GLP-1 Drugs Gain Popularity Beyond Obesity—But at What Cost?
GLP-1 drugs, originally designed to treat diabetes and obesity, are now being used by some people who fall outside the typical weight criteria. While these medications help manage metabolic conditions, a growing number of individuals—including those not classified as overweight—are turning to them for weight maintenance or aesthetic reasons. Experts warn that this trend, driven by easier access and lower costs, may come with risks.
Christie Woodard, a long-distance runner who has completed 34 half-marathons, uses a low-dose GLP-1 drug to keep her weight stable. Though not overweight, she initially felt embarrassed about needing the medication but later pushed for its inclusion in her company's health insurance plan. Her bariatric surgeon, Betsy Dovec, prescribes GLP-1s to a range of patients—though she draws a line at those simply wanting to lose a few pounds.
The drugs, now available in cheaper pill forms, have expanded beyond their original purpose. Online sellers and compounding pharmacies offer them to people without medical necessity, bypassing official guidelines. This shift has led to shortages, with wealthier patients—including high-income professionals and celebrities—paying over $1,000 a month out of pocket for off-label use. Dr. Jennifer Manne-Goehler has raised concerns about the risks of intermittent GLP-1 use, including harmful yo-yo dieting effects. Despite their growing popularity, she and others caution that these drugs should not replace long-term lifestyle changes.
GLP-1 medications are now more accessible, treating conditions like sleep apnoea alongside obesity. Yet their use by non-overweight individuals highlights a divide between medical need and cosmetic demand. With shortages persisting and costs remaining high for some, the debate over who should access these drugs continues.
