The weight loss revolution: 1 in 10 British women currently using GLP-1s for weight management with 72% considering their use in 2025

• More than 1 in 10 women in the UK currently admit to be using GLP-1s for weight management‍
• ‍Research confirms that only 3% of women would rule out GLP-1 medication in 2025
• In the UK, 26.1% of women in England are obese, and 58.4%are overweight or obese
• 1 in 5 admit to having tried up to 5 different methods to reduce their weight in their lifetimes
• However, 31% have been prevented from making a decision on starting GLP-1s based on their perceived stigma of medicated weight management
• Of those using GLP-1s for weight management, 20% have been made to feel ashamed for using medical treatments to manage weight
• 38% believe that people who use weight loss medications are treated differently from those who rely on diet and exercise alone

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London | January 2025 | GLP-1s (such as Ozempic and Mounjaro) have become a pivotal option for those striving to achieve sustainable weight management outcomes. 

A new era for managing obesity and weight loss

2024 saw a rapid adoption and acceptance of GLP-1s medications as an effective and trusted method of weight loss, with recent research from digital weight loss platform Juniper, revealing that at least 1 in 10 women are already using the medication to reduce their weight.

The survey of over 1,000 UK women also revealed a staggering three quarters (72%) of women are now considering turning to GLP-1 medications to help them lose weight in 2025. However, while the majority of women would consider weight loss medication themselves, new research reveals almost a third (31%) have put off starting their weight loss journey due to the perceived stigma surrounding GLP-1s. This highlights a true gap in perception and reality; with many women concerned about peers’ views and judgement. 

‍Dannica Sanchez, who lost 25kgs on the Juniper programme, commented, ‘When deciding to start my weight loss journey with Juniper, I was initially concerned about what people might say - but the benefits of what I could achieve outweighed this.

My driving force for wanting to lose weight was because of my health - I work for the health service in operating theatres and I didn’t want to become another statistic of someone with a long term condition. For anyone looking to start their weight loss journey this year using GLP1s, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it - the health coaching element of Juniper alongside the medication has revolutionised my relationship with diet, nutrition and exercise and at the end of the day, it’s my life and my health and I did this for me, other people can think what they like, but this programme has changed my life.’

Weighing effectiveness versus shame

The research found that 86% of respondents have tried multiple diet and weight loss programmes to lose weight with over half (55%) having previously committed to one or two different methods and a fifth (22%) admitting to trialling three to five different weight-loss methods. However, despite ambitions, many face barriers to their weight loss journeys. Difficulty maintaining a consistent diet (30%) was noted as the top hurdle, followed by a lack of time for regular exercise (16%) and mental health or motivational challenges (15%). 

Despite these efforts and over a third (36%) of respondents noting they would recommend considering GLP-1 medications to someone struggling with weight loss, 38% believed that individuals who use weight loss medications are often treated differently compared to those who rely solely on diet and exercise. For those who are using these medications, a fifth (21%) said that they feel self-conscious using them.

Those who aren’t already using the medications, when asked how comfortable they would feel using GLP-1s if there was no stigma, almost half (49%) of women would use weight loss medications if there were no stigma, with a quarter (25%) of those saying they would use it without hesitation.

Another factor is the ability of individuals to reach out to friends, family and colleagues about their weight loss journey. Telling others about using weight loss medications like GLP-1s is often difficult for many. Of those surveyed, ​​35% noted they would be  selective about who they tell about their use while 19% would keep it private.

‍Professor Richard Donnelly, clinical advisor at Juniper, “Addressing the stigma surrounding weight loss medications is crucial in promoting a more inclusive and supportive approach to weight management. GLP-1s have emerged as a transformative option for individuals striving to achieve sustainable weight loss and manage obesity-related health issues. However, societal stigma often deters individuals from using these medications, despite their proven efficacy.

“GLP-1s are offering individuals new leases on life, but to sustain and broaden this impact, it is essential to address the challenges and barriers that many encounter in accessing these medications.

“Enhancing access to GLP-1s must go hand in hand with a robust framework of education and support. The NHS' plans to roll out these medications mark a significant step forward, yet the journey to widespread availability is fraught with potential delays and obstacles. It is anticipated that it could take up to 12 years for all patients to receive the drug through the NHS. Therefore, comprehensive education and wrap-around care are imperative, ensuring that individuals not only have access to these life-changing treatments but also feel fully informed and supported throughout their journey. By fostering a more educated and empathetic approach, we can promote a supportive, health-focused society.”

GLP-1 medications offer significant benefits for individuals seeking effective weight management solutions. Beyond weight management, they have shown promise in reducing cardiovascular risks and supporting overall well-being. However, normalising the conversation around medical weight loss is essential for breaking down barriers and encouraging more people to seek effective solutions.

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— ENDS —

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Methodology 

Vitreous World surveyed 1,000 UK women aged 30-75 in December 2024 with a margin of error of +/- 3.1%.

About Juniper UK

Juniper's Weight Reset Programme has helped over 32,000 members lose over 300,000kg. Juniper combines clinically-proven weight loss medications with one-to-one support from dietitians and nutritionists who guide you through the journey of weight health, as well as assist in habit formation, lifestyle changes and goal setting for long term success. Members are connected with UK-registered prescribers who help to tailor the medical treatments to each patient as they progress, as well as a 10,000-strong online community of other Juniper members who share their stories and support you every step of the way. Juniper's bespoke app provides healthy recipes, progressive workout videos and evidence-based resources to guide members on their journey.

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