Youth Perspectives on the Use of Medications for Weight Loss

Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) has surged in popularity for its weight loss effects. Its widespread media coverage may have an outsized impact on adolescents and young adults due to their higher engagement in social media and their vulnerability to unintended consequences of weight-related discourse (e.g., body dissatisfaction, disordered eating, weight stigma). This study aimed to determine youth familiarity with and opinions about use of medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss.

Five open-ended questions were asked to 753 youth participants (14-24 years) in the MyVoice nationwide text message poll in March 2024. Responses were analyzed using content analysis and coding differences resolved by consensus. Differences by demographic characteristics were explored using chi-square tests.

Overall, 547 (73%) youth responded; average age was 20.4 ± 2.5 years, with 50.3% identifying as female. Nearly three-quarters (73.6%) had heard of medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, but the majority (57.5%) stated that these medications should not be used by youth. Three primary concerns arose: (1) safety; (2) inappropriate use; and (3) role of personal responsibility for healthy lifestyle (a belief that was more common among males than females or other gender).

Awareness about semaglutide was high, but perceptions of use were generally negative or hesitant, particularly among males, who emphasized the importance of healthy lifestyle behaviors. Hesitancy due to safety concerns and the role of weight stigma should be explored to determine the potential impact on users of such medications when medically indicated.