(Image: York St John University)
A new study in York has revealed that nearly half of UK users of weight-loss drugs rely on social media for information about their medication.
The research, which examined perceptions and experiences of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro, found that 48 per cent of participants sourced information from social media, while healthcare professionals were consulted less frequently.
The study was led by Dr Jason Tallis of Coventry University and involved collaboration with Professor David Broom of York St John University, alongside researchers from the UK and Canada.
Professor Broom said: "We are in a new age where weight loss medications are readily accessible and are clearly very effective in the short term.
"However, there are serious concerns about people using them without appropriate checks, and there is a lack of long-term support when people stop using them."
The survey revealed that 93 per cent of users reported positive effects on body weight and 83 per cent on appearance, but also highlighted significant concerns, including reduced energy levels and the impact on muscle mass.
Participants reported skipping meals and experiencing fatigue, with many seeking advice on managing side effects and maintaining weight loss in the long term.