Use of Ozempic and weight-loss drugs off-label surges 15-fold
The New York Times reported that prescriptions for GLP-1 weight-loss medications are rising sharply among individuals who do not appear to have a clear medical need for them. The newspaper noted that a new study identified more than one million people taking these drugs without any medical record indicating they have qualifying conditions, such as obesity or diabetes.
The study analyzed the medical records of more than 92 million adults in the United States and identified over 1.1 million individuals taking GLP-1 medications without a recorded health condition that would qualify them for the treatment. While the study did not investigate the reasons for their use, doctors suggested that some individuals may be turning to these drugs simply to lose weight or in hopes of benefiting from other potential uses that are still under investigation.
The newspaper explained that these prescriptions, which doctors refer to as “off-label use,” increased fifteenfold between 2021 and 2025. The study found that more than one-third of those using GLP-1 medications off-label had a normal body mass index (BMI) and were more likely to have a recorded eating disorder compared to non-users of these drugs.
The New York Times noted that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved GLP-1 medications for specific conditions, including obesity and diabetes. It has also approved some of these drugs for the prevention of heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems, for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity, and for the treatment of kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes.
Scientists are currently investigating the use of these drugs for other purposes, including improving fertility, reducing the desire to consume alcohol, and alleviating “brain fog.” However, scientific evidence regarding these uses remains limited and requires further research. Doctors have warned that data on the effects of these medications in people who do not have obesity or diabetes are limited, as such individuals have been largely excluded from major clinical trials.
The newspaper cited researchers who stated that potential risks for individuals with a normal weight may include malnutrition and loss of muscle mass. These are side effects that can affect users of these drugs in general, but they may be more concerning for those who begin treatment with a low BMI. One researcher concluded that the long-term effects of using these medications in this population remain unclear.
