Media and Attitudes: GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss

This thesis aimed to explore relationships between media and attitudes toward using GLP-1/antidiabetic medications for weight loss. This survey-based study collected data on media usage, consumer behaviors, and attitudes from students attending a public, mid-major university in the southern United States. Data from the survey was statistically analyzed to find significant relationships and correlations between variables. The results showed that attitudes toward GLP-1/antidiabetic medications for weight loss had the strongest correlation with willingness to try these medications recommended by famous athletes. The results also showed that attitudes strongly correlated with willingness to try these medications recommended by social media influencers and celebrities. This study suggests that the promotion of pharmaceuticals by influencer personalities may affect perceptions of their use for weight loss. It also suggests that using famous athletes in marketing campaigns may promote positive attitudes toward pharmaceuticals. The implications of this study are to provide information that can help progress marketing in the pharmaceutical industry to deliver accurate healthcare information to the general public.