This project explores what it is like for people across the UK to use new weight loss medicines, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, and how these treatments affect daily life, eating patterns and wellbeing.
Background
New medications for weight management have become widely used in the UK and around the world. They can help support significant weight loss and decrease the risk of weight related health problems such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Use of these medicines has grown quickly and there is significant public and media interest in them.
Although research trials have shown strong clinical effects, far less is known about the real-world experience of taking these medications day to day. People report a wide range of experiences, from significant improvements in hunger and wellbeing, to challenges such as nausea, changes in eating enjoyment, or uncertainty about stopping treatment. These medications are now used by many thousands of people in the UK, yet their voices are largely missing from research and policy discussions.
Understanding lived experience is important for shaping future support services, reducing inequalities in access and ensuring that treatment decisions reflect what matters to people in their everyday lives.
Project Aims
This project aims to understand how people experience taking new weight loss medications in real life and how this information can be used to inform future support, research and policy.
Project Activity
- We will speak directly with adults who are currently taking or have previously taken these medications for weight management. Participants will take part in online focus groups or one-to-one interviews using secure systems.
- We will explore how these medicines affect appetite, eating behaviour, social life, wellbeing and identity, and what support people may find helpful while taking or stopping treatment.
- The findings will be analysed using thematic methods and shaped in partnership with community contributors who have lived experience.
Anticipated or actual outputs
- The findings will provide evidence on what people need to feel supported when using these medications and after discontinuing them. This can be used to inform service planning, communication with healthcare teams and public health policy. The project will produce public-facing summaries, academic publications and resources for community organisations.
- The study will also contribute to future research by identifying key areas where further evidence is needed, especially for groups who are under-represented in health research.
- A public engagement exhibit is planned for the Cambridge Festival in 2027 to share findings with wider audiences.
Papers and resources
Who is involved?
- Dr Marie Spreckley, Chief Investigator MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge
Researchers and Collaborators
- Prof Amy Ahern, MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge
- Ken Clare, Obesity Voices
- Dr Julia Mueller, University of Cambridge
- Prof Louisa Ells, Obesity Institute, Leeds Beckett University
- Dr Adrian Brown, University College London
- Dr Cara Ruggiero, University of Cambridge
- Pamela Mungroo, University of Cambridge
- Tala Al Ajmi, University of Cambridge
Contact
Dr Marie Spreckley, marie.spreckley@mrc-epid.cam.ac.uk
