GLP-1s and public opinion:

Even the most personal health decisions can be influenced by public perception—GLP-1s are no exception. As these medications become part of the cultural conversation, people are constantly navigating what others might think: Will I be judged? Will others understand me? Should I say anything at all?

Ro’s findings reveal a complex picture: perceptions of public opinion vary dramatically by generation. Millennials are the most likely to feel judged for GLP-1 use (35% vs. 20% of older generations), yet younger Americans are also the most supportive overall—20% of Gen Zers call it “smart and effective” compared to just 7% of Boomers. 

This push-pull reflects a broader wellness paradox, where transparency and scrutiny often go hand-in-hand, and where younger generations face both more pressure and more permission to be open.

What the public actually thinks about GLP-1s remains unclear, especially because each generation perceives health in very different ways. Learn more about our findings and our methodology below.

In tandem, more than a third of Millennials say news and social media has had a moderate influence on their decision to share their GLP-1 use (meanwhile, half of Gen Xers and ⅔ of Millennials say it’s had no influence). The rise of “GLP-1 discourse” on social media platforms has given Millennials unprecedented exposure to both support and criticism. For many, this shapes how they communicate—not just publicly, but with friends and family.

Among the general population, support is also growing, but remains uneven.

In the general population, people who have close proximity to someone on a GLP-1 tend to have much more positive perceptions of the medications than those who know no one on a GLP-1.

Of people who say GLP-1s are a smart and effective way to lose weight:

Of people who say GLP-1s make sense for those with serious health concerns:

Even as Millennials on GLP-1s feel more judged, younger generations tend to be more accepting, suggesting that perception and experience are not always aligned. This disconnect shows that stigma isn’t fueled by what others think, but by what we assume they think.

Millennials feel more judged and perceive the public to be more critical of GLP-1s, but they’re also using that awareness to shape more thoughtful conversations with their loved ones. Boomers, on the other hand, perceive more positivity, experience less stigma, and are more likely to disclose that they’re on a GLP-1 freely. While public opinion remains murky, one thing is clear: personal relationships remain a trusted space for openness, honesty, and growing understanding for people setting trail on a new health journey.

Methodology

Survey results are based on the responses of 2,782 people, of which 782 were Ro Body members using GLP-1 medication. Ro membership includes access to prescription GLP-1 medications, provider check-ins, an insurance concierge, and a lifestyle modification curriculum. Ro members were entered into a sweepstakes in exchange for their participation in the survey.