Beyond weight loss—how the GLP-1 story is evolving

In March, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned Novo Nordisk, the company behind the popular drugs Ozempic and Wegovy, for not disclosing risks linked to these medications. These drugs contain semaglutide, which is part of a class called GLP-1s, originally used for type 2 diabetes but now also for weight loss. GLP-1s mimic a hormone that helps control insulin and appetite, making people feel full faster. This has led to their popularity, but not all versions are FDA-approved. The FDA’s warning was due to Novo Nordisk’s failure to report three deaths of people using semaglutide. The drugs are designed to stay in the body longer than the natural hormone, enhancing their effects. QUESTION: How might the increasing popularity of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss impact the way society views body image and health?