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Research Article Volume 13 Issue 2
Adolescence perceptions of using GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight management
Ching-Hsuan Tso, Shenlone Wu, Yi-Shih Kuo, Ryan Huang
Received: June 18, 2025 | Published: July 17, 2025
Citation: Ching-Hsuan T, Shenlone W, Yi-Shih K, et al. Adolescence perceptions of using GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight management. Endocrinol Metab Int J. 2025;13(2):35-39. DOI: 10.15406/emij.2025.13.00368
Abstract
GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Zepbound and Wegovy, have become popular and effective medications for weight loss. In December 2022, semaglutide was approved by the FDA for use in pediatric patients aged 12 to 18 years.1 The success of these medications has led to their widespread consideration for use in pediatric populations worldwide. However, despite updated treatment guidelines, little is known about how children and adolescents feel about using such medication at a young age for weight management. This study explores the concept of “Ozempic-shaming,” or the social stigma surrounding the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, by comparing the opinions and experiences of adolescents ages 12-18 in the USA and Taiwan. Through a cross-sectional survey approach, we identified regional differences in adolescents’ attitudes, shaped by cultural taboos, body image standards, and weight-related biases. Stigma associated with GLP-1 receptor agonist use is closely tied to weight-related biases and the belief that medication use is a shortcut to health. Additionally, cultural taboos around weight management and societal pressures to conform to traditional body ideals significantly influence these attitudes.The findings from the STEP TEENS trial demonstrated the efficacy of once-weekly semaglutide, with a mean change in BMI of -16.1% and that 73% of participants achieving at least 5% body weight loss, highlighting the potential of this treatment to mitigate obesity-related comorbidities. 1 Understanding how adolescents in different cultural context perceive GLP-1 use can help healthcare providers develop more empathetic, stigma-informed, and culturally sensitive strategies to improve treatment adherence and long-term outcomes.
Keywords: GLP-1 receptor agonists, pediatric obesity, ozempic-shaming, adolescent health attitudes, cross-cultural health perceptions, weight stigma
©2025 Ching-Hsuan, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and build upon your work non-commercially.