How Are GLP-1s Impacting Relationships in the UK?
Weight loss is often seen as a physical transformation, but for many, its impact goes far beyond the scale. Users of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic report noticeable changes in confidence, emotional connections, and romantic relationships. To better understand these shifts, we surveyed 500 UK residents using GLP-1 medications for weight loss. The findings reveal how these treatments influence self-perception, intimacy, and dating experiences across different demographics.
GLP-1 medications are not only reshaping bodies but also fostering greater self-assurance, leading to changes in users’ romantic and social lives.
Alt text: A MedExpress infographic shows changes in libido and sexual satisfaction among UK GLP-1 users: 32% improved, 50% unchanged, and 18% decreased. Highlights include increased confidence (3 in 4 users), more adventurous intimacy (1 in 2), new relationships (1 in 10 singles), and greater emotional intimacy (3 in 5 couples).
Nearly 3 in 4 UK GLP-1 users have felt a boost in confidence since starting the medication, with women being 25% more likely than men to experience this shift. Confidence gains were highest among millennials (77%), followed by Gen X (72%) and Gen Z (71%).
For those in relationships, this boost in self-esteem has strengthened emotional bonds: 3 in 5 users reported greater emotional intimacy with their partner post-weight loss. Among singles, 1 in 10 entered a new romantic relationship following their transformation.
Changes in libido and sexual satisfaction were more subtle, with Gen Z (32%) and Gen X (27%) seeing the highest increases compared to millennials (16%). Men and women reported nearly identical increases, at 22% and 23%, respectively. However, this transformation has led to nearly 1 in 2 users becoming more adventurous or open in the bedroom, with 1 in 6 exploring new sexual positions.
As GLP-1 users continue their transformation, sexual health and relationship dynamics play a significant role in their experiences.
Alt text: A MedExpress infographic highlights the link between sexual and physical health for UK GLP-1 users. Nearly 3 in 4 value sexual health in their weight-loss journey. Key insights: 3 in 5 feel pressure to maintain weight loss, 1 in 5 had past connections (exes or crushes) reach out, and 1 in 2 say the medication gave them “a second chance” at love or relationships. Features a couple smiling and embracing.
Nearly 3 in 4 UK GLP-1 users believed that sexual health was just as important as physical health in their weight-loss journey. This view was stronger among men (75%) than women (69%). Gen Z (79%) agreed with this the most compared to millennials (75%) and Gen X (58%).
However, the pressure to maintain weight loss is a concern for many users, with over 3 in 5 feeling the weight of judgment or the fear of losing attention if they gain the weight back. This pressure was felt slightly more by women (62%) than men (59%) and increased in younger generations (Gen Z: 64%, millennials: 67%, Gen X: 55%).
As users experience transformation, it’s no surprise that nearly 1 in 5 have noticed people from their past — such as exes or old crushes — reaching out to them. This occurred more frequently among Gen Z (28%) compared to millennials (18%) and Gen X (12%), and it happened about the same among men (19%) and women (18%).
About half of users felt that the medication had given them a “second chance” at love or relationships, with men (53%) being more likely to express this than women (44%). Among generations, Gen Z (58%) felt the most optimistic about their future relationships, followed by millennials (49%) and Gen X (32%).
GLP-1 medications are doing more than just helping people lose weight — they’re shaking up confidence, intimacy, and relationships in surprising ways. Many users are feeling bolder in their love lives, reconnecting with past flames, or even starting new relationships. But with these changes also comes pressure — whether it’s the fear of losing progress or the way others perceive their transformation. As more people navigate these shifts, it’s clear that the emotional side of weight loss is just as important as the physical one.
We surveyed 500 UK residents taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss to uncover how GLP-1 medications like Ozempic are affecting users’ intimate lives and relationships. The average age of respondents was 38; 53% were female, 46% were male, and 1% were non-binary. Generationally, 5% were baby boomers, 27% were Gen X, 50% were millennials, and 18% were Gen Z.
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Media and publishers may reference this study with proper credit to MedExpress and a direct link to the findings.
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