According to the latest government figures, almost two-thirds of UK adults are now considered overweight or obese. These findings, combined with a growing focus on health and wellbeing, have led around 1.5 million UK adults to use weight loss injections. These injections are just one of many options supporting people in losing weight, improving their health, and enhancing their quality of life.
With this in mind, weight loss experts Chemist4U have compiled the latest weight loss injection statistics for 2025, including primary survey data on the positive and negative impacts on people’s quality of life of using such medication.
We’ll look at how people’s views on weight loss injections differ, where most people get their information from about them, and the perceived impact weight loss jabs has on people’s wellbeing.
89% of people said their quality of life improved after using weight loss injections. (Source: Chemist4U)
55% of people feel more confident in their appearance and more comfortable in public after taking the medication. (Source: Chemist4U)
2% of people reported unwanted side effects after using weight loss injections. (Source: Chemist4U)
48% of people said they gained more respect or attention since starting the medication, while 4% reported only negative treatment. (Source: Chemist4U)
40% of people believe weight loss injections are effective, and 33% think they are safe. (Source: Chemist4U)
People with a BMI over 45 reported an average life satisfaction score of 5.86/10, which is about 20% lower than those with a BMI between 30 and 35. (Source: Soby et al.)
60% of people taking GLP-1 injections reported a more positive body image, compared to 46% before and 51% after stopping. (Source: PwC)
60% of people taking GLP-1 medication do so for weight loss or weight maintenance. (Source: PwC)
56% of parents said they would consider weight loss injections for their children if they became available. (Source: PwC)
Sources of information for weight loss injections
Where do most people get their information from about weight loss injections?
According to a consumer survey by Chemist4U, approximately one-third of people who use weight loss injections get their information from friends, family, and/or doctor. Main sources of information about weight loss injections
Over a quarter of people look to online news, lifestyle, and health sites for information on weight loss jabs, and a similar number use social media.
“While there is good information available online and on social media, it can be difficult to know what's the truth. That's why we always recommend talking to a healthcare professional or using trusted sources like our site or the NHS.
The same goes for friends and family. You can't be sure where they've got their information or if it's correct, so while they may mean well, it's essential to check with a clinician, too, especially when it comes to your health.
Weight loss medications aren't one-size-fits-all solutions - they require proper medical assessment, monitoring, and guidance. This is especially important to consider with influencers. As everyone reacts to these treatments differently, their experience won't always be how things go.
I'd always encourage anyone considering these treatments to start with a consultation with their doctor or pharmacist, who can assess whether it's appropriate for them, explain the potential side effects, and ensure it won't interact with any other medications they're taking.”
Ayesha Bashir, Prescribing Pharmacist
Main sources of information on weight loss injections by age
Source
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55+
Friends and family
31.03%
35.63%
31.93%
34.07%
30.23%
Doctor
31.03%
32.19%
30.53%
31.85%
50.00%
Online media such as news, lifestyle, and health
22.99%
29.24%
29.47%
22.96%
11.63%
Social media adverts
29.89%
30.96%
27.37%
16.30%
11.63%
Social media influencer posts
18.39%
28.99%
22.11%
19.26%
8.14%
Research studies
26.44%
26.04%
22.81%
17.78%
5.81%
Weight loss clinic
16.09%
27.52%
18.25%
15.56%
6.98%
Pharmacist
21.84%
24.08%
19.30%
15.56%
8.14%
Advertisements
16.09%
21.38%
22.46%
19.26%
4.65%
Online forums
9.20%
23.34%
22.81%
13.33%
6.98%
Nutritionist
12.64%
27.76%
17.19%
8.89%
5.81%
Work colleagues
18.39%
18.18%
20.00%
14.81%
6.98%
Support groups
8.05%
16.46%
14.39%
9.63%
1.16%
Unsure/can't remember
0.00%
1.47%
0.35%
1.48%
1.16%
Other, please specify
0.00%
0.00%
0.35%
2.22%
1.16%
(Source: Chemist4U)
Note: Figures do not total 100% because respondents could select multiple answers.
