From Social Feeds to Real Need: The Global GLP-1 Awareness Gap

These days, it feels like you can’t scroll through social media or watch the news without coming across something about GLP-1 medications - Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro. They’ve basically become part of everyday conversations in some places. But here’s the thing: that visibility doesn’t reach everyone.

According to Ipsos’ Health Service Report 2025, only 36% of adults across 30 countries have even heard of GLP-1 treatments. Compare that to 74% in the U.S., and you start to see this gap. It’s not just about awareness - it’s about access, opportunity, and who gets to be part of the conversation in the first place.

And honestly, awareness tells you a lot about someone’s chances for better health. When people don’t know about what options exist, managing chronic conditions can feel daunting and overwhelming. The variation in awareness around GLP-1s illustrates two very different realities: in some regions, these medications are hot topics, while in others, they’re almost entirely unknown. Social media algorithms play a role here. If you’re not the target audience, the content simply never reaches you.

The contrast is huge: the U.S. sits at 74%, and this percentage is likely even higher now after recent policy changes made them more affordable. In comparison, awareness in Mexico sits at a mere 25%, and in Colombia, it drops to just 9%.

And that’s especially tough to hear when you consider obesity rates: 36.9% in Mexico and 24.3% in Colombia (World Obesity Federation). There are millions who could benefit from treatment but don’t even know where to start. It naturally raises the question: are these new therapies showing up where the need is greatest, or simply where the market is strongest?

The New Face of Awareness: Social Media and Self-Education

Something else the data highlights: how people are learning about GLP-1s. Among those who know about them, 45% learned through social media, while only 19% received this information from healthcare professionals.

That says a lot about how health information has shifted. Influencers, telehealth platforms, and peer communities – rather than doctors or pharmaceutical companies – are leading the conversation now. And sometimes what’s being shared is rooted in science… and sometimes it’s not.

You’ve probably seen this yourself: GLP-1s framed as “metabolism reset buttons”, stories about microdosing, people positioning them as hacks for longevity or productivity. Meanwhile, even major food brands are releasing “GLP-1 friendly” meals, such as high-protein, high-fibre meals designed to promote satiety. This underscores how deeply these medications are impacting the modern wellness landscape, both positively and negatively.

But underneath all of that noise is a real truth: people are hungry for trustworthy information. Ipsos found that 68% of adults prefer researching health topics on their own before asking a clinician. That desire for autonomy is great - until misinformation fills the gaps.

Perception of Care and the Road Ahead

Ipsos also asked how people feel about their healthcare systems. 43% say their care is good, 22% say it’s poor, and only 28% believe it will improve in the next few years.

That tells a story.

Depending on where you live, barriers like cost, availability, infrastructure, or even cultural attitudes can make obesity treatment feel unreachable. And because most clinical trials take place in North America and Europe, many populations end up underrepresented - reinforcing inequities before treatment even becomes available.

Even countries with strong systems aren’t immune. In the UK, Canada, and parts of Europe, perceptions of care quality have dropped since 2018. People feel the system is stretched thin.

In moments like these, clinicians play a crucial role - not just prescribing medications, but explaining them, supporting people long-term, and making sure care feels doable, not intimidating.

How nymble Makes a Difference

This is where I feel really proud of what nymbe is trying to do.

These barriers - lack of awareness gaps, uneven access, limited support - don’t have to dictate someone’s entire health journey. nymble brings together evidence, personalized guidance, and emotional support in a way that actually works for people’s real lives.

We give users clear, clinically grounded information on GLP-1 medications, nutrition, side-effect management, and long-term care. But we also support the human side of the journey - motivation, uncertainty, confidence, stigma. Because this isn’t just a medical process; it’s an emotional one.

And the part I love most? Accessibility.

You don’t need a fancy app.

You don’t need perfect Wi-Fi.

If you have a phone, you can get support.

In countries like Mexico and Colombia, where average incomes are lower, but mobile phone use is incredibly high, SMS and WhatsApp become essential touchpoints. They are familiar, simple, and they meet people where they already are.

Plus, with nymble’s multilingual support, language no longer becomes a barrier. People can use the language that feels most natural and comforting without losing clinical accuracy. Everything is professionally translated and clinically validated, so it’s safe, trustworthy, and culturally sensitive.

Turning Data into Action

The Ipsos 2025 data is a wake-up call. Awareness, access, and emotional well-being are connected deeply.

You can’t ask about a treatment you don’t know exists.

You can’t pursue care that feels out of reach.

And you can’t stay committed if shame makes the process feel unsafe.

Real progress in obesity care needs more than new medications. It needs connection, clarity, and compassion. When people feel informed, they gain the confidence to take action. When care feels accessible, they stay engaged.

That’s the heart of it: meeting people where they are - and making sure they feel seen, supported, and empowered from the very start.

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