A new way of controlling weight is on the horizon. It is arguably the most revolutionary breakthrough in medical science seen in years, yet more than half of Brits who have taken GLP-1 weight loss medication have kept it a secret.
New research commissioned by digital healthcare provider Voy reveals that eight in ten (83%) of eligible adults say there is a stigma attached to using weight loss medication, and more than half of those taking jabs including Mounjaro or Wegovy say they have concealed their usage from loved ones because they were concerned about judgment.
The news comes as a new oral GLP-1 weight loss pill is launched in the UK, with hopes it will provide users with a more discreet treatment method.
When asked why they believe people are judged for using weight loss medication, respondents said they were concerned others would accuse them of taking shortcuts, having poor self-discipline, or that weight loss should only come from lifestyle changes.
Practical barriers also remain among those who have refused a GLP-1 despite the fact it could improve their health, with 15% saying they are too scared of injections, while others cite concerns about cost (59%) or side effects (32%).
The arrival of oral GLP-1 treatments could mark a significant shift in how weight management support is perceived and accessed, offering a cheaper and more convenient alternative, according to Voy. Among eligible adults, more than two-thirds (69%) say they would be more likely to take a daily oral weight loss medication than a weekly injection.
Dr Earim Chaudry, Chief Medical Officer at Voy, said: 'The arrival of oral GLP-1 medication represents an important step forward, not only because it expands treatment choice, but because it could help remove some of the barriers that prevent people from accessing care in the first place. For many, a daily tablet may feel more familiar, more convenient and more discreet than an injectable treatment.'
'Yet, while treatment options evolve, the stigma surrounding obesity remains. For too long, perceptions around obesity treatment have been shaped by misconceptions and judgment rather than medical evidence. The pill may reduce some of the visible markers of treatment, but the deeper work of changing how society thinks about obesity cannot be done by format alone. That requires a shift in how we talk about this condition at every level.'