By age group, primary sources of information about weight loss injections differ:
32% of people aged 18–24 visit their doctor, compared to 50% of those aged 55+.
People aged 18–24 are twice as likely to use online media as those 55+.
30% of those aged 25–34 use social media, the highest of any age group.
Use of research studies drops with age, with people aged 18–24 five times more likely to rely on them than those 55+.
Main sources of information on weight loss injections by gender
Our survey shows that women are more likely to ask friends and family for information about weight loss medication, while men are more likely to ask their doctor.
About 25% of both men and women use online or social media for information, but women are more likely to follow influencer posts than men (27% vs. 19%).
Impact of weight loss injections on people’s quality of life
How have weight loss injections improved people’s lives?
Almost 90% of those surveyed by Chemist4U saw an improvement in their quality of life after taking weight loss injections.
The impact of weight loss injections on people’s quality of life
In contrast, about 8% said their quality of life stayed the same after taking weight loss medication, and about 2% said it got worse.
The impact of weight loss injections on people’s quality of life by age
Age group
Significantly improved
Slightly improved
Not changed
Slightly worsened
Significantly worsened
18-24
49.43%
42.53%
4.60%
3.45%
0.00%
25-34
57.49%
34.64%
6.39%
1.23%
0.25%
35-44
48.07%
40.70%
9.82%
1.40%
0.00%
45-54
47.41%
40.00%
9.63%
2.96%
0.00%
55+
47.67%
33.72%
11.63%
3.49%
3.49%
(Source: Chemist4U)
Note: Total figures may not equal 100% due to rounding
According to our survey on weight loss injections, the percentage of people reporting a better quality of life after taking the medication generally decreases with age, dropping from over 90% for those aged 25 to 34 to around 80% for those over 55.
Weight loss injection statistics also show that people aged 55 and above are more than twice as likely to report no change or a decrease in their quality of life after taking weight loss injections compared to those aged 18-24.
The impact of weight loss injections on people’s quality of life by gender
More than 50% of women said their quality of life improved significantly after taking weight loss injections, about 8 percentage points higher than men.
In contrast, over 40% of men reported a slight improvement in their quality of life, compared to just over 33% of women.
The impact of weight loss injections on people’s quality of life by region
Region
Improved
Stayed the same
Worsened
East Midlands
93.82%
2.47%
3.70%
East of England
85.71%
12.70%
1.59%
Greater London
92.86%
5.04%
2.10%
North East
87.50%
10.00%
2.50%
North West
88.23%
10.29%
1.47%
Northern Ireland
78.58%
21.43%
0.00%
Scotland
91.07%
7.14%
1.79%
South East
88.50%
7.96%
3.54%
South West
87.27%
12.73%
0.00%
Wales
88.00%
10.00%
2.00%
West Midlands
84.04%
11.70%
4.26%
Yorkshire and the Humber
95.00%
3.33%
1.67%
(Source: Chemist4U)
Note: Total figures may not equal 100% due to rounding
Results from our weight loss injection survey show that 95% of people in Yorkshire and the Humber reported a better quality of life after taking weight loss injections, the highest of any UK region. In contrast, just over 75% of people in Northern Ireland reported the same, the lowest percentage.
At the other end of the scale, almost 4% of people in the West Midlands said their quality of life had worsened, compared to none of those surveyed in the South West or Northern Ireland.
The impact of weight loss injections on people’s quality of life, by the length of time
Duration
Improved
Stayed the same
Worsened
Less than 1 month
54.24%
37.29%
8.47%
1-3 months
88.81%
9.33%
1.87%
4-6 months
94.88%
4.85%
0.27%
7-12 months
94.69%
1.93%
3.38%
More than 12 months
93.15%
5.48%
1.37%
(Source: Chemist4U)
Note: Total figures may not equal 100% due to rounding
Generally, the longer people use weight loss injections, the more their quality of life improves.
