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Getting the latest healthcare news for you
Getting the latest healthcare news for you
People on weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy are turning to social media and online forums for guidance more than their own doctors, a new UK-Canada study finds. While satisfaction with the medications is high, researchers flagged serious gaps in professional support — including concerns about unsupervised dosing and long-term safety. Experts say it's time to move beyond just prescribing and start actually supporting patients.
A new study published in BMC Public Health reveals a striking disconnect between GLP-1 medication users and their healthcare providers. Researchers from Coventry University, the University of Alberta, and several other institutions surveyed UK users of drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro — and found that nearly half (48%) relied on social media for information, while healthcare professionals were consulted far less frequently. Most participants also obtained their medications through online pharmacies, raising concerns about the rigor of pre-prescription checks.
Satisfaction with the drugs was high — 93% reported positive effects on body weight — but the picture gets complicated. Nearly two-thirds of users skipped meals multiple times a week, experienced reduced energy, and worried about muscle loss. A small subset even reported taking higher-than-recommended doses because they felt the medication wasn't working.
By the Numbers
Why it matters: As GLP-1 drugs become more accessible, the gap in evidence-based patient support is growing. Without proper guidance, users risk misuse, side effects, and weight regain — underscoring the urgent need for structured, long-term care beyond the prescription pad.
