Research

Hormonal

GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are perceived by current and past users as safe and effective for weight loss, with users strongly disagreeing that risks outweigh benefits, whereas non-users exhibit significant skepticism regarding safety and efficacy.

If you are considering GLP-1RAs, be aware that skepticism about safety and cost are common barriers, especially if you haven't used them. However, data from current and past users shows they strongly disagree that risks outweigh benefits and highly recommend the medication. Consult a healthcare provider to address specific safety concerns and cost barriers, as user experience often contradicts public skepticism.

ModerateQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
Past and current users were less likely than non-users to express scepticism about safety and efficacy and 6.91 times more likely to strongly disagree (compared with being neutral) that ‘risks outweigh the benefits’... and 7.33 times more likely to strongly disagree... that ‘there is not enough evidence to suggest GLP-1RAs are safe’
Nadja Auerbach et al. · BMJ Public Health · 2025

Why this rating

Cross-sectional survey study; establishes perception and correlation, not causal efficacy or long-term safety outcomes.

Source

What are community perspectives and experiences around GLP-1 receptor agonist medications for weight loss? A cross-sectional survey study in the UK

Nadja Auerbach et al. · BMJ Public Health · 2025

DOI 10.1136/bmjph-2024-002519

cross_sectional · n=1297Cited 11×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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