Study: Women Show Greater Awareness of Obesity Drugs Than Men

Study: Women Show Greater Awareness of Obesity Drugs Than Men

New research presented at this year's European Congress on Obesity (Eco 2025, Malaga, Spain, May 11-14) shows that women are much aware of what obesity drugs include GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists (including semaglutide and tirzepatide). The study is carried out by Nadja Auerbach, Voy*, London, Great Britain and Dr. Austen El-Osta, Director of the Self-Care Academic Research Unit (Scaru) at the School of Public Health, Imperial College London, UK and colleagues.

Several randomized controlled trials have shown that treatment with glucagon-like peptide-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists (GLP-1/GIP-RAS) result in significant weight loss. The use of GLP-1/GIP RA is increasing worldwide, and national use of tirzepatide (brand name Mounjaro) is ramping up in the UK National Health Service. Understanding public perspectives on GLP-1/GIP RAS could inform approaches to support equitable introduction and uptake of treatments and identify target areas for education to promote informed decision-making.

The authors conducted a study of British adults between October 10 and November 12, 2024. Participants were recruited for the study via Voy and the Partnership's mailing lists and with Partnership organizations and community groups and social media channels such as X and Linkedin. The survey included 45 questions covering knowledge and attitudes about GLP-1/GIP RA use, weight loss behavior, and agreement with statements about GLP-1/GIP RAS. Data were analyzed using statistical modeling.

A total of 1,297 adults completed the survey: median age 44 years and median BMI 28.4 kg/m2. Over a third (35%) identified as male, 62% as female, 0.3% other, and 0.3% chose not to disclose. Among participants, 196 (17%) were from non-White ethnic groups. 72.6% reported weight loss attempts in the past 12 months; 432 (33.3%) reported more than 10 years of weight loss attempts.

1,036 (80%) reported awareness of GLP-1/GIP-RAS, with women significantly more likely than men to report both higher awareness (87% vs. 68%) and excellent understanding (20% vs. 8%) of GLP-1/GIP RAS. A total of 359 participants (35%) reported current use of these obesity medications, 85% reported prior use, and 111 (11%) reported interest in use.

An understanding of possible side effects (81%), drug effectiveness (79%), and ability to maintain weight loss results (67%) were important/very important factors in the decision to use GLP-1/GIP-RAs. Concerns about safety (67%), potential side effects (65%), and weight risk after discontinuation (65%) were identified as important barriers to initiating GLP-1/GIP-Ras.

The GLP-1RAs currently or previously used were more likely to give opinions in favor of their use - they were approximately seven times more likely than non-users to strongly contradict the statements of skepticism that "Risks outweigh the benefits" And "There is not enough evidence that GLP-1RAs are safe. “.

The authors conclude: “There is high awareness of these newer generation obesity drugs in the general population. Concerns about safety profiles, side effects, and weight risk after discontinuation were among the leading perceived barriers to initiating GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists in people not currently using them. Those who currently use these medications perceive them to be safe and effective and advocate for wider accessibility. Sources of uncertainty and skepticism among people not using GLP-1RAS highlight avenues for improved public information to support equitable introduction and uptake of novel obesity medications. A new wave of digital healthcare providers is emerging, including Voy, who co-authored this research, with a mission to improve safe and timely access to these life-changing medicines.“

They add: “The obesity epidemic has been a serious problem for people and healthcare systems worldwide and it is exciting that we now have access to effective pharmacotherapy that can help people achieve a healthy weight range. However, our study found that many people first learn about these medications from the news and social media. This makes it very important to address any prevailing misconceptions about these medications on social media and in the mainstream news media. An important part of the solution is communicating important research findings to the public in a way that improves health literacy. This approach can help empower individuals and inform evidence-based decision making.“

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