Glasgow-based digital pharmacy Phlo has launched a new app to support people using GLP-1 weight loss drugs manage their medication, as new data reveals more than half have missed or delayed a dose.

The online pharmacy has launched BrightTrack, a free GLP-1 companion app designed to help patients track doses and monitor symptoms, after a survey of 1,000 users found that almost three-quarters (73%) of those taking GLP-1 in the UK find it difficult to manage their treatment or understand their progress between appointments.

The study found that 65% are turning to social media for advice and guidance, with almost a third (31%) of people seeking answers on online forums (31%), as well as platforms like YouTube (29%), and TikTok (20%).   

Worryingly, Phlo found that nine in ten users say they trust all GLP-1 information they find on social media, despite clinicians’ warning that these platforms are a poor substitute for medical advice, with studies finding that information about weight loss drugs online can be incomplete or misleading, particularly around side effects and safe use.

Added to that, many GLP-1 patients are looking for more structured monitoring and personalised guidance in between appointments, with users currently relying on informal and fragmented systems to manage their weight loss. 

Over a third use calendar reminders (37%) or phone alarms (36%), while a quarter use notepads or diaries to track their doses, but these informal tracking methods have proven unreliable for many users.

More than half (57%) said they’ve missed or delayed a dose, while 15% admit to only taking a dose when they feel that the effects are wearing off, rather than following the clinically recommended weekly schedule.

To address this gap between appointments, Phlo’s free BrightTrack app is designed alongside GLP-1 clinicians and obesity-specialist dietitians to help GLP-1 users track their doses and monitor symptoms, aiming to help them understand their progress over time and provide clinicians’ advice when it’s needed most. 

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Phlo said that because GLP-1 dosing frequently changes as patients titrate up or down, tracking is crucial for creating an accurate record for clinical review, with the app bringing health data into one place so users can spot patterns, build routines and feel confident managing their treatment.

“Our ambition with this app is to raise the standard of day-to-day support as more people use GLP-1s as a part of their weight loss journey,” said Alistair Murray, pharmacist and chief operating officer at Phlo. 

“With BrightTrack, we hope to give everyone the tools they need to stay consistent, understand their own progress, and feel supported on their journey.”