New Poll Reveals Canadians Lack Understanding of Obesity as a Chronic Disease, Stigma Likely Bleeds Into Treatment

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– Ahead of generic alternatives to weight loss medication expected to hit the Canadian market in 2026, Phoenix’s poll also found two in five Canadians would be interested in trying them –

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TORONTO — Today, Phoenix, Canada’s leading digital health clinic for men, released new poll data with insights from over 1,500 Canadians on sentiments around weight loss and the use of GLP-1s. The poll reveals that, despite the growing prevalence of obesity in Canada, many Canadians do not understand it as a chronic disease, which may drive stigma around the condition and the use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. Despite this stigma, there is notable interest in using GLP-1s to manage obesity, including generic alternatives.

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WEIGHT LOSS IN CANADA

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A recent study found one-third of Canadians are obese, and Phoenix’s poll found weight loss is on the mind of many Canadians. The findings reveal 59 per cent of Canadians are currently trying or planning to lose weight, with notable demographic divides. Desire for weight loss is most prominent among Gen X, with 68 per cent indicating they are currently trying or planning to lose weight – a significantly higher percentage than Gen Z (44%), Millennials (58%) and the Baby Boomer generation (57%).

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Among Canadians currently trying to or planning on losing weight, the primary motivations are to improve fitness and stamina (62%) and increase lifespan/longevity (50%), followed by enhancing appearance (44%), boosting self-esteem and confidence (40%), and disease prevention (34%).

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Notably, the strongest motivators differed from generation to generation. Gen Z’s leading motivator was to boost self-esteem and confidence (71%); Gen X was most motivated by increasing lifespan/longevity (58%); and improving fitness and stamina was the primary motivator for Millennials (63%) and the Baby Boomer generation (70%). 23 per cent of the Baby Boomer generation was also motivated to lose weight to reduce their need for medications.

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“There is a misconception that weight loss is only an issue of vanity. That is simply not true. For folks struggling with obesity, losing weight can have a significant impact on overall quality of life, from increasing mobility to improving sleep quality,” says Gavin Thompson, co-founder and co-CEO of Phoenix. “The benefits can go beyond the physical too. Weight loss can also significantly support an individual’s mental health, providing a boost to their self-esteem and confidence.”

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STIGMA AROUND WEIGHT LOSS TRICKLES DOWN TO TREATMENT

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While the prevalence of obesity among adults in Canada has increased since the pandemic according to Statistics Canada, many Canadians still do not understand obesity as a chronic disease. Less than one in three Canadians (32%) correctly identified that Health Canada classifies obesity as a progressive chronic disease.

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The lack of understanding of obesity as a chronic disease drives the stigma around the condition and its treatment. One in three Canadians (34%) say that they would or did feel embarrassed sharing with their friends and family about using drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss. This stigma is further perpetuated by celebrity culture, where taking GLP-1 medications for weight management is often viewed differently than using medication for other chronic illnesses. 62 per cent of Canadians agree that celebrities who share their weight loss should also disclose their use of weight loss drugs to the public. Gen Z felt especially strong about this, with 71 per cent agreeing celebrities should disclose their use of weight loss drugs.

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“The common perception of obesity is that it’s solely the result of personal choices, but in reality, it’s a chronic disease influenced by many factors. Many people who struggle with obesity cannot manage it with exercise and healthy eating alone, but the stigma around obesity trickles down to its treatment too,” says Kevin Bache, co-founder and co-CEO of Phoenix. “People feel entitled to know that a celebrity has used medication to lose weight, in the same way they expect a celebrity to be transparent about using social media filters to hide their acne. But as with any chronic disease, someone’s choice to use medication as recommended by their doctor is deeply personal, and there should be no shame or expectation of transparency attached.”

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NOTABLE INTEREST IN GLP-1S, ESPECIALLY GENERIC

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Despite Statistics Canada reporting 68 per cent of Canadians are classified as overweight or obese, only five per cent of Canadians are currently taking GLP-1 medication for weight loss, and a further three per cent have done so in the past. However, 21 per cent of Canadians who indicated they have never taken a GLP-1 medication revealed they would consider taking one in the future.

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A potential barrier to Canadians trying GLP-1 weight loss medication could be the cost, as interest in generic weight loss medication is high. 40 per cent of Canadians indicated interest in trying a generic GLP-1 medication for weight loss if they currently struggle with obesity or were to struggle in the future.

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WHAT CANADIANS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GLP-1s

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Ontario, BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and PEI. To learn more about Phoenix’s weight loss support, visit https://www.phoenix.ca/treatments/weight-loss.