Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2025 Jul;27(7):3780-3788.
doi: 10.1111/dom.16405. Epub 2025 Apr 21.

GLP-1 medication and weight loss: Barriers and motivators among 1659 participants managed in a virtual setting

Maneeha Naveed  1   2 , Cecilie Perez  1 , Ehtasham Ahmad  1   3 , Laura Russell  1 , Zoe Lees  1 , Catriona Maybury  1
Affiliations

GLP-1 medication and weight loss: Barriers and motivators among 1659 participants managed in a virtual setting

Maneeha Naveed et al. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2025 Jul.

Abstract

Aims: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, alongside dual receptor agonists targeting glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, represent transformative therapies for obesity management. Despite their increasing use, patient perspectives of these treatments remain underexplored. This exploratory study aimed to examine the experiences and attitudes of individuals using GLP-1 medications (GLP-1s) for weight loss, focusing on motivators, barriers and reasons for discontinuation.

Materials and methods: Surveys were conducted to assess both the overall experience of using GLP-1s and the factors influencing discontinuation. A complementary video diary study provided qualitative insights into personal weight loss journeys.

Results: Findings highlighted that 55% of 1659 participants had attempted weight loss for over 10 years before starting GLP-1s. Perceived barriers to weight loss included eating habits, stress and menopause. Motivators centered on reducing weight-related health risks and improving body satisfaction. Discontinuation was influenced by treatment costs, unmet weight loss expectations and side effects. Participants reported that GLP-1 medications effectively reduced food-related thoughts ('food noise'), improved satiety and supported healthier eating behaviours. However, stigma and affordability challenges were notable deterrents. While some patients adopted lifestyle changes alongside the treatment, others relied predominantly on GLP-1s for results.

Conclusions: These findings underscore the importance of addressing patient-specific motivators and barriers during consultations to optimise outcomes and ensure sustainable weight loss strategies in clinical practice. Tailored approaches to GLP-1 treatment plans and support can help ensure sustainable weight loss strategies and improve patient adherence in clinical practice.

Keywords: GIP; GLP‐1; antiobesity drug; attitudes; perceptions; semaglutide.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

REFERENCES

    1. World Health Organization. Obesity and Overweight [Internet]. World Health Organization. 2024. Accessed December 4, 2024. https://www.who.int/news‐room/fact‐sheets/detail/obesity‐and‐overweight
    1. Gleason PP, Urick BY, Marshall LZ, Friedlander N, Qiu Y, Scott Leslie R. Real‐world persistence and adherence to glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists among obese commercially insured adults without diabetes. J Manag Care Spec Pharm. 2024;30(8):860‐867. doi:10.18553/jmcp.2024.23332
    1. World Obesity Day Atlases | Obesity Atlas. World Obesity Federation Global Obesity Observatory. 2023. https://data.worldobesity.org/publications/?cat=19
    1. Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, et al. Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2021;325(14):1414‐1425. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.3224
    1. Aronne LJ, Sattar N, Horn DB, et al. Continued treatment with Tirzepatide for maintenance of weight reduction in adults with obesity: the SURMOUNT‐4 randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2023;331(1):38‐48. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.24945

Substances