In early 2025, an estimated 4.9 million British adults—nearly one in ten—reported using or expressing interest in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) or dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist medications to support weight loss. The findings come from a nationally representative survey of 5,260 adults and were published in BMC Medicine.
GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications, including liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide, are known to lower blood sugar, aid weight loss, and reduce the risk of heart and kidney complications. While these drugs are licensed for weight management in the UK, only around 220,000 people are expected to be eligible for NHS treatment between 2025 and 2028.
Researchers led by Sarah Jackson analyzed data from the Smoking Toolkit Study, collected between January and March 2025, to examine patterns of use and interest in GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications among British adults, whose average age was 49. They found that 2.9% of participants had used these medications in the past year for weight loss. Among those who had not used them, 6.5% expressed interest in doing so within the next year. Extrapolating these results, the study estimates that around 1.6 million adults used GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medications for weight loss between 2024 and early 2025, while another 3.3 million were interested at the start of 2025.
Notably, 15% of recent users reported taking a medication not licensed for weight loss in the UK, suggesting off-label prescriptions or acquisition through non-medical routes, such as online purchases.
The study also identified demographic trends in use and interest. Women, adults aged 45 to 55, and those experiencing moderate to severe psychological distress were more likely to use these medications. Interest was higher among individuals facing financial difficulties or those out of work due to long-term illness or disability.
The findings highlight substantial demand for GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications in the UK. The authors emphasize the need for ongoing monitoring of their use, health outcomes, and wider effects on the healthcare system, to ensure these treatments are provided safely, appropriately, and equitably.
