OBJECTIVES: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have become widely used for weight loss in obesity in recent years due to their inhibition of gastric emptying and food intake. This study aimed to analyze social media data to identify reports about the efficacy of treatment with GLP-1 RAs for weight loss in obesity.

METHODS: Publicly available social media entries about GLP-1 RAs posted on Twitter, Reddit, and patient forums and blogs between June 2022 to May 2023 were identified, synthesized, and categorized using a natural language processing (NLP)-based social media listening tool. A random subset of posts/blogs were further analyzed in detail by life science expert analysts using content analysis. Entries mentioning diabetes (for which GLP-1 RAs are also indicated) were excluded to focus on their use specifically for weight loss in obesity.

RESULTS: Social media analysis identified 7,783 posts/blogs mentioning the use of GLP-1 RAs for weight loss written by 5,879 individuals. A further 809 individuals shared others’ posts that discussed effectiveness of GLP-1 RAs for weight loss. A random sample of 361 posts/blogs by unique individuals was qualitatively analyzed, in which 81% (n=293) reported that GLP-1 RAs were effective for weight loss, not only in terms of weight reduction (n=257, 88%), but also in terms of psychological benefits (n=240, 82%). These psychological benefits included a suppressed appetite as well as reductions in cravings and bingeing. Writers used phrases such as “food noise has disappeared”, “cravings are almost gone”, and “I don’t feel hungry”.

CONCLUSIONS: Writers of social media posts/blogs expressed positive sentiments regarding the efficacy of GLP1-RAs for weight loss in obesity, while also reporting psychological benefits. This highlights additional benefits of GLP-1 RA treatment for weight loss, such as appetite suppression and reduced cravings and food noise, in addition to their efficacy in reducing body weight.