Key Summary
- Three quarters of people consider weight-management medication to attain short-term goals like getting “summer body ready”.
- Half of those who are on or have previously taken weight-management treatments say looking better was a key motivator.
- People warned against buying weight loss medicines from unregulated sources and falling prey to counterfeit medicines.
Three quarters of people (74%) in the UK consider weight-management medication to attain short-term goals such as getting “summer body ready”, or fit for a specific holiday and 61% are swayed by wedding season, according to a new study.
A survey by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, covering 2,000 UK adults who are taking, have previously taken, or are considering taking, weight-management treatment, found that it is the lifestyle preferences, rather than health-related motivations, that are increasingly influencing people's attitudes towards weight management.
Half of those who are on or have previously taken weight-management treatments (51%) say looking better was a key motivator, compared with a third (33%) who say the negative health impacts of being overweight was a driver.
However, clinicians warn that this approach towards weight-management treatments could have serious health consequences.
Dr Gigi Taguri, Associate Medical Director at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, said: “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.
“Anyone considering weight management must consult a healthcare professional who can offer a personalised treatment plan based on their specific needs and long-term health goals. 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.”
Counterfeit products
With interest in weight-management services increasing during the summer, LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor warns people not to be tempted to bypass regulated sources and turn to online sellers. This could leave them vulnerable to counterfeit or expired products, which may contain incorrect ingredients or dosages and expose patients to serious health risks.
Dr Taguri added: “If a website advertises weight-management treatments without a consultation or clinical oversight, and at a low price, that may indicate that it is unregulated and selling fake or counterfeit products. The consequences of taking unlicensed medications can be serious, which is why patients should only obtain treatment through a regulated healthcare provider.”
The recent approval of the two weight loss tablets - a pill version of Novo Nordisk's Wegovy and Eli Lilly's Foundayo, have opened new vistas of treatment and is expected to increase the user base.
