GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have revolutionised obesity treatment, but recent Australian research highlights some challenges faced by those who choose to take these medications. In a study by Post and Persky (2024), 357 Australian adults read about a woman who lost 15% of her body weight through diet/exercise or GLP-1 RAs. Participants rated their attitudes and beliefs about the woman.
Findings reveal that women who used GLP-1 RAs faced stronger negative evaluations compared to those who lost weight through diet and exercise. This negativity stemmed from the perception that GLP-1 RAs are a weight-loss “shortcut.” These attitudes mirror the stigma faced by individuals considering bariatric surgery, often judged as opting for the “easy way out.” I’ve seen this for the past 20 years in working with those who are contemplating, working up to, and living well following bariatric surgery.
The study highlights a troubling reality – that whether through pharmacological means or surgery, societal judgements persist – and that even with the development of new treatments, the same biases prevail.
What I have tended to encourage people to consider is that even ‘if there was an easy way out, why wouldn’t I take it?’. Health is never easy, but why shouldn’t any of us take advantage of any treatment or approach that has evidence to benefit our health?
By Chris Thompson – Psychologist
