It Feels Like Everyone Is Using a GLP-1 to Lose 10 or 15 Pounds-Should I?

Key Points:

• GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Zepbound, initially approved for people with obesity or related health conditions, are increasingly used off-label by individuals with lower BMIs seeking cosmetic weight loss, often through microdosing or telehealth providers.
• Many users obtain these drugs via compounded versions from online sources or med spas, which are not FDA-approved and carry safety risks, while others receive off-label prescriptions from willing healthcare providers despite lacking formal guidelines.
• Physicians express concerns about the lack of clinical data supporting microdosing and irregular dosing schedules, potential side effects like nausea and constipation, and the risk of weight regain and muscle loss after stopping the medication.
• Despite these concerns, some doctors see GLP-1s as beneficial beyond weight loss, including potential improvements in metabolic health, inflammation, and other conditions, especially for midlife women facing hormonal changes and weight management challenges.
• The article's author, after personal struggle with weight during perimenopause, decided to try a low-dose GLP-1 under medical supervision, highlighting the complex balance between health optimization and societal pressures around body image and the importance of responsible use.