GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have become the latest medical sensation. They’re showing remarkable benefits in helping patients lose weight and manage diabetes. But somewhere along the way, the medical conversation has drifted from cautious optimism to overzealous promotion.
We’re now seeing some physicians publicly suggesting that GLP-1s might be useful for everything from heart disease to addiction to Alzheimer’s—despite limited or no clinical evidence to support those claims. That’s a dangerous narrative that can mislead both patients and peers.
The Evidence Problem
There’s no question that GLP-1 receptor agonists have changed the landscape for managing Type 2 diabetes and obesity. But beyond those indications, the science simply isn’t there yet. Clinical trials for many of the “new” proposed uses are either in early stages or nonexistent.
Promoting GLP-1s for unproven uses risks creating unrealistic expectations among patients—and may damage trust in the medical community when outcomes don’t match the hype.
The Side Effect Reality
Physicians also need to remember that these drugs come with real tolerability challenges. Nearly half of diabetic patients stop taking GLP-1s within the first year due to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or gastrointestinal distress.
That’s not a minor statistic—it’s a signal. Any medication that causes 50% of users to discontinue therapy deserves a careful, evidence-driven approach before being prescribed or promoted for other conditions.
The “Miracle Drug” Mindset
The excitement around GLP-1s has extended well beyond the clinic. Social media influencers and even some clinicians have begun to treat them as near-magical solutions for multiple health problems.
But the history of medicine is full of examples where early enthusiasm outpaced evidence—and patients paid the price. Physicians must avoid falling into the same trap. The credibility of our profession depends on applying scientific rigor, not marketing momentum.
What Responsible Medicine Looks Like
Responsible medicine means waiting for data before making claims. It means recognizing that for all their benefits, GLP-1s are not a panacea. They work well for the right patients, under the right circumstances, with proper monitoring. But they are not a universal treatment solution, and promoting them as such undermines evidence-based practice.
As physicians, we owe our patients honesty, not hype.
GLP-1 drugs are a major step forward in managing diabetes and obesity—but they’re not a cure-all. Until there’s solid clinical evidence supporting broader use, physicians should resist the temptation to speculate publicly about benefits that haven’t yet been proven.
Science—not enthusiasm—should set the pace.
Key takeaway:
Before promoting GLP-1s for anything beyond approved indications, ask: Where’s the evidence?