For example, just over 50% of those surveyed who had been on the medication for less than a month reported an improvement. This rose to over 90% after four to six months and stayed at a similar level for those taking it for more than a year.
Similarly, about 8% said their quality of life worsened after being on weight loss injections for less than a month. For those who had been on the medication for over a year, this dropped to around 1–2%.
The impact of weight loss injections on people’s quality of life, by the amount of weight loss
Amount of weight lost
Improved
Stayed the same
Worsened
None
27.27%
54.55%
18.19%
<2kg
69.57%
26.09%
4.35%
2-4.9kg
82.17%
15.92%
1.91%
5-7.9kg
94.29%
4.29%
1.43%
8-10.9kg
95.63%
3.40%
0.97%
11-14.9kg
96.40%
2.88%
0.72%
15-19.9kg
96.51%
1.16%
2.33%
20-24.9kg
95.12%
2.44%
2.44%
>25kg
96.67%
1.67%
1.67%
(Source: Chemist4U)
Note: Total figures may not equal 100% due to rounding
Our survey on weight loss injections shows a clear link between the amount of weight lost and improvements in quality of life.
Almost 70% of people who lost less than 2kg reported a better quality of life, compared to over 96% of those who lost 25kg or more.
Fewer than 4% of people who lost 2kg or less said their quality of life got worse. This fell to under 2% for those who lost between 15kg and 19.9kg or over 25kg.
How has people’s quality of life changed since taking weight loss injections?
More than half of those surveyed by Chemist4U said they feel more confident and comfortable in public after taking weight loss injections.
Just under half also reported having more energy and being more active since starting the medication.
The most common positive and negative impacts of weight loss injections
Fewer than 2% of people reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, or digestive issues, and even fewer said their relationship with food got worse after taking weight loss medication.
“It's great to see so many people experiencing genuine improvements in their confidence and overall wellbeing from weight loss medications.
This isn't just about vanity; it's about quality of life. Many of my patients tell me they're finally able to play with their children or grandchildren, enjoy activities they'd given up, or simply feel comfortable in their own skin again.
The good news is that serious side effects are quite rare, and when they do occur - typically digestive issues like nausea or stomach upset – they often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If you are finding it difficult to manage side effects, we can usually help by adjusting your dose or changing the timing of your injections. You can also manage most side effects at home with over-the-counter treatments.
Remember, most people find that any initial discomfort is temporary and well worth the long-term benefits they experience. The key is open communication with your healthcare team so we can support you through your weight loss journey.”
Ayesha Bashir, Prescribing Pharmacist
Positive impacts of weight loss injections by age group
Response
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55+
More confident in appearance
39.76%
56.69%
57.20%
62.30%
47.37%
More confident and comfortable in public
30.12%
57.22%
50.97%
54.92%
32.89%
More energy
43.37%
48.29%
52.92%
47.54%
56.58%
More physically active or mobile
32.53%
51.18%
49.03%
45.08%
38.16%
Improved mood/mental health
43.37%
48.03%
43.58%
50.00%
48.68%
Better sleep
40.96%
46.98%
40.47%
36.89%
34.21%
(Source: Chemist4U)
Our weight loss injection survey shows that people in middle-to-higher age groups reported more positive effects from the medication than those in the youngest or oldest groups.
For example:
Over 60% of people aged 45 to 54 said they feel more confident in their appearance after taking weight loss injections, compared to about 40% of 18- to 24-year-olds and under 50% of those over 55.
Similarly, less than a third of 18- to 24-year-olds and people over 55 said they feel more comfortable in public, compared to over half of those aged 25 to 54.
Fewer than one in three people aged 18 to 24 reported being more active or mobile since starting weight loss injections, compared to more than half of those aged 25 to 34.
The most common positive and negative impacts of weight loss injections by gender
Recent weight loss injection statistics from our survey show that females tend to report more positive impacts on their quality of life than males after using weight loss medication.
Results show that:
Around 60% of women felt more confident in their appearance, compared to less than 50% of men.
Over 50% of women felt more confident and comfortable in public, compared to just over 40% of men.
