Gen Z and millennials have radically different views on GLP-1s like Ozempic and how much they want the weight loss and diabetes drugs regulated, according to a new report from GLP-1 prescription weight loss company Levity.
While 40 percent of current and recent GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) users said the current regulations are fair, 28 percent want fewer rules and 22 percent said there should be more.
But in the millennial age group, users tend to want less regulation, while Gen Z leaned toward more.
Why It Matters
GLP-1s, which are injectable drugs that mimic hormones to reduce blood sugar and promote weight loss, have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years.
Popular products, including Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Zephound, have been a game changer for many Americans who are obese or have type 2 diabetes.
However, stricter FDA rules are now in effect, banning certain compounded GLP-1s and making it more difficult for many Americans to secure the drugs, especially if using it for weight loss reasons.
What To Know
The Gen Z and millennial response to the stricter FDA rules have been notably different, according to Levity.
At 31 percent, millennials were the most likely to favor fewer GLP-1 regulations compared to 19 percent of the group who wanted more.
Gen Z, meanwhile, favored stricter rules at 37 percent, while 32 percent wanted fewer.
"Millennials are more likely to be prescribed a GLP-1 as compared to Gen Z; therefore, it is not surprising that millennials desire less regulation on these drugs," Richard Frank, MD, MHSA, and chief medical officer at Vida Health, told Newsweek.
"Having said that, the regulatory environment surrounding compounded agents, in general, and compounded GLP-1s, specifically, is not as rigorous as it is for branded and generic drugs. Therefore, compounded drugs carry unknown risks that more regulated medications do not."
Because semaglutide is no longer on the FDA shortage list, compounding it can carry legal risks. Already, the effects are being felt, as 17 percent of GLP-1 users said it has become harder to get their medication since the FDA tightened rules on compounded semaglutide, Levity reported.
There was also a difference in how the generations viewed their use of the drugs.
While 75 percent of GLP-1 users believed they'll still be on their treatment plan a year from now, Gen Z was the least likely to think so, at 58 percent.
What People Are Saying
Board-certified endocrinologist Dr. Caroline Messer told Newsweek: "Millennials, many of whom are now managing midlife weight and metabolic health concerns, may see GLP-1s as a practical tool and want fewer barriers. Gen Z, meanwhile, is generally more wary of long-term unknowns, hence leaning toward more safeguards. Broadly, Americans are divided but lean toward keeping current regulations."
Richard Frank, MD, MHSA, and chief medical officer at Vida Health, told Newsweek: "From a business perspective, limiting access to compounded drugs when branded drugs are available protects the drug companies' patents. This protection provides the financial incentive for drug companies to develop innovative new therapies."
What Happens Next
The long-term effects of GLP-1 medication use are so far unclear. A recent study discovered a new link between taking GLP-1 drugs and elevated risk of pancreatitis and kidney conditions, including kidney stones.
And GLP-1 medications have also been associated with a higher risk of digestive problems, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even stomach paralysis in rare cases.
