, concerns regarding safety profiles and potential side effects highlight the need for improved public education. The study emphasizes the importance of addressing misconceptions that may arise from media sources.

Furthermore, the emergence of digital health platforms, such as the company involved in this research, aims to enhance access to these transformative medications. The obesity crisis remains a pressing global issue, making effective pharmacotherapy a vital tool in achieving a healthy weight range for many individuals.

In conclusion, as awareness grows, there is a pressing need for clear communication of research findings to the public, aimed at fostering health literacy and promoting informed decision-making regarding obesity treatments.