Finnish Survey Reveals 3.5% GLP-1 Medication Use, Strong Link to Obesity, and Persistent Health Risk Concerns
Background
The landscape of obesity treatment has been rapidly transformed by GLP-1-based medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide, offering significant weight reduction and cardiometabolic benefits. Despite their proven efficacy, understanding who uses or considers these medications across diverse socioeconomic groups, BMI categories, and weight management experiences remains limited. This gap in real-world data hinders targeted public health strategies and clinical counseling, especially concerning patient attitudes and persistent concerns about potential health risks.
Study Design
Researchers conducted a nationally representative online survey of 1729 Finnish adults (1693 included in analysis) in June 2025 using quota sampling via a market research company. The survey measured use and awareness of GLP-1 medications for obesity, specifically listing widely known brands: Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro to aid recognition. For regression analyses, current, past, and potential users (n=322) were combined to identify associations with demographic factors, weight management history, and perceptions.
Results
Overall, 3.5% of Finnish adults reported current use of GLP-1 medications, with an additional 2.0% reporting past use, and 13.5% expressing interest in future use. A notable finding was that ~40% of individuals with obesity reported no interest in these medications. Bivariate analysis revealed that current use was more common among women, those aged 50-69, individuals with household income exceeding €70,000, higher BMI, frequent weight loss attempts, experiences of weight-based discrimination, and self-blame. Multivariable analysis showed the strongest associations for current, past, and potential use were with BMI ≥30.0 kg/m², repeated or persistent weight loss attempts, experiences of discriminatory treatment due to weight, self-blaming thoughts, and hopeful perceptions of GLP-1 medications. > Concern about serious health risks was significantly associated with a lower likelihood of GLP-1 medication use or interest, highlighting a critical barrier to uptake.
Key Findings
- 3.5% of Finnish adults reported current use of GLP-1 medications for obesity.
- 13.5% of Finnish adults expressed interest in future GLP-1 medication use.
- Approximately 40% of individuals with obesity reported no interest in GLP-1 medications.
- Current, past, and potential GLP-1 use was strongly associated with BMI ≥30.0 kg/m².
- Concern about serious health risks was linked to a lower likelihood of GLP-1 use or interest.
Why It Matters
This survey provides crucial insights into the real-world adoption and perceptions of GLP-1 medications beyond controlled clinical trials, particularly within a European population. Targeted public health campaigns and clinical counseling are essential to address misconceptions and concerns about health risks, especially among individuals with obesity who remain uninterested despite the medications' benefits. Understanding these demographic and psychological factors can help clinicians tailor discussions, improve patient education, and potentially enhance equitable access and adherence to these transformative therapies. The findings underscore the need for nuanced communication strategies that go beyond efficacy data to address patient-specific concerns and experiences.
glp-1
semaglutide
tirzepatide
obesity
survey
public-health