GLP-1 medications like Wegovy have transformed weight loss, but for many women, the experience goes beyond the scale. A survey of 1,000 American and British women GLP-1 users reveals key insights into the social pressures, unexpected health benefits, and challenges they face in accessing treatment. From stigma and affordability to hormonal effects, here's what women wish they knew before starting GLP-1s.
Key Takeaways
21% of British women and 16% of American women are taking GLP-1s to reach aesthetic goals, using the medication to achieve a desired look.
1 in 2 Britons and 1 in 3 Americans feel judged by other women for taking GLP-1s.
50% of Britons and 41% of Americans faced weight-based stigma before using GLP-1s.
1 in 5 Britons and 1 in 6 Americans said better sleep is an unexpected GLP-1 benefit.
1 in 6 Britons and 1 in 7 Americans enjoy improved digestion after starting GLP-1s.
1 in 10 Britons and 1 in 16 Americans have more regular menstrual cycles on GLP-1s.
11% of Britons and 8% of Americans on GLP-1s have fewer/less painful period cramps.
Women's GLP-1 Use Motivations and Challenges
Infographic comparing why women in the UK and US take GLP-1 medication, highlighting weight loss as the top reason. It also notes differences in access to prescriptions and the use of ChatGPT for information.
British women are mainly taking GLP-1s to lose weight, reduce food cravings, and reach an aesthetic goal in their appearance.
American women are primarily on GLP-1 medication to lose weight, reduce food cravings, and manage diabetes.
25% of younger Americans and 10% of younger Britons (millennials/Gen Z) have faced difficulty getting a GLP-1 prescription, compared to 21% of older Americans and 14% of older Britons (baby boomers/Gen X).
27% of Gen Z Americans struggle to get a GLP-1 prescription — more than twice the rate of their UK peers (13%).
Infographic comparing the biggest challenges women in the UK and US face in accessing GLP-1 medication, including stigma, insurance coverage, side effects, and availability.
1 in 2 British women and 1 in 3 American women feel judged by other women for taking GLP-1s.
70% of younger Britons and 56% of younger Americans feel judged for taking GLP-1s, compared to 66% of older Britons and 42% of older Americans.
49% of Americans and 35% of Britons think GLP-1 prescriptions are more socially acceptable for those earning over $100K a year.
87% of British women and 81% of American women believe GLP-1 use should be as normalized as Botox or birth control.
How GLP-1s Benefit Women
Infographic showing the impact of weight loss on women's social and professional experiences in the US and UK. It compares "before" and "after" perceptions, highlighting changes in compliments, dating attention, workplace respect, and job opportunities.
50% of British women and 41% of American women faced weight-based stigma before using GLP-1s and losing weight.
21% of Britons and 17% of Americans reported better sleep as an unexpected benefit.
16% of Britons and 14% of Americans experienced improved digestion.
12% of Britons and 6% of Americans noticed more regular menstrual cycles, suggesting a potential regional difference in how GLP-1s impact hormones.
11% of Britons and 8% of Americans had fewer or less painful period cramps.
9% of Britons and 10% of Americans experienced reduced PMS symptoms, such as mood swings and bloating.
2% of Britons and 3% of Americans reported improvements in endometriosis symptoms.
2% of Britons and 3% of Americans also noted a reduction in ovarian cysts.
59% of older Britons, 42% of younger Britons, and 41% of older Americans reported that GLP-1s helped with weight management.
53% of older Britons and 23% of younger Americans experienced reduced cravings.
30% of younger Britons and 18% of younger Americans reported improved energy levels
22% of older Britons and 19% of younger Americans noted improved mood or reduced anxiety.
18% of younger Britons and 17% of older Americans experienced joint pain relief.
14% of older Britons and 12% of younger Americans reported improved mental clarity or reduced brain fog.
Infographic comparing unexpected benefits women in the UK and US have experienced while taking GLP-1 medications, including feeling fuller with smaller portions, reduced cravings, improved mood, and better blood sugar control.
Unexpected GLP-1 benefits among British women by generation:
56% of Gen Z feel fuller with smaller meals after taking GLP-1s, compared to 31% of Gen X and 23% of baby boomers.
Only 6% of baby boomers report better blood sugar control with GLP-1s, significantly lower than 49% of millennials and 36% of Gen X.
53% of millennials experience fewer or less painful periods with GLP-1s, higher than 28% of Gen Z.
Unexpected GLP-1 benefits among American women by generation:
47% of millennials feel an improvement in mood or reduced anxiety with GLP-1s, compared to 24% of baby boomers and 20% of Gen Z.
44% of baby boomers see improved blood sugar control on GLP-1s, compared to 30% of Gen X and 15% of Gen Z.
50% of Gen Z and 40% of millennials have fewer or less painful periods when using GLP-1s.
The Effects of GLP-1s on Menopause
Infographic comparing how GLP-1 medication has affected menopause symptoms in women from the UK and US.
43% of American doctors suggested lifestyle changes without offering medication for menopause-related weight gain, compared to 38% of British doctors. Doctors immediately recommended GLP-1 medication for 11% of Americans and 6% of Britons.
Concerns About Stopping GLP-1s
Infographic comparing UK and US women's views on GLP-1s as a long-term health tool or short-term weight loss solution.
49% of British women and 42% of American women plan to stop GLP-1s once they reach their goal, while 27% in both countries intend to take them indefinitely.
70% of Britons and 55% of Americans fear uncontrollable weight regain after stopping GLP-1s.
Nearly half of Britons (48%) and over a third of Americans (35%) feel anxious about stopping GLP-1s.
19% in both the UK and the US worry that GLP-1s accelerate aging by reducing fat in the face and body.
More Americans (4%) than Britons (1%) have experienced pregnancy while on GLP-1s.
23% of Americans and 16% of Britons reported no concerns about stopping GLP-1s.
Methodology
We surveyed 500 Americans and 500 British women taking GLP-1 medications to explore their motivations, experiences, and concerns. Among Americans, the average age of respondents was 41. Generationally, 7% were baby boomers, 29% were Gen X, 44% were millennials, and 19% were Gen Z. Among Britons, the average age of respondents was 42. Generationally, 3% were baby boomers, 29% were Gen X, 53% were millennials, and 14% were Gen Z. Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding.
About Levity
At Levity, we're dedicated to helping you achieve sustainable, long-term weight loss. Our approach pairs the power of clinically proven treatments with personalized lifestyle support. With a caring and knowledgeable team of US-based clinicians and dietitians, we're here to help you feel confident in your journey to better health.
Fair Use Statement
You may share this information for noncommercial purposes if you include a link back to our study.
