Worrying new survey results show that stigma around taking weight-loss medication may be putting people off seeking the essential diet and lifestyle support that should go alongside treatment.
The YouGov survey of 2130 UK adults found that;
- just 52% would tell their GP if another provider prescribed them weight-loss medication
- one in eight (12%) wouldn’t tell anyone at all
- weight-loss medication was the only weight loss method in the survey that more people would feel uncomfortable (46%) than comfortable (39%) telling friends and family about
When asked why they might feel uncomfortable telling people, the top reasons were that it’s personal, worries around getting unwanted comments or advice, and fear of judgement.
Our own survey of 380 Slimming World members using weight loss medication has found that support from prescribers is often lacking, with fewer than half of those prescribed medication through the NHS, and around two-thirds of those prescribed privately, receiving any support from their prescriber. Where they did, it rarely went beyond general advice on healthy eating or portion sizes.
Slimming World’s weight loss medication support
At Slimming World, we know that healthy eating and behaviour-change support is crucial for lasting weight loss results. And this lack of support from prescribers, combined with a reluctance to seek support from a GP, is creating a worrying ‘support gap’ for those taking weight loss medications.
To tackle this, we provide expert support and tailored resources for members on weight loss medication, in our judgement-free Slimming World groups and through our digital service, Slimming World Online.
Our members can access tailored GLP-1 guidance through our weight loss medication hub, including:
- practical advice for eating well with a reduced appetite
- evidence-based information on protein, fibre and hydration to support energy, digestion and health
- muscle-strengthening activity videos for all abilities
- ways to manage side effects and changing hunger
- support for when your medication changes or stops
- a Q&A video and special podcast episode, with Slimming World’s expert nutrition team
More about Slimming World’s support for members on weight loss medications
Meet the Slimming World member
Slimming World member, Yvonne Ashley, has lost more than 7st through combining weight loss medication with the healthy habits and support of Slimming World. She says;
“I joined Slimming World as an online member at the start of 2025 and had lost about a stone when I decided to start taking Mounjaro in April. I knew that I needed to change my mindset and my relationship with food – and the combination really worked. The weight loss medication helped quieten my constant thoughts about food, while Slimming World showed me how to eat well and build healthy routines I could genuinely live with.
By January 2026, I’d lost 6st 9½lbs (42.4kg). As I started reducing my Mounjaro, I decided I wanted the extra accountability and support of an in-person Slimming World group, so I swapped my online membership for weekly group sessions.
To be honest, coming off Mounjaro felt daunting. But I felt reassured knowing I had my Consultant, my group and the Food Optimising plan behind me. Since then, I’ve gone on to lose another 10lbs. The medication helped me get started, but Slimming World has given me the tools and support to make those changes last.”
Read Yvonne’s weight loss success story here
Expert support – without judgement
Slimming World is committed to providing that vital layer of support to members who are taking weight loss medication (including Mounjaro, Ozempic or Wegovy), helping them to maintain their weight loss long after the prescription ends. Our head of nutrition, health and research, Carolyn Pallister, explains more about why this is so important;
“People using obesity management medications need lifestyle support as much as anyone, and often even more so: to meet nutritional needs while eating less, to build manageable physical activity into their day and to develop habits and strategies that help them keep the weight off and maintain a healthy life in the long-term. It’s deeply concerning that people taking this step to improve their health feel they have to keep it to themselves, and that needs to change.
At Slimming World, we’ve heard from members who decided to use our services along with their medication because the medication on its own didn’t show them how to eat well on smaller portions, get more active or change habits built up over years. That’s why we’ve created a whole package of guidance and training for our Consultants who run our groups.
We’ve equipped them with the knowledge to support members using these medications effectively and provide the encouragement, accountability and practical strategies that can help them eat more nutritiously, lose weight healthily and keep the weight off long after the prescription ends. We want to make sure all our members receive our non-judgmental behaviour change support and feel welcome, whatever route they’ve taken to improve their health.”
Join our supportive weight loss community today
We’d love to welcome you to a Slimming World group, or to our digital service, Slimming World Online, where you’ll get all the help you need to achieve the real, long-lasting results you want. If you have questions about joining Slimming World while you’re taking weight loss medications, please give your local Consultant a call.