– 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 –
TORONTO, October 27, 2025–(BUSINESS WIRE)–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.
WEIGHT LOSS IN CANADA
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%).
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%).
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.
“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.”
STIGMA AROUND WEIGHT LOSS TRICKLES DOWN TO TREATMENT
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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