About 50% of women reported being more physically active or mobile, compared to around 40% of men.
Finally, almost 46% of men said they were sleeping better after taking weight loss injections, which is about 6% higher than women.
Positive impacts of weight loss injections by length of time
Response
Less than 1 month
1-3 months
4-6 months
7-12 months
More than 12 months
More confident in appearance
43.24%
52.67%
57.51%
57.64%
55.07%
More confident and comfortable in public
27.03%
47.33%
50.71%
59.11%
53.62%
More energy
35.14%
50.21%
47.03%
56.16%
55.07%
More physically active or mobile
27.03%
47.33%
45.04%
53.69%
50.72%
Improved mood/mental health
32.43%
44.86%
48.44%
45.81%
59.42%
Better sleep
18.92%
40.33%
44.76%
44.83%
42.03%
More confident dating or being intimate
10.81%
30.45%
35.69%
42.36%
30.43%
Less pain/discomfort
18.92%
29.22%
30.31%
37.93%
40.58%
Saved money by eating less/having fewer meals
21.62%
26.34%
31.16%
31.53%
30.43%
Increased sex drive
5.41%
25.51%
29.75%
32.51%
33.33%
(Source: Chemist4U)
Our weight loss injection survey indicates that the proportion of people reporting positive impacts from weight loss jabs tends to increase over time, as they continue to take the medication.
For example:
Almost 60% of people who had been on weight loss injections for 7–12 months felt more confident in their appearance, compared to about 40% of those on them for less than a month.
Over twice as many people felt more confident and comfortable in public after 7–12 months on the medication compared to those on it for less than a month.
People using weight loss injections for 7–12 months were about four times more confident about dating or being intimate than those on them for less than a month.
Those who had been using weight loss injections for at least four months were about three times more likely to sleep better compared to people using them for less than a month.
People on weight loss medication for more than a year reported a sex drive about six times higher than those who had been taking the medication for less than a month.
Negative impacts of weight loss injections by length of time
Response
Less than 1 month
1-3 months
4-6 months
7-12 months
More than 12 months
Negative/unwanted side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, or digestive issues)
8.11%
2.06%
0.28%
1.97%
1.45%
Relationship with food has worsened (e.g,. fear of eating, food guilt, disordered eating patterns)
5.41%
0.82%
0.00%
1.97%
1.45%
Mood or mental health has worsened
0.00%
0.41%
0.00%
0.99%
1.45%
More anxious/obsessive about weight/appearance
0.00%
0.00%
0.00%
1.97%
1.45%
The cost/accessibility of treatment is stressful or unsustainable
2.70%
0.41%
0.00%
0.00%
1.45%
(Source: Chemist4U)
Those surveyed by Chemist4U tend to report fewer negative impacts from weight loss injections, the longer they take the medication.
After 12 months, fewer than one in 50 people questioned experienced adverse side effects, a decrease in their relationship with food, or a worsened state of mental health and mood.
Experiencing side effects from weight loss medication? Explore our guide on Wegovy side effects and learn how to manage them effectively.
The most common impacts of weight loss injections by the amount of weight lost
Weight loss
More confident in appearance
More confident and comfortable in public
More physically active or mobile
Improved mood/mental health
Less pain/discomfort
<2kg
31.37%
31.37%
33.33%
35.29%
31.37%
2-4.9kg
50.76%
36.36%
37.12%
43.94%
31.06%
5-7.9kg
55.72%
55.72%
46.27%
38.81%
21.89%
8-10.9kg
53.77%
53.77%
48.74%
48.74%
29.15%
11-14.9kg
60.00%
52.59%
47.41%
54.81%
40.00%
15-19.9kg
61.18%
50.59%
48.24%
52.94%
36.47%
20-24.9kg
62.50%
55.00%
50.00%
52.50%
50.00%
>25kg
74.58%
71.19%
76.27%
55.93%
44.07%
(Source: Chemist4U)
Findings from our survey show that the longer people take weight loss injections, the greater their chances of reporting positive impacts on their quality of life.
