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Imagine scrolling through social media and seeing dramatic weight-loss results from people taking Mounjaro, Wegovy or Ozempic. They share photographs, discuss side effects and recommend ways to get the best results.

These personal stories can feel convincing, especially when they come from people with similar experiences. For someone struggling with their weight, advice from a supportive online community may seem more relatable than information from a medical professional.

A 2026 U.K. study involving 684 adults, including 544 current or former users of weight-loss medications, found that 48% of participants used social media as a source of information about the drugs. Health care professionals were consulted less frequently.

Although the survey cannot tell us how widespread this behavior is across the U.K., it raises an interesting question: why might people trust advice from strangers online, even when medical professionals can offer more reliable information?

People are often more receptive to advice from those they see as members of their own group. Psychologists call this social identity: the sense of identity we gain from belonging to groups with shared experiences, interests or goals.

When someone identifies strongly with a group, they may pay particular attention to what other members say and do. Advice from people who share their experiences can feel more relevant and trustworthy, even when those people have no medical expertise.

For someone who has experienced judgment about their weight, finding people who understand their difficulties can be especially valuable.

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