GLP-1s Are Becoming Celebrities’ Best Friends— But Is the Tide Changing?

Posted on 11 April 2024
By Andy Johnson
  • Share:

GLP-1 medications, better known under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, are not new. However, in recent years, they have become the center of a media frenzy due to their association with weight loss, particularly among celebrities like Amy Schumer and Whoopi Goldberg.

Originally approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s are now being heralded as the latest secret weapon in the quest for weight loss.

As Hollywood embraces them as the next fad, the spotlight shines on a critical issue: their accessibility and affordability for those
who truly need them. Here’s what we know about what GLP-1s can do and common concerns regarding off-label use.

How GLP-1s work


GLP-1 medications work by mimicking the effects of a natural gut hormone called glucagon-like peptide in the body. When taken, these medications stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas in response to food intake, helping to lower blood sugar
levels.

In contrast to naturally occurring GLP-1, whose effects only last for about two to three minutes upon release, the drug form can last for up to 14 hours in the body.

As for GLP-1 for weight loss, the drug has been shown to slow down the emptying of the stomach, leading to a feeling of fullness and satiety that persists for a longer duration after meals.

By prolonging gastric emptying, these medications reduce the frequency and intensity of hunger pangs, which in turn decreases the desire to eat excessively.

This long-lasting dual mechanism of improved blood sugar control and reduced food intake can be life-changing for diabetic and obese patients. For this reason, Ozempic and Mounjaro have been approved by the FDA for diabetes, while Wegovy and
Zepbound have been approved for chronic weight management in patients who have a BMI of 30 or more, as well as those who have a BMI of 27 or higher and at least one weight-related health condition.

How celebrity use is affecting access to GLP-1s

With GLP-1s becoming trendier in A-list circles, the impact on diabetic and obese patients for whom these drugs are intended is raising significant concerns. Between celebrity endorsements and viral TikTok clips, the demand for GLP-1s as a weight loss tool has led to a global shortage.

An analysis of electronic health records shared with CNN by Epic Records estimates that around 1.7% of all Americans have been
prescribed a semaglutide medication (another term for GLP-1 drugs) in 2023 alone, reflecting a nearly 40-times increase over the past 5 years.

This increased demand puts pressure on pharmaceutical manufacturers to ramp up production to meet the needs of both medical and non-medical consumers. Yet, the manufacturing capacity for GLP-1 medications is finite, and scaling up production to meet skyrocketing demand is not an instantaneous process.

As a result, healthcare providers are now tasked with choosing who to prescribe GLP-1s to. In the UK, for example, providers are being urged to stop prescribing GLP-1s for weight loss due to shortages for patients with diabetes. At the same time, providers are also being asked
to hold off on writing new prescriptions for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Other ways to lose weight

While there’s no shame in considering GLP-1 medication for weight loss, patients must consult with their doctor first to ensure it's the right option for them. Doctors assess medical history and treatment goals to minimize risks and optimize outcomes.

Furthermore, alternative approaches that do more than help you lose weight, like lifestyle modifications – such as diet changes, exercise, and behavioural strategies – are effective and should be explored under professional guidance for healthy weight loss.

Although GLP-1 medications offer a potential avenue for weight loss, it’s imperative for individuals to prioritize their health by consulting with their physician before pursuing this option.

Despite the allure of celebrity endorsements, seeking professional guidance ensures personalized care and reduces adverse effects. Regardless of the path chosen, the journey towards a healthier weight should be approached with care, support, and a focus on long-term well-being.

Author