Associations between positive body image, embodiment, and GLP-1 consideration for weight loss among women in the United Kingdom

Abstract

Interest in glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications has increased rapidly among the general population in the Global North, yet little is known about the psychological factors that influence consideration of GLP-1 use for weight loss. While recent research suggests that body appreciation may be negatively associated with interest in GLP-1 use, other dimensions of positive body image remain largely unexplored. This study examined associations between body appreciation, functionality appreciation, experiences of embodiment (attuned self-care, positive body connection and comfort, resisting objectification), and GLP-1 consideration among women residing in the United Kingdom (N = 327). Hierarchical multiple regression analyses examined the unique contributions of body appreciation, functionality appreciation, and embodiment subscales on GLP-1 consideration, while controlling for age and body mass index (BMI). Body appreciation, functionality appreciation, and all embodiment variables were negatively associated with GLP-1 consideration, while BMI was positively associated with GLP-1 consideration. When examined simultaneously (controlling for age and BMI), only resisting objectification emerged as a significant and negative correlate of consideration of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, while BMI emerged as a significant and positive correlate. BMI did not moderate the association between resisting objectification and GLP-1 consideration. Findings suggest that resisting objectification may be uniquely associated with lower GLP-1 consideration, independent of other dimensions of positive body image and BMI. These findings extend emerging literature by highlighting the potential importance of embodiment, particularly resisting objectification, in understanding consideration of GLP-1 use for weight loss.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Body Image, 2026 · DOI ↗