Should you take GLP-1-like drugs for cosmetic weight loss purposes?
- MedReport Foundation
- 11 minutes ago
- 5 min read
During the past five years, GLP-1-like drugs have notably increased their
prescription rates. Originally used to treat diabetes type 2, their prescription has
shifted to weigh-loss therapies, becoming the most popular drug class for this
purpose (1). So much so, that they have gained a lot of popularity in the
mainstream media, with multiple articles addressing how “X” or “Y” celebrities
have used them in their rapid weight loss journey for cosmetic purposes. With
this information, one could wonder whether these drugs would soon become
mainstream for cosmetic weight loss among the general population. More so, you
may be considering to use them in your weight loss journey. Here are some
concepts that you should take into account before forming an opinion:
How do GLP-1-like drugs work?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a molecule produced in the human gut, known
for its role on regulating blood sugar and appetite levels (2). GLP-1 molecules
activate the pancreas activity, which will ultimately contribute to lowering the
levels of blood sugar by increasing insulin secretion and blocking glucagon.
Therefore, GLP-1-like drugs such as Ozempic or Wegovy, are an ideal treatment
for diabetes type 2 patients, who struggle with high blood sugar levels (3).
Importantly, GLP-1-like drugs also act in the brain, activating a specific set of
neurons that produce satiety sensation. Thus, patient’s do not feel hunger and
eat less as a consequence, causing rapid weight loss (2).
When are GLP-1-like drugs prescribed for weight loss?
The body mass index (BMI) is the most commonly used measure to assess
obesity prevalence. The BMI is calculated as the individual’s weight in kilograms
divided by the square of their hight in meters (kg/m2 ). In adults, a BMI of 25-29 kg/m2 is considered overweight, while a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher is considered obese. Controlling obesity is not a merely aesthetic concern, but a matter of overall health. There are many obesity-related complications that result in higher sickness and mortality rates. To mention a few, obesity is related to sleep apnea, metabolic syndromes, cardiac disease or diabetes type 2 (4). In the context of weight loss and according to the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, GLP-1-like drugs should only be prescribed when patients are either obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) or significantly overweight (BMI 27-29 kg/mg2) with additional weight-associated diseases (5). Thus, the drug is not recommended for cosmetic weight loss purposes.
Is there a misuse of GLP-1-like drugs?
Even though GLP-1-like drugs are recommended for weight loss under very strict
criteria, recent scientific studies have reported a drug misuse. For example, a
recent study conducted in France showed that 5% of the people initiating GLP-1-
like treatments did not meet the WHO criteria, meaning that they were not obese
nor significantly overweight with weight-associated diseases. In fact, the study
shows that 2.2% had a standard weight when initiating the treatment (6). These
studies only take into consideration data from patients that acquired the
medicaments legally, but several news articles are starting to report illegal traffic
of GLP-1-like drugs at beauty salons, social media platforms and unlicensed
websites (7). This phenomenon also raises moral concerns, since GLP-1-like
drugs increasing demands have led to supply shortages, affecting patients that
need the medicaments for health purposes (6).
Does GLP-1-like treatment cause adverse effects?
It is important to mention that GLP-1-like drugs have been reported to cause
several adverse effects. Gastrointestinal side effects are the most commonly
reported, including symptoms such as nausea (affecting up to 50% of the
patients), diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain and stomach
distension (8). Other common symptoms include dizziness, mild tachycardia,
infections and headaches. There are also some concerns of GLP-1-like drug
effects on the thyroids and pancreas. Thus, these medicaments are
contraindicated for people that have a history with severe gastrointestinal
diseases, thyroid cancer, pancreatitis or endocrine neoplasia (9).
As for other less known adverse effects, recent studies have shown how GLP-1-
like drugs cause not only fat reduction, but also muscle reduction, which can
potentially reduce the patient’s ability to exercise (10). On this note, a recent study
showed that, after analysing social media threads, 17% of GLP-1-like drug users
reported fatigue sensation (11). Cosmetic side effects have also been described.
For example, a couple of population studies have shown an association between
GLP-1-like treatment and hair loss, both in men and women (12). Additionally,
patients report the “Ozempic face” as an undesirable side effect, with some of
them opting for cosmetic treatments to get rid of it. This condition results from the
rapid weight loss and inability of the facial soft tissues to adapt proportionally,
causing facial ageing, which includes an increase of skin laxity and
appearance/deepening of facial wrinkles (13).
Final Thoughts
GLP-1-like drugs have been proved to be an effective treatment against diabetes
type 2 and obesity. Official regulations recommend doctors to only prescribe them
to patients that match specific criteria. Since these medicaments are associated
to dangerous adverse effects, it is irresponsible to consume them without the
appropriate medical monitoring.
References
1. Patton K, Miller A, Oakes A. GLP-1 therapy growth has reshaped anti-obesity
prescribing [Internet]. Trilliant Health; 2026 Mar 26 [cited 2026 Apr 17]. Available
has-reshaped-anti-obesity-prescribing
2. Liu QK. Mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications of GLP-1 and dual
GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2024;15:1431292.
doi:10.3389/fendo.2024.1431292
3. Młynarska E, Czarnik W, Dzieża N, Jędraszak W, Majchrowicz G, Prusinowski F, et
al. Type 2 diabetes mellitus: new pathogenetic mechanisms, treatment and the
most important complications. Int J Mol Sci. 2025;26(3):1094.
doi:10.3390/ijms26031094.
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5. World Health Organization. WHO guideline on the use of glucagon-like peptide-1
(GLP-1) therapies for the treatment of obesity in adults [Internet]. Geneva: World
Health Organization; 2025 [cited 2026 Apr 17]. Available from:
6. du Soulier N, Pariente A, Bezin J, Grenet G, Faillie JL, de Germay S. Use and
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doi:10.1016/j.jval.2025.06.001.
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cannot be an afterthought. Pharm J [Internet]. 2026 Feb 9 [cited 2026 Apr 17];317(8006). Available from: https://pharmaceutical-
safety-cannot-be-an-afterthought
8. Filippatos TD, Panagiotopoulou TV, Elisaf MS. Adverse effects of GLP-1 receptor
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[Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Feb 29. Available from:
10. Bikou A, Dermiki-Gkana F, Penteris M, Constantinides TK, Kontogiorgis C. A
systematic review of the effect of semaglutide on lean mass: insights from clinical
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doi:10.1080/14656566.2024.2343092
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semaglutide and tirzepatide in online communities. arXiv [Preprint].
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related aesthetic concern and its treatment with endotissutal bipolar radiofrequency
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