The main weight loss trends from the data show that:
Almost 75% of people who lost more than 25kg felt more confident in their appearance. This is over three times higher than the amount of those who lost less than 2kg.
Less than 33% of people who lost 2kg felt more confident and comfortable in public, rising to over 70% for those who lost 25kg or more.
About 33% of people who lost less than 2kg became more active or mobile, compared to over 75% of those who lost at least 25kg.
Over 50% of people who lost 11kg or more reported better mood and mental health, compared to just over 33% of those who lost 2kg or less.
How have people treated you differently since taking weight loss injections?
Almost 50% of people surveyed by Chemist4U said they received more respect or attention after taking weight loss injections, compared to about 17% who experienced some negative treatment.
Almost half of those surveyed by Chemist4U claim to have received more respect or attention since taking weight loss injections, compared to around one in six who have experienced a degree of negative treatment.
Positive and negative experiences of people since taking weight loss injections
Less than 20% said they noticed a mix of positive and negative reactions since taking weight loss medication, while about 17% said people treat them the same as before.
Positive and negative experiences of people since taking weight loss injections by age group
Younger people are more likely to report receiving respect and attention after taking weight loss injections compared to older age groups.
Our survey found that:
Over 50% of 18-24-year-olds reported positive reactions from others, compared to about 30% of those over 55.
Just under 50% of people aged 55+ said they are treated the same as before, around ten times higher than 18-24-year-olds.
Negative comments were about twice as common among the youngest group compared to the oldest (22% vs. 10%).
Positive and negative experiences of people since taking weight loss injections by gender
According to our survey, more men claimed to receive respect or attention after taking weight loss injections compared to women (52% vs. 45%).
However, men were also a bit more likely to report negative comments (20% vs. 15%). Even so, men were still around 2.5 times more likely to receive positive comments than negative ones, while women were about three times more likely.
Positive and negative experiences of people since taking weight loss injections by length of time
Our survey data shows that the longer people use weight loss injections, the more likely they are to receive positive reactions from others.
For example, about 17% of people reported getting more respect or attention after one month on the medication, compared to over 50% of those who had been taking it for at least four months.
However, negative reactions varied over time. Around 14% of people using weight loss injections for less than a month reported negative interactions, compared to 20% of those who had been on the medication for more than a year.
Positive and negative experiences of people since taking weight loss injections, by the amount of weight loss
Our survey indicates that people who lose more weight after using weight loss injections are more likely to report positive interactions with others compared to those who lose less.
Almost 60% of those who lost 20–24.9kg said comments from others were mostly positive, compared to just over 25% of those who lost less than 2kg.
Reports of negative interactions were highest at just under 20% for people who lost 8–10.9kg and fell to below 10% for those who lost 20–24.9kg.
Public opinions of weight loss injections
Just under 40% of people surveyed* felt weight loss injections were effective, and about 33% believed they were safe.
* Of those who are using or have used weight loss injections
Public opinions about weight loss injections
Weight loss injection statistics from our survey show that about 30% of people felt weight loss injections should be recommended by doctors, and over 25% believed they provide long-term results with manageable side effects.
Around 20% said the injections are too expensive, while just over 10% felt they are hard to access or that natural alternatives work better.
Most common public opinions about weight loss injections by age group
Response
18-24
25-34
35-44
45-54
55+
Effective
32.18%
42.26%
34.39%
35.56%
36.05%
Safe
20.69%
38.33%
26.32%
35.56%
15.12%
Recommended by doctors
21.84%
30.71%
25.26%
28.15%
41.86%
Long-term results
26.44%
26.54%
25.96%
37.78%
15.12%
Manageable side effects
16.09%
27.27%
29.12%
26.67%
29.07%
Prescription necessary
22.99%
25.31%
22.11%
28.15%
36.05%
Affordable
17.24%
28.50%
18.95%
17.04%
8.14%
Too expensive
20.69%
14.99%
23.86%
25.93%
30.23%
(Source: Chemist4U)
Findings from our weight loss injection survey indicate that public opinions about weight loss medication vary across different age groups.
