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On Super Bowl Sunday, millions of viewers watching the big game saw a controversial advertisement from the telehealth company Hims & Hers. The minute-long commercial criticized the American healthcare system, claiming it “is designed to keep us sick and stuck” while profiting from the obesity epidemic. The ad then shifted to promoting the company’s compounded weight-loss medications, a move that has sparked widespread debate.
A Controversial Ad
Before the Super Bowl aired, concerns had already been raised. A pharmaceutical trade group and government officials warned that the advertisement could mislead consumers about the safety and side effects of compounded weight-loss drugs. Despite these concerns, the ad was broadcast without any changes.
The backlash highlights the complexities surrounding weight-loss treatments in the U.S. today. Experts from Northwestern University, including Drs. Justin Ryder and Veronica Johnson, have weighed in on the matter, emphasizing both the risks of these medications and the challenges many Americans face in accessing approved treatments.
The Appeal of Compounded Weight-Loss Drugs
Dr. Ryder, an associate professor of surgery and pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, explained that compounded versions of weight-loss drugs attract consumers who struggle to afford FDA-approved medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide.
“They’re offering them to people at rates that are high but still less than the full price of the FDA-approved versions,” Ryder noted. However, he also pointed out a critical issue: “These companies are preying on you, but we live in a capitalistic society.”
The Future of Compounded Weight-Loss Medications
Dr. Johnson, an assistant professor of general internal medicine at Feinberg, suggested that the controversy over compounded versions of these medications might soon be irrelevant.
“Neither of these may be available options as compounded medications are only recommended in these situations upon a supply shortage,” she explained. “Tirzepetide is no longer on the FDA drug-shortage list. Semaglutide is likely coming off soon.”
Understanding the Risks
One of the biggest concerns with compounded GLP-1–based medications is the lack of regulation and potential impurities, according to the experts. Unlike FDA-approved drugs, compounded medications are not subject to the same strict oversight.
“These drugs are not coming from a regulated manufacturer, so you don’t know who the manufacturer is, and the level of scrutiny in terms of practices compared to places that produce the FDA-approved medications is markedly different,” Ryder cautioned. “For instance, Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk would immediately get shut down if there were impurities.”
Dr. Johnson echoed these concerns, emphasizing the unknowns surrounding potency, efficacy, and safety.
“We don’t have any idea of potency and efficacy of these drugs,” she said. “We also don’t have any safety data. There are some reports that these may be marketed and not even be the advertised products.”
Conclusion
As the debate continues, consumers are left to navigate the complex world of weight-loss medications, weighing affordability against potential health risks. While compounded drugs may offer a temporary alternative to high-priced, FDA-approved treatments, experts urge caution and awareness of the possible dangers.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers should consult healthcare professionals before considering any weight-loss medications.
