Americans Are Conflicted on the Long-Term Effects of GLP-1s, Data Shows
While Americans see the benefits of GLP-1s, skepticism about relying on an injection to lose weight still runs deep
Thirteen percent of Americans say they’ve tried a GLP-1. More than a third know someone who has. And for many, the drugs deliver more than weight loss. A new national survey from telehealth platform Levity finds users reporting boosts in self-esteem, healthier eating and improved mental health, but one drawback remains: many consumers still see GLP-1s as another unsustainable shortcut.
Beyond revealing the states where residents are most interested in GLP-1s, Levity paired its Google Trends analysis with a national survey of 1,003 Americans, uncovering how GLP-1 use is affecting self-worth and changing the way people think about health and wellness. Among respondents, 53% identified as Millennials, 26% as Gen X, 13% as Gen Z and 8% as Baby Boomers.
At a time when celebrities and fitness influencers are visibly shrinking, questions of transparency are rising. Nearly 60% of respondents said those in the public eye should disclose their GLP-1 use, with another 34% saying disclosure depends on context. Some are already stepping forward to help destigmatize the medication. Serena Williams, for example, recently revealed her GLP-1 use and has partnered with weight management prescriber Ro.
It’s not just celebrities: 13% of Americans reported trying a GLP-1, while 37% said someone close to them had. Levity found that Gen Z led use at 17% while millennials were most likely to know someone on the drugs.
By the numbers, GLP-1 users report several benefits: 77% of users reported higher self-esteem, 75% cited improved social confidence and 69% noted better physical health. More than 60% also reported healthier eating habits and improved mental health
That doesn’t mean the arrival of GLP-1s is free of pressure. Although nearly two-thirds of Americans said they don’t feel added pressure to lose weight with GLP-1s in the mix, Gen Z (40%) and women (43%) report that they do. At the same time, the rise of body diversity appears safeguarded. Nearly half of respondents (48%) said GLP-1s won’t affect society’s acceptance of body differences. Among those who feared a negative impact, the majority were Gen Z (63%).
Still, skepticism runs deep, as a rather large percentage (73%) of those surveyed said GLP-1s are a shortcut to weight loss, with 60% believing the drugs bypass habit-building practices like diet and exercise and 52% viewing them as a temporary fix. Millennials were most likely to view GLP-1s as a shortcut (77%) while Gen X was more likely to reject that view (33%).
Even some execs in the telehealth community urge caution. Dr. B founder and CEO Cyrus Massoumi, for example, argues GLP-1s shouldn’t be prescribed without a commitment to lifestyle change. While that may be a hard pill to swallow in an economy accustomed to instant prescriptions and Amazon-speed delivery, Massoumi’s approach appears to pay dividends.
“We only actually prescribe to people who commit to working out,” he said of the Dr. B platform. “We won’t let them move forward unless they’re committing to that up front. Whereas the average weight loss that’s lean muscle mass is about 30% (for the general population taking GLP-1s), for people on our program, it’s generally sub 5%,” he said at the ATN Innovation Summit in June.
Massoumi’s call for accountability stands apart from the wider debate over whether GLP-1s are simply a quick fix. On the belief that weight loss medication is a shortcut, many GLP-1 users are pushing back against the critics: 42% told Levity they believe losing weight on the drugs requires the same willpower as traditional methods, while 15% said it actually takes more.
It’s a message that Williams is helping elevate through her partnership with Ro.
“I trained at the highest level, ate a clean diet, pushed myself and still, after having kids, my body just wouldn’t respond,” Williams said. “I realized it wasn’t about willpower; it was biological. My body needed the GLP-1 and clinical support. I’m partnering with Ro because if I needed help as a top athlete doing everything at level 10, I know others are struggling too, and everyone deserves access to the treatment they need. This isn’t a shortcut. It’s healthcare.”