The drug semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic Designed for type 2 diabetes, it has become the focus of the weight loss debate in Spain. According to Aegon's 8th Health and Lifestyle Study, It is already the preferred alternative for losing weight among the Spaniards surveyed, displacing several popular diets.
The trend has accelerated in the last year: from hovering around 11% preference, Ozempic reaches 18,6% as first choice, above the ketogenic diet (18,1%) and the dissociated diet (17%). Its rise, amplified by social media and media coverage, It coexists with the clinical recommendation in cases of obesitywhich has also boosted its use.
What the study on Ozempic use reveals
Aegon identifies Ozempic as the most chosen method by those seeking to lose weight in Spain, with a notable increase compared to the previous year. At the same time, there is strong reluctance to use drugs for this purpose. 81,3% state that they would not appeal to this type of treatment, while 18,7% would consider them.
Among dietary alternatives, the keto diet retains second place with a 18,1% of followersfollowed by the dissociated diet (17%). The fasting diet (14,1%) and the intermittent fasting (8,2%), and the hypocaloric diet remains at low levels (3,4%).
Ozempic's popularity is explained by his appetite-reducing effect and greater satiety after meals, factors that have weighed heavily in both digital discussions and clinical practice. However, the report emphasizes that Its use should be framed within professional monitoring. to minimize risks.
Who are the most likely to use it?
The study identifies profiles more likely to consider these treatments. Those who feel dissatisfied with their appearance (25,5%), those who have dieted in the last year (37,1%), those who perceive their diet as unhealthy (22,4%), people with children (21,1%), and, markedly, women (25,5%).
In terms of habits, about four out of ten participants recognize difficulties in controlling the amount of the foods they eat, with higher figures among those under 25, people who are employed, and those who are already on a diet or do not consider their food healthy.
Medical supervision and trusted sources
The proportion of people who follow a weight loss plan with professional support It falls back to 49,4% (50,2% in 2024). Even so, the family doctor (43,9%) and professionals in the sector (35,7%) remain the most credible prescription channels.
Below are the tips of friends and family (9,2%), recommendations from celebrities or influencers (6,5%), and information from social media or news outlets (4,6%). The report emphasizes that Strengthening health education and professional support is key to ensuring effectiveness and safety.
Food motivations and trends
The main reasons for going on a diet remain the same: to reduce or keep in weight (59,1%) and improving diet (49,3%). In the background are the environmental awareness and respect for animals (12,8%), economic reasons (10,7%) or external influence (9,6%).
Regarding fashion trends, 83,9% state not following food trendsAmong those who do, the most cited changes are weight loss (47,7%), the energy boost (36,6%) and the perception of a general improvement in health (26,6%).
The groups most likely to join diet fads are those under 25 (26,3%) and under 40 (25,2%), those who have dieted before (31,1%), employed people (19,6%), and those They do not consider their diet healthy. (22,4%).
The economic context also plays a role: the inflation has a negative impact in the diet of 44,9% of those surveyed, and more than 40% say they have stopped consuming some products due to price increases, especially fish (46,5%) and carne (35,4%).
Structural change or passing phenomenon?
Ozempic's rapid rise as a weight-loss tool opens up a fundamental debate: for some, it represents a new clinical approach to obesityWhile others urge caution regarding its use outside of healthcare settings, the study reveals that demand is growing. It displaces some traditional diets, while the need for supervision and expert advice is consolidated.
With Ozempic as the preferred option and a landscape where drugs and dietary regimens coexist, the map of weight loss in Spain is being reconfigured: The search for efficiency is growingCaution persists among a majority who refuse medication to lose weight, reinforcing the importance of professional guidance to balance results and safety.
