GLP-1 medications: use and interest in a representative survey of Finns
- 1Health Sciences Unit, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- 2Obesity Research Unit, Research Program for Clinical Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Healthy Weight Hub, Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- 3Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, NYU School of Global Public Health and Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA
Abstract
Background and objectives: GLP-1–based medications have rapidly reshaped the landscape of obesity treatment. Semaglutide was approved for obesity treatment in 2021 in the US and 2022 in Europe, sparking global interest, and the GLP-1/GIP dual-agonist tirzepatide has demonstrated even greater efficacy. However, survey-based data on who uses or considers these medications—particularly across socioeconomic groups, BMI categories, and weight management experiences—remain limited.
Subjects/methods: A nationally representative online survey of Finnish adults (n = 1729, of which 1693 were included) was conducted in June 2025 via a market research company using quota sampling. Use and awareness of GLP-1 medications for obesity were measured with a single item listing widely known brands—Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro—to aid recognition. In regression analyses, current, past, and potential users (n = 322) were combined.
Results: In total, 3.5% reported current and 2.0% past use, and 13.5% expressed interest in future use. Notably, ~40% of individuals with obesity reported no interest. Bivariate analysis showed that current use was more common among women, those aged 50–69, those with household income exceeding €70,000, individuals with higher BMI, frequent weight loss attempts, experiences of weight-based discrimination, and self-blame. Multivariable analysis showed that current, past, and potential use had strongest associations with BMI ≥30.0 kg/m², repeated or persistent weight loss attempts, experiences of discriminatory treatment due to weight, self-blaming thoughts and hopeful perceptions of GLP-1 medications. Concern about serious health risks was associated with lower likelihood of use or interest.
Conclusions: GLP-1–based medications are gaining recognition, but uptake remains heterogeneous and many individuals with obesity remain uninterested. Concerns about potential health risks persist. Attitudes toward these medications are shaped not only by weight status but also by prior weight management experiences and perceptions. Clinical communication should be sensitive to these factors.
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BibTeX
@article{jallinoja2026glp1,
title = {{GLP-1 medications: use and interest in a representative survey of Finns}},
author = {Piia Tuuli Jallinoja and Kirsi H. Pietiläinen and Virginia W. Chang},
journal = {International Journal of Obesity (2005)},
year = {2026},
month = jul,
doi = {10.1038/s41366-026-02149-5},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-026-02149-5},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - GLP-1 medications: use and interest in a representative survey of Finns
AU - Piia Tuuli Jallinoja
AU - Kirsi H. Pietiläinen
AU - Virginia W. Chang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/07/07
JO - International Journal of Obesity (2005)
DO - 10.1038/s41366-026-02149-5
UR - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-026-02149-5
AB - Background and objectives: GLP-1–based medications have rapidly reshaped the landscape of obesity treatment. Semaglutide was approved for obesity treatment in 2021 in the US and 2022 in Europe, sparking global interest, and the GLP-1/GIP dual-agonist tirzepatide has demonstrated even greater efficacy. However, survey-based data on who uses or considers these medications—particularly across socioeconomic groups, BMI categories, and weight management experiences—remain limited. Subjects/methods: A nationally representative online survey of Finnish adults (n = 1729, of which 1693 were included) was conducted in June 2025 via a market research company using quota sampling. Use and awareness of GLP-1 medications for obesity were measured with a single item listing widely known brands—Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro—to aid recognition. In regression analyses, current, past, and potential users (n = 322) were combined. Results: In total, 3.5% reported current and 2.0% past use, and 13.5% expressed interest in future use. Notably, ~40% of individuals with obesity reported no interest. Bivariate analysis showed that current use was more common among women, those aged 50–69, those with household income exceeding €70,000, individuals with higher BMI, frequent weight loss attempts, experiences of weight-based discrimination, and self-blame. Multivariable analysis showed that current, past, and potential use had strongest associations with BMI ≥30.0 kg/m², repeated or persistent weight loss attempts, experiences of discriminatory treatment due to weight, self-blaming thoughts and hopeful perceptions of GLP-1 medications. Concern about serious health risks was associated with lower likelihood of use or interest. Conclusions: GLP-1–based medications are gaining recognition, but uptake remains heterogeneous and many individuals with obesity remain uninterested. Concerns about potential health risks persist. Attitudes toward these medications are shaped not only by weight status but also by prior weight management experiences and perceptions. Clinical communication should be sensitive to these factors.
SN - 0307-0565
SN - 1476-5497
ER -