Overcoming Judgment and Embracing Progress With Weight-Loss Medication

For many, taking weight-loss medication is about more than shedding pounds — it's a personal journey toward improved health, renewed confidence, and a better quality of life. However, social judgment and stigma can create barriers, making it harder for people to celebrate their progress and fully embrace the benefits of GLP-1 medications.

To better understand these experiences, Levity surveyed 500 individuals using GLP-1 medication for weight loss. Their stories reveal not only the challenges of navigating judgment from loved ones and the public but also the positive transformations in health, self-worth, and mental well-being.

Key Takeaways

• 75% of people taking GLP-1 medications report improved physical health, 68% feel more confident, and 56% say their mental health has improved.
• Half of people taking GLP-1 medication report feeling judged or shamed for using weight-loss medication.
• Women (66%) are twice as likely to feel judged or shamed for taking weight-loss medication compared to men (32%).
• 1 in 4 people taking GLP-1 medication are very proud of the progress they've made with the help of weight-loss medication.
• 2 in 5 individuals taking GLP-1 medication are confident they will maintain their weight loss after stopping the medication.

Addressing Stigma and Promoting Positive Messaging

• Nearly 70% of people taking GLP-1 medication have been asked about their use of weight-loss medication.
• Almost 50% of people taking GLP-1 medication think it's okay to ask someone about their use of weight-loss medication, but only in certain situations, such as:
  • Close personal relationships: 64%
  • Concern for health: 62%
  • Professional/healthcare settings: 60%
  • If they have posted about their weight loss journey online: 40%
• 3 in 4 people taking GLP-1 medication are transparent about their weight-loss medication use.
• Half of people taking GLP-1 medication report feeling judged or shamed for using weight-loss medication. Women are twice as likely as men to experience this (66% vs. 32%, respectively).
• Those feeling judged or shamed for using GLP-1 medication by generation:
  • Baby boomers: 27%
  • Gen X: 41%
  • Millennials: 51%
  • Gen Z: 60%
• Individuals taking GLP-1 medication primarily feel judged by their friends (34%) and family (29%).
• Family judgment is highest among baby boomers (18%) and Gen X (30%), while millennials (37%) and Gen Z (44%) face the most judgment from friends.
• Social media sites where GLP-1 medication users have experienced the most judgment:
  • Facebook: 36%
  • TikTok: 22%
  • Instagram: 20%
  • X: 17%
  • YouTube: 8%

How GLP-1 Medication Improves Health and Self-Worth

Individuals using GLP-1 medications are making proactive choices to improve their health, with many experiencing transformative benefits beyond physical appearance. Shifting the narrative from judgment to support can empower more people to pursue the care they need, breaking down barriers and fostering a healthier public perception of weight-loss medication.

• 75% of people taking GLP-1 medications report improved physical health, 68% feel more confident, and 56% say their mental health has improved.
• For 76% of women, the main reason for starting GLP-1 medication is to improve physical appearance, while 72% of men cite health concerns as their primary motivation.
• 1 in 4 people taking GLP-1 medication are very proud of the progress they've made with the help of weight-loss medication.
• 42% of people feel much better about their bodies since starting GLP-1 medication.
  • Nearly 50% of women and 32% of men feel better about their bodies since starting GLP-1 medication.
• 2 in 5 individuals taking GLP-1 medication are confident they will maintain their weight loss after stopping the medication.
• Sources of information most influenced the decision to take GLP-1 medication:
  • Doctor/healthcare provider: 65%
  • Online research: 41%
  • Friends or family: 37%
  • Social media: 35%
  • Influencer or celebrity endorsements: 18%
  • News media (articles, TV, etc.): 10%
• 86% of people taking GLP-1 medication feel more in control of their diet since starting the treatment. Over 80% also report improved health overall.
• Over 90% of people taking GLP-1 medication would recommend it to others struggling with their weight.

GLP-1 medications support losing weight, but they can also be life-changing for physical and emotional well-being. Here's how individuals using GLP-1 medications describe the misunderstandings they face and the truths they wish others knew about their weight-loss journeys:

Methodology

We surveyed 500 individuals taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss to explore their experiences and progress. The average age of respondents was 37; 62% were women, and 38% were men. Generationally, 9% were baby boomers, 17% were Gen X, 41% were millennials, and 33% were Gen Z.

About Levity

Levity is dedicated to providing long-term weight management solutions using clinically proven GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, paired with personalised lifestyle support. Our team of US-based experts, including clinicians and dietitians, is committed to helping you reach your goals with confidence and care.

Fair Use Statement

Sharing this data on the social experiences of weight-loss medication users is permitted for noncommercial purposes, provided you credit the original article and link back to this page.