In recent times, weight loss drugs have become a major trend, with a significant number of people opting for medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro in their pursuit of better health and weight management.
With approximately one in eight Americans turning to these drugs for weight loss, it’s no surprise that they have become a hot topic on social media platforms.
Individuals are sharing everything from their personal transformation stories to detailed accounts of their experiences with these medications online. These drugs function by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which plays a role in regulating hunger.
As discussions about this trend continue to grow, experts have cautioned against relying solely on social media for guidance on these drugs.
In a study featured in PLOS Global Public Health, researchers have explored how weight loss medications are influencing daily life and affecting individuals.
The study’s authors cautioned, “Across sites, people routinely adjust dosing schedules, count clicks on injection pens, space out injections, or stop and restart treatment. These strategies are developed in response to cost, shortages, and social media, rather than sound medical advice.”
Social media platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and Instagram have emerged as key information sources. However, experts emphasize the need to be cautious, as these platforms often normalize “risky practices” and may disseminate misinformation, even though they can provide “emotional support and practical advice.”
The researchers further noted, “While these factors can give patients a sense of greater control over their health, they also amplify concerns about limited data on off-label use and unsupervised dosing.”
“Greater attention to often chaotic real-world use patterns is essential for accurately assessing drug side effects and safety,” they added.
On platforms like Reddit, users share their experiences with GLP-1s and offer advice to those experiencing side effects such as nausea.
This isn’t the first cautionary note regarding weight loss medications.
Experts have previously highlighted the numerous risks associated with these drugs, including potential issues that may arise when they are discontinued.
Many former users have reported an increase in appetite after stopping the medication, making it difficult to maintain their weight loss and, in some cases, leading them back to the drugs.
Research conducted by scientists at Stamford Health indicates that a majority of people tend to regain the weight after discontinuing the treatment.
Suzanne Rose PhD, the head of research, stated: “On average, they gained about 60 percent of the weight back within a few months to a year – despite those lifestyle modifications.”
She further warned, “That can be a devastating thing for the patient to deal with.”
UNILAD has approached Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly for their comments.