Survey warns of ‘lifestyle drive’ for weight-loss medicine

Short-term aesthetic objectives are doubtlessly driving sufferers to make use of or take into account weight-loss drugs, fairly than for well being causes, a survey commissioned by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor has revealed.

Results of the survey shared with The Pharmaceutical Journal confirmed that greater than three-quarters (78%, n=1,574) of respondents mentioned that they might be tempted to make use of or take into account weight-loss drugs in preparation for his or her wedding ceremony, whereas an analogous proportion indicated that occurring vacation (74%, n=1,488) and getting a “summer body” (74%, n=1,474) could be motivators.

A nationally consultant pattern of two,000 UK adults was surveyed by British Polling Council member 3Gem between 4 June 2026 and 11 June 2026, earlier than the approval of the oral Wegovy (semaglutide; Novo Nordisk) capsule on 11 June 2026.

The pattern included 1,000 individuals who had been contemplating weight administration medicine, 500 individuals presently taking weight administration medicine and 500 individuals who had beforehand taken weight administration medicine.

The survey outcomes additionally highlighted that greater than six in ten respondents (61%, n=1,226) reported that wedding ceremony season was a motivator to make use of weight-loss medicines, whereas almost three in 5 respondents (58%, n=1,151) had been tempted to make use of medicine to get in form for a big household gathering.

More than half of these respondents (51%, n=509) who had been on or had beforehand taken weight administration therapies mentioned that “looking better” was a key motivator in exploring prescription remedy choices, in contrast with one-third (33%, n=330) of respondents who mentioned the unfavorable well being impacts of being obese had been a driver, the survey outcomes discovered.

Tase Oputu, president of the Royal College of Pharmacy, mentioned: “Weight management medicines can be an important treatment option for people who meet the appropriate clinical criteria, but they must be treated as medicines, not a quick fix. A thorough assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional is essential to determine whether treatment is suitable, alongside appropriate monitoring and support.

“Patient safety must remain the priority. People should only obtain these medicines from legitimate, regulated providers and should be wary of websites or online sellers offering medicines without appropriate clinical assessment. Some unregulated sites can appear legitimate or imitate registered pharmacies, putting people at risk of counterfeit or unsafe medicines.”

Gigi Taguri, affiliate medical director at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, commented: “Weight management medications can lead to clinically meaningful weight loss and significant health benefits for those deemed medically eligible.

“However, their use must be seen as part of a wider journey with appropriate clinical and lifestyle support. These medicines are only appropriate for patients who meet established clinical eligibility criteria following assessment by a qualified prescriber.

“These treatments are not intended to be used solely to achieve a particular appearance. For most patients, successful weight management requires a sustained approach that extends well beyond a single holiday, wedding or seasonal goal.”

Henry Gregg, chief government of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), mentioned: “Medicines have the power to harm as well as to heal, and its important anyone considering on embarking on weight management treatment is eligible, has gone through full checks and is provided with wraparound support, including support with long-term lifestyle changes.

“Pharmacists are experts in medicines and have significant experience advising patients how to take GLP-1’s safely and appropriately.”

The outcomes of a Pharmacy2U-commissioned survey printed in July 2026 revealed that one in 5 UK adults would share weight-loss injections with mates or household, whereas the outcomes of an NPA survey, additionally printed in July 2026, confirmed that greater than three-quarters (76%) of pharmacies anticipated to start out “significant numbers” of eligible sufferers on oral Wegovy.

On 9 July 2026, the General Pharmaceutical Council began a marketing campaign to spotlight the danger of pretend on-line pharmacies following the launch of the remedy.

The Pharmaceutical Journal understands that the Department of Health and Social Care is just not presently conscious of any provide points affecting GLP-1 medicines.