Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2025

Sleeve Gastrectomy in Mice using Surgical Clips
Published on: November 14, 2020
Exposure to GLP-1 Receptor Agonist and Bariatric Surgery Use on Obesity Policy Support
Stacy M Post1, Rebecca K Hoffman2, Junhan Chen3
1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
Background:
Glucagon-like-peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) are a newer class of obesity medications that have garnered significant attention by the public and media. Media reports suggest that medical interventions such as GLP-1s are often perceived as weight loss "shortcuts."
Purpose:
The present experimental research tested the effect of exposure to medical weight loss interventions on GLP-1 policy support, dependent on body mass index.
Methods:
A sample of 440 participants (Mage= 37, SD = 12.6) were randomly assigned to read about a woman who lost 15% of her body weight either with a GLP-1, bariatric surgery, or diet/exercise. Participants reported on beliefs that the woman took a weight loss "shortcut" and support for three policies expanding GLP-1 coverage.
Results:
Exposure to a woman who lost weight with GLP-1 or bariatric surgery (vs. diet/exercise) led to higher GLP-1 policy support. However, such exposure was also indirectly associated with lower policy support, partially mediated by weight loss "shortcut" beliefs.
Conclusions:
This study provides evidence that exposure to medical weight loss interventions leads to higher GLP-1 policy support. Exposure may also, indirectly, lead to lower policy support due to beliefs that such interventions are shortcuts. Findings have implications for policymakers who are interested in how perceptions of medical weight loss interventions influence support for obesity treatments and related health policies.
Related Concept Videos
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones
Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Inhibitors
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Glinides
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: α-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Acarbose and miglitol are...
Regulation of Food Intake

