GLP-1 medications, used for weight loss and diabetes, are growing in popularity among young adults, particularly on college campuses. These drugs include semaglutide (Ozempic and Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound). Market research highlights that the fastest growth is among adults under 40, with a significant percentage being young women.
A study from JAMA in 2024 indicated that in 2023, 162,439 young adults aged 18 to 25 received GLP-1 prescriptions. Women comprised 76.4% of these patients. These prescriptions were for both diabetes control and weight management.
Patients taking weight-loss drugs often make five critical mistakes, warns a doctor.
The 2025 Monitoring the Future survey found that 2% of students in grades 8, 10, and 12 had used prescription GLP-1 medications, while another 2% used them without prescriptions.
Impact on Campus Culture
An article in The Cut highlighted the presence of GLP-1 drugs in sorority recruitment at elite universities. Social pressures to meet specific body standards influence this trend. Social media and peer competitions have increased GLP-1 usage.
Students on campus described feeling compelled to conform to thinness ideals. Some admitted using compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide for better outcomes during recruitment events.
Expert Opinions on GLP-1 Usage
Jay Campbell, an expert on longevity and peptides, noted that while GLP-1 medications address metabolic issues, some misuse them as cosmetic aids. For those who are metabolically stable, these drugs seem like quick fixes.
Campbell pointed out that sorority culture, driven by social impressions, amplifies rapid weight-loss trends. He stressed that while these drugs aid in weight loss, young women often overlook essential muscle preservation strategies.
Five Steps for College Students Considering GLP-1 Therapy
Campbell suggests young adults follow these steps before starting GLP-1 treatments:
- Assess Medical Necessity: Question the need for these drugs if not medically prescribed.
- Preserve Muscle: Maintain protein consumption and engage in resistance training to prevent muscle loss.
- Consider Fertility Impacts: Avoid GLP-1s during pregnancy planning. Note potential interactions with hormonal contraceptives.
- Monitor Mental Health: Stay vigilant about mental health and any mood changes.
- Recognize Long-Term Data Gaps: Understand the unknowns of long-term GLP-1 use for those starting with normal weight.
Campbell also emphasized the importance of medical supervision, proper dose management, and side effect monitoring.