For example:
Over 40% of people aged 25–34 believe weight loss drugs are effective, compared to almost 33% of 18–24-year-olds.
People aged 25–34 are about 2.5 times more likely to believe weight loss injections are safe compared to those aged 55 and over.
Over-55s are twice as likely as 18–24-year-olds to believe weight loss jabs should be recommended by a doctor.
Fewer than 17% of over-55s think weight loss medication gives long-term results, compared to 25% of those aged 35–44.
Fewer than 8% of over-55s believe weight loss injections are affordable, compared to over 25% of those aged 25–34.
About 30% of people aged 55 and over said weight loss jabs are too expensive, compared to less than 17% of those aged 25–34.
Public opinions about weight loss injections by gender
Overall, men and women have similar views on weight loss injections.
Our survey shows that slightly more women believe the jabs are effective, should be recommended by doctors, and have manageable side effects.
In contrast, men are more likely to believe they are safe, provide long-term results, and are affordable.
About 25% of women said the injections are too expensive, while fewer than 20% felt they are affordable.
For the latest facts and stats about weight loss, check out our weight loss statistics report that highlights the evolution of the weight loss industry and how people’s habits have changed over time in terms of losing weight.
The impacts of weight loss injections on mental health and wellbeing
According to research by Jackson et al., people with obesity often report lower quality of life, less life satisfaction, and more symptoms of depression than those without obesity.
The study also found that psychological difficulties were greater in people with class II/III obesity than in those with class I. (Class I obesity is defined as a BMI of 30–34.9, class II as 35–39.9, and class III as 40 or higher.)
Additionally, those who experienced weight discrimination reported poorer mental well-being in all three areas compared to those who did not.
The findings suggest that weight loss can have a positive impact on a person’s quality of life.
Research by Rand et al. suggests that over half of people living with obesity see food as both a coping mechanism and a source of emotional distress.
The study found that many people use food to avoid problems or manage stress, which often leads to guilt and frustration about the type and amount of food they eat.
This creates a cycle of compulsive eating and loss of control, which increases stress, anxiety, and emotional distress.
All participants who used food as a coping mechanism said they found it difficult to break this cycle.
In addition, recent obesity statistics show that more than 50% of healthcare professionals (HCPs) believe these addictive eating behaviours are linked to mental health issues.
How does BMI affect your life?
A 2023 study by Soby et al. looked at the link between BMI and life satisfaction to see if losing weight could improve how people with obesity feel about their lives.
Over 15,000 people took part and rated their life satisfaction on the Cantril Ladder Score (CLS), which goes from 0 (very poor) to 10 (very good).
The study found that as BMI went up, life satisfaction went down. People with obesity were generally less satisfied with their lives than those without obesity.
Those with the highest BMI (over 45) had the lowest average life satisfaction score of 5.86, which was about 20% lower than people in obesity class I (BMI 30–35).
A meta-analysis of 117 weight loss treatment studies with over 4,500 participants found that losing weight was linked to lower depression and higher self-esteem.
The results showed that medication or surgery worked better than therapy-based approaches for reducing depression and boosting self-esteem. Even modest weight loss led to psychological benefits.
The study concluded that improvements in self-esteem depended on how much weight was lost, but the benefits for depression were seen regardless of the amount of weight lost.
Research by Kolotkin and Anderson shows mixed results on how weight loss treatments affect quality of life, especially when comparing non-surgical and surgical methods.
They found that physical aspects of quality of life improve more than mental aspects, particularly after weight loss surgery.
While the study confirmed that obesity is linked to a lower quality of life, it also found that the connection between how much weight is lost and improvements in quality of life is still unclear.
A systematic review of 36 studies published between 2010 and 2024 found that GLP-1RAs (weight loss injections) can lead to significant weight loss and better blood sugar control for people with mental health conditions.
The research also showed that these weight loss injections can have positive effects on mental health for people both with and without mental disorders, with no evidence linking them to a worsening mental state.
