The study highlights the prevalence of the use of GLP-1/GIP drugs for weight loss in the UK

The study highlights the prevalence of the use of GLP-1/GIP drugs for weight loss in the UK

As of early 2025, it is estimated that around 4.9 million British adults – almost one in 10 – have recently taken or expressed interest in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) or dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist medications to support weight loss. The results, based on a nationally representative household survey of 5,260 British adults, are published inBMC Medicine.

GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications help lower blood sugar, promote weight loss, and reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications. The GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs liraglutide, semaglutide and tirzepatide are approved for weight loss in the UK, but between 2025 and 2028 only around 220,000 people will be eligible for treatment with these drugs on the NHS.

Sarah Jackson and colleagues examined the prevalence of use and interest in GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP drugs among British adults - with a median age of 49 years - using survey data collected between January and March 2025 as part of the Smoking Toolkit Study. The authors found that 2.9% of participants reported taking GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medications to support weight loss in the past year. Of those who had not recently taken these medications for weight loss, 6.5% were interested in doing so within the next year. Based on these figures, the authors estimate that around 1.6 million British adults may have taken GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medications to support weight loss between 2024 and early 2025, and that a further 3.3 million were interested in taking them by early 2025. Of those who took a GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP drug to support weight loss in the previous year, 15% reported using a drug that was not approved for weight loss in the UK. The authors speculate that this may be due to off-label prescriptions or individuals purchasing medications through non-medical means, such as online purchases.

The authors found that use of and interest in GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medications was more common among women, ages 45 to 55, and among women who reported experiencing moderate to severe psychological distress in the previous month. Interest in GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medications was also greater among people who reported financial difficulties and were not working due to a long-term illness or disability.

The results highlight the significant demand for GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP drugs to support weight loss in the UK. The authors recommend regular monitoring of their use, health outcomes and wider impacts on the UK healthcare system and to ensure safe, appropriate, sustainable and fair provision.

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