Medical experts dispel myths about GLP-1s

With more people on or trying to get on GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, medical experts are shining a light on common misconceptions and warning signs about getting unapproved medications online. Krista Mayo has this story. Right now, medical experts are working to dispel some of the myths about GLP-1 drugs as more people get their hands on them. Analytics company Gallup conducted a web survey of more than 5,000 adults earlier this year. According to the data, 11% of U.S. adults are taking GLP-1 medications for weight loss, a significant increase from just 3% back in 2024. These medications were originally studied for diabetes, and so they do lower blood glucose. Out of those studies, we also saw the reduction in weight, which is why they started being studied for weight loss. Emily McCoy is an associate clinical professor at Auburn University. She says one of the most common misconceptions about GLP-1 drugs is that taking them is an easier path to weight loss. If you do nothing else but take that medication, you will see some benefit, but you're going to have a lot more benefit when you combine that with diet and exercise. Thank you guys. Meanwhile, a word of caution for people looking to get GLP-1 medications online. We don't always know what you're getting when you buy it online. So it has the name, but it may not be safe and accurate. And there can also be dosing issues because it tends to come compounded in a vial versus a pre-filled pen. This says the Food and Drug Administration has recently issued a list of telehealth red flags, citing what people looking Compounded GLP-1s, which are not FDA approved, to get GLP-1 medications need. should be cautious of, including receiving meds without having a screening or prescription, not having access to a licensed doctor to ask questions after receiving the drugs, and being offered prices that are just too good to be true. Chris DiMaio, Fox News.