This is backed by another large review and meta-analysis involving over 107,000 patients, which found that weight loss treatments were not linked to a higher risk of serious mental health problems.
Overall, the findings suggest that these medications can improve both physical and mental health, reduce emotional eating, and help people better control their eating habits.
A 2024 study by Xie et al. looked at the health outcomes of 215,970 people with diabetes who received weight loss injections (GLP-1RAs) alongside usual care, such as other blood-sugar-lowering medications.
Compared to usual care alone, GLP-1RAs were linked to a lower risk of 42 health issues, including:
13% lower risk of opioid-use disorders
19% lower risk of bulimia
18% lower risk of schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders
10% lower risk of suicidal thoughts, attempts, or self-harm
12% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease
12% lower risk of bacterial infections
However, the study also found that GLP-1RAs increased the risk of 19 conditions compared to usual care. These included abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), and kidney stones.
Impacts of weight loss injections on self-reported body image and confidence
A survey by PwC found that people felt most positive about their body image while taking weight loss injections compared to before or after using them.
About 60% of people taking GLP-1s reported having a positive self-image, compared to just over 50% of those who had stopped and less than 50% of those who hadn’t started.
Only 10% of current users felt negative about their body image, compared to around 17% of those who had stopped and nearly 25% of those who hadn’t used them.
The future of weight loss injections
Forecasts suggest that the GLP-1 market could be worth an estimated $150 billion by early 2030. This projected growth is primarily driven by the easing of some manufacturing constraints, an improved understanding of the potential side effects, and a growing consumer demand.
Survey data from PwC shows that up to 10% of Americans are currently taking weight loss medications, with between 30% and 35% interested in using them.
Main reasons for taking GLP-1 medication
According to recent diabetes statistics, 60% of people using GLP-1 medication take it for weight loss or maintenance, with a similar percentage using it to manage diabetes.
With new studies being done all the time it's great to see how many extra benefits there are from taking weight loss injections. From helping people with conditions like sleep apnoea to greatly reducing risk of heart attacks, we're learning more about how these treatments can help every day.
But they're not for everyone, and they're definitely not a quick fix. You need make lifestyle and dietary changes alongside taking your treatment. It’s also important to remember that these benefits don’t appear overnight. That’s why we call it a journey.
Ayesha Bashir, Prescribing Pharmacist
How willing are parents to provide weight loss injections for their children?
More than 50% of the parents surveyed by PwC claimed they would be willing for their children to take weight loss injections, should they become available.
Just over 25% were unsure or neutral on the matter, with almost 20% stating they would be unlikely to allow them to take this form of medication.
Did you know? According to parental opinions on weight loss, more than 50% of those surveyed are concerned about their children being exposed to weight loss advertising.
Most common reasons for parents considering weight loss medication for children
Of those parents who said they would be willing for their children to take weight loss injections, just under 50% stated that this is due to their proven efficiency.
More than 40% also claimed that they would if doing so was recommended by a physician.
Most common reasons for people not yet starting weight loss medication
Among those surveyed who had not started weight loss medication, almost 66% said cost was the main reason.
Just under 50% said they hadn’t gotten around to it, and about 40% said it was due to concerns about side effects.
Black market statistics for weight loss injections
In August 2025, Eli Lilly announced plans to increase the price of Mounjaro in the UK by as much as 170% from September 1. This could result in patients seeking weight loss injections from unregulated sources (i.e., the black market).
The number of illegal weight loss medications seized in the UK over time (Exclusive data)
*UK Border Force gave seizure data in different formats (items, weight, and volume). We standardised the data to count individual units. Some entries were removed where we couldn’t make a reasonable estimate, like the number of pens in a box.
Our own exclusive FOI data shows that the UK Border Force seized over 18,300 illegal weight loss and diabetes medications between February 2024 and May 2025. More than half of these were taken in April 2024, the highest month in the 14-month period.
FAQs on weight loss injections
How many people use weight loss injections?
Approximately 1.5 million UK citizens were using weight loss injections, as of Q1 2025.
