Khaberni - A recent study has shown that women and middle-class groups in society are the most frequent users of weight loss injections, such as the commercial GLP-1 drugs Mounjaro and Wegovy, according to an analysis of specific prescriptions from November 2024 to October 2025.
According to "The Guardian", the Health Foundation, in collaboration with the online weight management software provider "Voy", analyzed data from 113,630 patients, focusing on age, gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), and socio-economic background, revealing that about 80% of the prescriptions were for women, with the highest usage rates among age groups from 30 to 49 years, and significantly decreasing after the age of 60.
The study showed that people in more deprived areas were about one third less likely to get the injections compared to those living in less deprived areas, although obesity rates were higher among the less fortunate groups. The study also pointed out that some individuals start treatment late, which increases their health risks, as the percentage of those who started treatment with a BMI of 35 or higher was about 45% in the more deprived areas, versus 30% in the less deprived ones.
Samantha Field, a researcher at the Health Foundation, said, "The groups that bear the greatest burden of obesity are less likely to use GLP-1 treatments, often at higher BMI indices, which can harm their health." She added that the focus should be on ensuring fair access to treatment, along with continuing obesity prevention policies and improving the food environment.
The study mentioned that the cost of treatment through "Voy" ranges from 144 to 324 British pounds per month, which may limit access for people in less affluent areas.
Ultimately, it clarified that the injections mimic a natural hormone that regulates sugar levels, appetite, and digestion, and that access is available for those with a Body Mass Index of 40 or more, while private service providers can prescribe it for those with a BMI over 30.
