GLP-1 Weight Loss: Side Effects, Cost and 1-Year Update

GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound are everywhere — but what do we actually know after a year of widespread use? In this episode of Health Matters, Mayo Clinic dietitian Tara Schmidt joins us to break down the latest research, real-world challenges and emerging questions around GLP-1 medications. From rising popularity to ongoing concerns about side effects, cost and long-term use, the conversation around these drugs is evolving fast. In this episode, you’ll learn: • How GLP-1 medications work for weight loss and diabetes • The latest on side effects, including mental health concerns • Why 50–75% of people stop taking GLP-1s within a year • What’s changing with insurance coverage, cost and access • The risks of compounded (non-FDA-approved) GLP-1 drugs • What’s next: oral GLP-1s, new treatments and future research Whether you’re considering GLP-1s or already taking them, this episode offers a clear, evidence-based look at the benefits, risks and unknowns. 0:00 Content Warning and Episode Introduction 0:23 GLP-1s One Year Later 1:44 Defining GLP-1s and How They Work 3:40 Medical Use for Obesity Treatment 5:13 Access, Pricing, and Rising Demand 7:01 Compounded GLP-1s and Safety Concerns 9:03 Celebrity Influence and Public Perception 13:39 Insurance Barriers and Care Gaps 18:00 Mental Health and Relationship Effects 23:49 Why Many People Stop GLP-1s 25:45 Future Uses and New Formulations 31:29 Pricing, Culture, and What’s Next Subscribe for more insights from Mayo Clinic experts on health, nutrition and medical research. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox, sign-up for free: https://mayocl.in/3e71zfi Visit Mayo Clinic: https://mayocl.in/2COVmlm Like Mayo Clinic on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mayoclinic/ Follow Mayo Clinic on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mayoclinic/ Follow Mayo Clinic on X, formerly Twitter: https://x.com/MayoClinic Follow Mayo Clinic on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@mayoclinic