What does your BMI have to be for weight loss injections?
To get weight loss treatment from a provider like Chemist4U, you need a BMI of at least 30 (or 27 with a weight-related health condition)
As of March 2025, those with a BMI of 40 or more, and who meet the criteria for other weight-related health problems, are eligible for weight loss injections on the NHS.
This may be adjusted to:
35 and above (or 32.5 and above) if you’re from Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean origin
30 to 34.9 (or 27.5 to 32.4) if you’re from Asian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Black African, or African-Caribbean origin, and you meet other criteria outlined by a specialist weight management service.
It’s recommended that you check with your doctor to see if you’re eligible and whether weight loss injections are the proper treatment for you.
What are the most common side effects of weight loss injections?
However, results from our survey indicate that less than 2% of those questioned had experienced negative side effects since taking weight loss injections.
What are the most common positives and negatives of weight loss injections?
According to our survey, the most common positives of weight loss injections are that people feel more confident in their appearance and comfortable when out in public (55.28% and 50.71%, respectively).
Just under 50% of respondents also commented that they have more energy and feel more physically active/mobile since taking weight loss medication.
In all, almost 90% of people questioned believe their quality of life has improved since taking weight loss injections.
On the flip side, the most common negative effects of weight loss injections were nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues (1.85%), a worsened relationship with food (1.09%), and a decrease in mood and mental health (0.65%).
In all, just 2.3% of those surveyed claimed their quality of life had decreased since taking weight loss medication.
What is the average weight loss for those using weight loss injections?
According to a 2025 trial, the average weight loss by those using weight loss injections varied between 13.7% for semaglutide (Wegovy) and 20.2% for tirzepatide (Mounjaro).
How long can you take weight loss injections?
How long you can take weight loss injections for can depend on several factors, including the type of medication you’re on, how successful it has been to date (i.e., how much weight you have lost), and the degree to which you are experiencing any adverse side effects.
For example:
Semaglutide (Wegovy) - a review should take place after six months. If you’ve lost at least 5% of your body weight, you’ll usually continue using it for a maximum of two years.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) - a review will typically take place after six months. If you’ve lost at least 5% of your body weight, you’ll likely continue to take it. However, there is currently no specified time limit for this. This decision will be made on a case-by-case basis and should be discussed with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Liraglutide (Saxenda) - a review will usually take place after three months. Provided you’ve lost at least 5% of your body weight, then you’ll likely carry on taking the medication until advised otherwise.
Between 7 July 2025 and 15 July 2025, Chemist4U surveyed 1,000 UK adults aged 18 and above who had used weight loss injections to gauge their opinions, thoughts, and experiences of using weight loss injections.
Data for this has been rounded to two decimal places; therefore, on some occasions, total figures may not equal 100%.
Illegal weight loss jabs (FOI data)
Chemist4U sought to uncover the extent to which illegal or unregulated weight loss and diabetes medications were being smuggled into the UK.
To gather data on this, Chemist4U sent a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Border Force.
The following questions/requests were sent:
The number of individual seizures involving unregulated or illegal GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs from January 2024 to the present.
The total quantity (e.g., number of doses/units/vials/pens) seized from January 2024 to present.
The data only includes items that have been recorded as being detained or seized by Border Force on their central reporting system.
Border Force searched for specific names mentioned in the request, such as Semaglutide (e.g., Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), Liraglutide (e.g., Saxenda, Victoza), and Tirzepatide (e.g., Mounjaro), as well as weight loss and slimming products.
Figures were taken from a live operational database. As such, numbers may change as information on that system is updated.
Border Force provided seizure data in mixed formats (items, weight, or volume); the dataset was standardised to count individual units, and entries reported only by weight or volume, where a reasonable estimate (e.g., the number of pens in a box) could not be made, were excluded from the final tally.
The study is based solely on the information provided by Border Force. Chemist4U assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies resulting from erroneous data provided.
The data provided covers the period from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025. All data is correct as of August 2025.
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