Body image and interest in GLP-1 weight loss medications

There has been extensive discourse about new weight loss medications, glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists (GLP-1s), and their potential to induce significant weight loss among users. Past research reveals strong associations between body size and body image, which may lead some users of GLP-1s to expect an increase in body satisfaction. To date, no research has explored the relationship between body image and interest in using GLP-1s, which is the focus of the current study. Two hundred and twenty-five participants from a university in the Northeastern U.S. (M_age = 20.03; 71.2 % women) completed assessments of their awareness and interest regarding GLP-1s using questions developed specifically for this study. Participants also completed measures of body appreciation, body neutrality, self-objectification (body shame and surveillance), weight bias, concerns about weight, and attempts at weight loss; they self-reported their height and weight. Results indicated that participants who were most interested in trying GLP-1s and willing to tolerate their common side effects reported greater body shame, body surveillance, weight concerns, anti-fat bias, disordered eating behaviors, and higher BMIs, as well as lower body appreciation and body neutrality. Simultaneous regression analyses revealed that BMI and recent attempts at weight loss uniquely accounted for variance in interest in GLP-1 use and willingness to tolerate side effects of GLP-1s. Notably, body appreciation moderated one of these findings, suggesting that a higher appreciation for one's body may serve as a protective factor against interest in using GLP-1s for weight loss.