A new survey has revealed that one in ten women are already using weight loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro, while nearly three-quarters are contemplating trying them this year. The study, which surveyed 1,000 women aged 30 to 75, found that while many women are considering these medications, a significant number would prefer to keep their use private due to the stigma surrounding weight loss that isn’t solely attributed to diet and exercise.
Secret Use of Weight Loss Injections
According to the poll, 19% of women taking weight loss medication admitted to doing so without others knowing. Furthermore, 35% said they would only disclose their use to close family and friends. This reflects a broader societal pressure and stigma around weight loss, particularly when medications are involved, as many women feel the need to keep their efforts discreet.
Challenges with Traditional Weight Loss Methods
The survey, commissioned by Juniper, a digital weight loss service, also highlighted the struggles women face with traditional weight loss methods. The biggest obstacles to shedding pounds were difficulty in maintaining a consistent diet, lack of time for regular exercise, and mental health challenges related to motivation. Nearly 86% of participants stated they had tried various diet and weight loss programs, but many still found success elusive.
The Rise of Weight Loss Injections
The survey also pointed out the growing use of weight loss injections, with more than 500,000 people in the UK now relying on such medications, the majority of which are sourced from private pharmacies. Wegovy and Mounjaro are two of the most popular drugs being used to aid in weight loss.
Wegovy is available to individuals in England through the NHS for those with a BMI of 30 or higher and at least one obesity-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes. However, the NHS currently estimates that only a small fraction of eligible patients are receiving Wegovy through specialized weight management services. The rest are turning to online pharmacies for access.
Limited NHS Access and Future Prescriptions
Mounjaro is another weight loss medication that has been introduced in NHS prescribing, but its availability has been capped. The NHS plans to prescribe Mounjaro to only 220,000 patients over the next three years due to concerns over costs and the capacity to manage the program effectively.
Conclusion
As weight loss injections gain popularity in the UK, the stigma surrounding non-diet and exercise-based weight loss remains an issue for many women. Despite the potential benefits these medications offer, the challenges of access, cost, and societal judgment continue to influence how women approach weight loss. The surge in private pharmacy use reflects the growing demand for alternatives, though access via the NHS remains limited for now.
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