Approximately 26% of adults in the UK are living with obesity. Obesity can affect individuals’ physical health, mental wellbeing, and social experiences. Many living with obesity face stigma; they are blamed, stereotyped, or judged negatively because of their weight, and some internalise this stigma (self-stigma), judging and devaluing themselves.
There has been a dramatic recent increase in the use and availability of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 weight loss injections (GLP-1s; e.g. Mounjaro), with an estimated 1 in 50 people in the UK currently using them to manage their weight. Although effective, little is known about the psychological and social experiences of GLP-1 injection users, and how this relates to their health and GLP-1-related behaviours (e.g. adherence).
Through three empirical studies, this PhD aims to explore the extent to which GLP-1 injection users experience a unique form of treatment-related self-stigma, and how this influences their experiences and their psychological and behavioural outcomes (e.g. diet, GLP-1 adherence). All studies involve GLP- 1 injection users; a questionnaire (n=350) will examine the relationships between GLP-1-related self-stigma, psychological wellbeing, weight-management, and treatment-related behaviours. Follow-up interviews (n=25) will be conducted with those identified as high in GLP-1-related self-stigma to explore experiences of stigma generally and within healthcare settings. Lastly, an online experiment (n=200) will examine the impact of GLP-1-related communication on GLP-1-related self-stigma, psychological wellbeing, and weight-management and treatment-related behaviours.
This PhD addresses a key knowledge gap and will inform communication strategies to reduce stigma,
improve patient support and wellbeing, and promote equitable care for people living with obesity.