Weight-loss drug users turn to social media over doctors for advice, study finds
People using weight-loss drugs are more likely to seek advice from social media than health care professionals, a Coventry University–led study has found. Researchers from the U.K. and Canada found that users of GLP-1 medications—weight-loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro that help regulate appetite and blood sugar levels—often rely on social media, online forums, friends and family…
A study led by Dr. Jason Tallis from Coventry University has revealed that individuals using GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, tend to seek advice more often from social media and friends or family than from healthcare professionals. The research, which involved participants from the U.K., Canada, and several U.K. universities, found that 48% of users relied on social media for information, while healthcare professionals were consulted less frequently.
Despite high satisfaction rates, with 93% of users reporting positive effects on body weight and 83% on appearance, the study identified several challenges. Nearly two-thirds of participants skipped meals two or three times a week, and over half experienced reduced energy levels, impacting physical activity and daily tasks. Concerns about muscle mass loss were also widespread.
Many users turned to online communities for practical advice on managing side effects, such as nausea and fatigue, and for support on maintaining weight loss and accessing medications in the future. The study also highlighted safety concerns, with some participants obtaining medication through online pharmacies and potentially misusing the drugs by taking higher doses or using them more frequently than recommended.
Dr. Tallis emphasized the need for better education and support to ensure the safe and effective use of these medications, given the growing demand and potential risks associated with improper use.
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