Addictive Stock Creatives/ Alamy Stock Photo
Short-term aesthetic goals are potentially driving patients to use or consider weight-loss medications, rather than for health reasons, a survey commissioned by LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor has revealed.
Results of the survey shared with The Pharmaceutical Journal showed that more than three-quarters (78%, n=1,574) of respondents said that they would be tempted to use or consider weight-loss medications in preparation for their wedding, while a similar proportion indicated that going on holiday (74%, n=1,488) and getting a “summer body” (74%, n=1,474) would be motivators.
A nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults was surveyed by British Polling Council member 3Gem between 4 June 2026 and 11 June 2026, before the approval of the oral Wegovy (semaglutide; Novo Nordisk) pill on 11 June 2026.
The sample included 1,000 people who were considering weight management medication, 500 people currently taking weight management medication and 500 people who had previously taken weight management medication.
The survey results also highlighted that more than six in ten respondents (61%, n=1,226) reported that wedding season was a motivator to use weight-loss medicines, while nearly three in five respondents (58%, n=1,151) were tempted to use medication to get in shape for a large family gathering.
More than half of those respondents (51%, n=509) who were on or had previously taken weight management treatments said that “looking better” was a key motivator in exploring prescription treatment options, compared with one-third (33%, n=330) of respondents who said the negative health impacts of being overweight were a driver, the survey results found.
Tase Oputu, president of the Royal College of Pharmacy, said: “Weight management medicines can be an important treatment option for people who meet the appropriate clinical criteria, but they must be treated as medicines, not a quick fix. A thorough assessment by an appropriate healthcare professional is essential to determine whether treatment is suitable, alongside appropriate monitoring and support.
“Patient safety must remain the priority. People should only obtain these medicines from legitimate, regulated providers and should be wary of websites or online sellers offering medicines without appropriate clinical assessment. Some unregulated sites can appear legitimate or imitate registered pharmacies, putting people at risk of counterfeit or unsafe medicines.”
Gigi Taguri, associate medical director at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, commented: “Weight management medications can lead to clinically meaningful weight loss and significant health benefits for those deemed medically eligible.
“However, their use must be seen as part of a wider journey with appropriate clinical and lifestyle support. These medicines are only appropriate for patients who meet established clinical eligibility criteria following assessment by a qualified prescriber.
“These treatments are not intended to be used solely to achieve a particular appearance. For most patients, successful weight management requires a sustained approach that extends well beyond a single holiday, wedding or seasonal goal.”
Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), said: “Medicines have the power to harm as well as to heal, and its important anyone considering on embarking on weight management treatment is eligible, has gone through full checks and is provided with wraparound support, including support with long-term lifestyle changes.
“Pharmacists are experts in medicines and have significant experience advising patients how to take GLP-1’s safely and appropriately.”
The results of a Pharmacy2U-commissioned survey published in July 2026 revealed that one in five UK adults would share weight-loss injections with friends or family, while the results of an NPA survey, also published in July 2026, showed that more than three-quarters (76%) of pharmacies expected to start “significant numbers” of eligible patients on oral Wegovy.
On 9 July 2026, the General Pharmaceutical Council started a campaign to highlight the risk of fake online pharmacies following the launch of the treatment.
The Pharmaceutical Journal understands that the Department of Health and Social Care is not currently aware of any supply issues affecting GLP-1 medicines.
