What are they?
GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are a class of prescription medications primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and, more recently, obesity. They work by mimicking the effects of the natural hormone GLP-1 in the body, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and appetite. Weight loss injections have become a significant tool for managing obesity and assisting in fat loss, particularly for individuals who have struggled with conventional diet and exercise methods.
The rise and rise of GLP-1s
From June 2025, weight loss injections could be prescribed on the NHS for selected groups of people with a high BMI and other weight-related health issues.
There has been intense media interest in weight loss injection therapy, from celebrity users, to changes in consumer habits to potential side-effects.
The global GLP-1 market is expected to exceed €100 Billion by 2030. Contributing factors include rising obesity rates, broadening indications for use, and increasing public awareness. If trends in the U.S. are replicated globally, up to 9% of the population could be taking GLP-1s within the next 5 years.
Our View
For people who live with obesity and related health conditions, they can be a game-changer, particularly for people who have tried unsuccessfully with conventional methods. Weight loss injections should only ever be used as intended and under the supervision of a medical prescriber.
The next blog in this series digs into some of the emerging research on how we can apply emerging research on exercise and nutritional strategies to maximise the chances of weight loss journey being healthy and successful.
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