13 Investigates the benefits and risks from popular weight loss GLP-1 drugs

What started as a drug to treat type 2 diabetes has quickly become one of the most popular weight loss trends in the country. Ads for medications like Wegovy and Ozempic promise rapid weight loss and a path to a healthier lifestyle, but doctors say that while these drugs can be effective, long-term success depends on more than just a weekly shot.

13 Investigates the benefits and risks from popular weight loss GLP-1 drugs. What started as a drug to treat type 2 diabetes has quickly become one of the most popular weight loss trends in the country. Ads for medications like Wegovy and Ozempic promise rapid weight loss and a path to a healthier lifestyle, but doctors say that while these drugs can be effective, long-term success depends on more than just a weekly shot. Amy Snead has been on a GLP-1 medication for two years. It used to be that a walk to her neighbor’s house would leave her out of breath. Today, she walks up to five miles several times a week around her Pittsylvania County home. Snead is one of millions of Americans who have turned to GLP-1 drugs to help them lose weight. “I was always the shorter one and the bigger person, the fat person,” she said. She says she struggl...