New research reveals strong resistance to weight-loss injections

New research reveals that most UK pet owners are strongly opposed to the idea of weight-loss injections for animals.

Nearly three in five owners (58%) in the Petgevity poll say they would never consider using GLP-1 treatments on their pet, while a further 22% would only consider it as a last resort if all natural methods failed.

Just one in ten (11%) say they would turn to weight-loss jabs before trying other approaches. This hesitancy comes amid predictions that GLP-1 treatments – already used in humans – could be approved for pets as soon as 2027.

Public support remains cautious: only 8% of respondents believe the development is a good idea. Over a quarter (28%) say the jabs might be useful but fear they could be overused, while the majority (54%) think it’s a bad idea altogether – insisting that owners should prioritise lifestyle changes over artificial solutions.

Despite these reservations, nearly one in four (24%) believe weight-loss injections will be in common use by 2030, with pet obesity seen as an escalating concern. Over half of owners (55%) think the UK’s pets are getting heavier, with obesity particularly affecting older animals and those with pre-existing conditions.

Veterinary surgeon Emma Chandley BVetMed PGcertSAS MRCVS outlines the risks of excess weight in pets:

• Reduced mobility and joint strain, contributing to arthritis and chronic pain
• Higher risk of serious health issues including diabetes, heart disease, and urinary problems
• Increased chances of surgical and anaesthetic complications
• Lower energy levels, reducing quality of life
• Shortened life expectancy

Yet, feeding habits remain a key contributor. Giving food as a reward is still the second most common form of positive reinforcement – surpassed only by cuddles and affection – and more popular than walks (48% for dogs), toys (39%), or playtime (30% for cats).

One in four (26%) owners admit to sharing human food with their pet at least four times a week. More than half (58%) say they sometimes ‘over-treat’ – giving their pet treats that exceed 10% of their daily calorie needs.

Since animals can’t control their own intake, the responsibility lies entirely with owners. That’s why Petgevity has teamed up with TV expert and pet nutritionist Chloé Fuller to offer simple, natural tips for managing your pet’s weight – and avoiding the need for jabs altogether.

Chloé’s five top tips to beat the jab:

1. Rethink treats, don’t remove them
“We bond with our pets over food – so I’d never suggest cutting treats entirely,” says Chloé. “Instead, think smarter. Swap high-calorie favourites like cheese or sausage for blueberries, carrots, or weight-management kibble mixed with a few smelly treats to keep things tempting. For cats, low-calorie lick treats (around 9 kcal each) are ideal.”

2. Get the facts and do the maths
Weight loss starts with understanding calorie needs. Use online pet calorie calculators tailored to breed, age, and activity level. Check packaging for kcal per kg and work out the right portions. “Many owners are overfeeding without realising,” says Chloé. “Cutting back can improve your pet’s health and your bank balance.”

3. Weigh-ins: small changes, big difference
Track your pet’s weight regularly. Most vet clinics or pet stores have dog scales. For cats, use a carrier and subtract the carrier’s weight. Baby scales are ideal for smaller pets. “Monitoring weight helps spot issues early and keeps progress on track,” Chloé adds.

4. Type of food beats less food
“It’s not just about quantity,” says Chloé. “Switching to wet food, or a weight-loss-specific diet, can mean your pet eats more volume with fewer calories. These foods are often higher in protein, lower in fat, and boosted with fibre – keeping pets fuller for longer without compromising nutrition.”

5. Ditch free feeding, set mealtimes
Leaving food out all day makes portion control difficult. Chloé recommends 3–4 small meals a day to stabilise blood sugar, curb begging, and make it easier to monitor eating habits.

To support these changes, Petgevity has also created a handy Treat Tracker – a downloadable tool that helps households log treats, track calories, and avoid overindulgence.

Discover the full research, expert insights, and download the Treat Tracker here:
petgevity.co.uk/weight-loss-treatments-for-pets-report