Rising Curiosity Around Ozempic Use in the U.S.
There’s a peculiar trend happening in the U.S. lately, with people feeling bold enough to ask acquaintances, “Are you on Ozempic?” This surge in curiosity likely mirrors the growing number of Americans taking GLP-1 inhibitors, a class of medication. Recent data from a 2024 KFF Health Tracking Poll indicates that about twelve percent of adults have tried these drugs, which have seen a steady increase in prescriptions over the past decade.
This group of medications includes tirzepatide (known as Zepbound and Mounjaro) and semaglutide (the brand names are Wegovy and Ozempic). Many of my friends and colleagues are on them, and they’ve proven to be lifesavers for individuals dealing with Type 2 diabetes or needing to lose weight for health reasons. Yet, with any medication, there come tricky social questions: Is it rude to inquire about someone’s use of these drugs? And how should you respond if someone brings it up?
(For context: I’ve been prescribed a GLP-1 due to a combination of health issues, including prediabetes and cardiovascular concerns.)
In discussing this with two physicians, two well-known advice columnists, and a bunch of GLP-1 users, I gathered insights on the etiquette surrounding these conversations. Here’s what I found.
Is it okay to ask about GLP-1 use?
Not long ago, I ran into an old colleague who had lost an astounding amount of weight, to the point where I hardly recognized him. My first instinct was worry—was he ill? Fortunately, he preemptively shared that he was using Ozempic. While some users don’t mind questions about their medication, Randy Jones, a current user, believes it’s inappropriate for people to pry into others’ medical choices unless invited.
Lizzie Post, from the renowned etiquette family, echoes this sentiment by pointing out that our medical treatments are private matters. “You wouldn’t approach a friend and ask if they’re using Botox,” she notes.
So, the consensus seems to be: don’t ask, especially not without a solid reason. Speculating about celebrities’ weight loss on social media isn’t really a sport that should be played either.
I want to express concern—doesn’t that justify asking?
Not quite. The situation and context are crucial, and you might lack the necessary information to handle such a sensitive topic gracefully. A pastor friend of mine, after losing 52 pounds over several months, has been peppered with questions about her weight loss. Although she appreciates compliments like “You look great!” she wishes people wouldn’t make such a fuss. It can feel overwhelming when comments about her appearance come from every angle, as if her body is the most defining feature.
David Wiss, a nutritionist in Los Angeles, advises steering clear of discussions about bodies entirely. “Body sovereignty means having the freedom to make decisions about your health and body,” he explains.
Advice columnist Carolyn Hax points out that if you’re just being nosy, asking might be perceived negatively. If you’ve faced similar struggles or know the person well enough, frame your inquiry carefully. Otherwise, if someone looks good, it’s fine to say so, without mentioning their body.
Essentially, if curiosity is what’s driving you, it might be wise to step back.
How should I handle it if asked?
Commissioner Matt Hughes from Hillsborough, North Carolina, expressed his hesitance to disclose his GLP-1 use for fear it might suggest he didn’t exert enough effort to lose weight. Inquiries about medication can unintentionally carry a stigma that shames users for choosing medical aids over lifestyle changes, which often don’t yield results for many.
“Weight stigma is deeply embedded and often unconscious,” Caroline Apovian of Brigham and Women’s Hospital emphasizes. She reminds us that GLP-1s treat genuine health issues—much like medications for high blood pressure. This understanding can empower individuals to handle intrusive questions with humor, directness, or simply change the subject.
Some clever responses you might consider include:
- “It’s none of your business.”
- “I like to keep a little mystery.”
- “Who wants to know?”
- “My weight isn’t that fascinating.”
The takeaway? Your health decisions are personal; you owe no one an explanation beyond your doctor.
New norms for social gatherings?
I’ve noticed that those starting GLP-1s frequently experience changes in appetite or side effects like nausea, affecting their dining habits. Many find they also prefer to lessen alcohol intake.
This can create new dynamics at social events. If you’re not eating as much, a simple “no, thank you” usually suffices, and a considerate host will understand.
Splitting bills can become tricky when someone is having smaller portions. Hax advises fairness in taking turns to pay instead of just getting the cheapest meal covered by others. Having separate checks could also ease this situation—just be mindful of the group’s dynamics.
Post suggests discussing these changes with your dining companions in advance. For instance, letting them know you’re eating less can set expectations clearly. Similarly, when I host, I’ve started asking about food restrictions, which gives anyone on a GLP-1 the chance to inform me about their needs comfortably.
In essence, it’s best to communicate your requirements beforehand and avoid prying into any changes in your friends’ eating habits. From my experiences, I can certainly relate to the challenges of intrusive questioning, which is why I laughed at Hax’s comment: “Too bad there isn’t a GLP-1 for ignorance.”
