The GLP-1 Revolution – what’s your experience?
We want to hear what’s happening locally
Most of us know someone on medications like Ozempic, Wegovy or Mounjaro – perhaps you are. With 1.5 million people in the UK now using these GLP-1 medications, and likely thousands in the RH area, we wanted to understand what’s happening in our community.
We’re not here to debate whether these medications are right or wrong – that’s a personal decision. What we ARE interested in is supporting our community, as we always have. This is all so new that even professionals are still figuring out “what next. So we wanted to start the conversation locally – sharing what’s working, what’s challenging, and what could help.
We’re also conscious there’s stigma around these medications – some people don’t openly share they’re taking them. Sharing your experience, even anonymously, could be valuable for others navigating this alone.
Why this matters
For many people dealing with obesity-related health conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart problems or joint issues, these medications have been genuinely life-changing. Clinical trials suggest people lose on average 15-20% of their body weight, with significant improvements in health markers.
But the reality is that many people are muddling through alone, especially those paying privately who may not have ongoing medical supervision. Some are trying to incorporate exercise, others are experimenting with different eating approaches, many are rethinking their relationship with food.
There’s been a lot in the national press about people regaining weight after stopping the medication – headlines that can feel discouraging when weight loss has been life-changing for many.
Medical guidance suggests staying on a maintenance dose long-term, but let’s be honest – at £200-300 monthly, not many of us could afford that indefinitely. And many people don’t want to be on medication forever.
This raises important questions: for those still taking the medications, what’s helping you succeed?
What local support exists, and where are the gaps? And for those who’ve stopped – have you managed to keep weight off? What made the difference?
What’s it really like?
People on these medications are navigating all sorts of practical challenges. Restaurant portions that suddenly seem enormous. Social occasions that feel awkward when you can only manage a few bites. The ongoing question of affordability, especially after prices increased significantly in September.
But there are unexpected positives too – some people report grocery bills dropping by 6-9% because they’re simply eating less. Others notice that alcohol consumption naturally decreases. Many discover they’re genuinely craving healthier foods they never used to want.
The experience varies hugely, and that’s why community knowledge becomes so valuable – people sharing what’s worked, the practical tips that don’t come with a price tag.
The local question
We’re also curious whether local businesses are noticing this shift, and what support already exists locally.
Are restaurant owners seeing requests for smaller portions? Are there restaurants or pubs that cater brilliantly for smaller appetites?
Are personal trainers adapting programmes? Are there local walking groups or other accessible activities for people starting out?
Are beauty therapists or hairdressers getting questions about skin or hair changes after weight loss – and have some wisdom to share?
Are there support groups where people share experiences? Mental health support for navigating the emotional changes?
If you work in any other field and have observations or advice that could help, we’d love to hear from you too.
If there’s appetite for this topic (do you see what we did there?) and there’s interest from readers and businesses, we’ll follow up by sharing what we’ve learned – the experiences, tips, and local services that could help.
Share your experience
We want to hear from people navigating this journey AND from local businesses and organisations who are noticing changes.
If you’re on these medications (or have been):
Whether you’re currently taking these medications or have stopped – share your experience to help our community and discover what support and services are available locally.
The survey takes just 3-4 minutes.
Responses are kept anonymous unless you choose to share your details.
If you’re part of a local business or organisation:
If you’re part of a local business or organisation – such as restaurants, cafes, pubs, gyms, personal trainers, nutritionists, beauty therapists, hairdressers, community groups: Tell us what you’re noticing, whether you’ve adapted what you offer, and if you have advice to share.
Takes 2-3 minutes
Prefer email? Send your thoughts to editor@rhuncovered.co.uk
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