health
February 23, 2026
Fancy clothes, mealtime alarms and Disney princess gigs: How GLP-1s are changing people's lives in unexpected ways
GLP-1 drugs for weight loss are growing in popularity in the U.S. and across the world. Here's what some users say about their experiences with the medicines.
TL;DR
- GLP-1 drugs, like Wegovy and Zepbound, mimic gut hormones to suppress appetite, initially for Type 2 diabetes but now widely used for weight loss.
- Approximately 18% of American adults have used GLP-1 drugs, with 12% currently taking them.
- Users report unexpected benefits such as reduced alcohol consumption, decreased spending on groceries, and diminished cravings for junk food.
- Side effects can include gastrointestinal distress, shrinking muscle mass, sagging skin, and rapid weight gain after stopping the medication.
- The high cost of GLP-1s (over $1,000 per dose) and inconsistent insurance coverage are significant concerns for users.
- Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, the dominant manufacturers, stand by their drugs' safety and efficacy, offering self-pay options and working to improve coverage.
- The GLP-1 market is rapidly growing, with projected sales reaching $100 billion by 2030, attracting competition from other pharmaceutical companies.
- Personal testimonials reveal life-changing impacts, including improved physical health, increased confidence, participation in new activities like pageants and commercials, and a shift in priorities from eating to living.
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