Navigation
An experimental investigation of the stigmatization of weight loss and regain from GLP-1 receptor agonist use and cessation
The issue of weight management is complex, particularly when considering the psychological implications associated with weight fluctuations. A recent study delves into the stigma surrounding individuals who utilize glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) for weight loss and the subsequent challenges that arise upon discontinuation.
In two separate randomized experiments, researchers recruited participants to assess the stigma attached to individuals with varying weight histories. The first experiment included 607 subjects and focused on evaluating stigma towards those who successfully lost weight with GLP-1s compared to those who achieved weight loss through diet and exercise or those who did not lose weight at all. Findings revealed that the GLP-1 users encountered significantly greater negativity, with a notable difference in participants’ willingness to affiliate with them (p < 0.001) compared to others, specifically a mean difference of 0.52 (95% CI [0.27, 0.76]) when juxtaposed with the diet/exercise group.
The second experiment engaged 706 participants to assess perceptions of those who regained weight after ceasing GLP-1 therapy versus those who experienced weight regain after dietary or exercise efforts, alongside a no-weight-loss condition and a maintained-weight-loss condition. Here, the results indicated that stigmatization levels among GLP-1 users mirrored those experienced by the diet/exercise group; both were perceived less favorably than individuals who sustained their weight loss (ps ≤ 0.001).
Overall, the implications of this research highlight that individuals may encounter stigma not only while losing weight through pharmacological means but also during the transition back to previous weight post-treatment. This underscores a pressing need for stigma-reduction initiatives aimed at improving psychological outcomes in the realm of weight management. [Weight fluctuation, GLP-1s), stigma, perception, dieting]
Year: 2026
