GLP-1 medications, commonly used for weight loss and diabetes management, are increasingly popular among younger adults. Recent data indicates a growing trend on college campuses. Market research shows that medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide are most rapidly adopted by adults under 40, especially young women.
Usage Among Young Adults
A 2024 analysis in JAMA revealed that 162,439 young adults aged 18 to 25 received a GLP-1 prescription in 2023. Women represented 76.4% of these patients. Although prescriptions cover diabetes and weight management, GLP-1 use has permeated college culture, as evidenced by the 2025 Monitoring the Future survey, which found 2% of students in grades 8, 10, and 12 had used a prescription GLP-1 medication or without a prescription.
Impact on Sorority Culture
In a feature in The Cut, titled “The Secret ‘Ozempidemic’ on Sorority Row,” GLP-1 drugs are seen as integral to campus culture at some elite colleges, particularly within sorority recruitment. Interviews with female students using pseudonyms revealed a reliance on semaglutide or tirzepatide to meet beauty standards imposed by social media and competitive environments.
“For many young women, thinness feels essential for the best college experience,” said one student.
An ex-sorority recruiter remarked: “It’s like, ‘Well, there’s no excuse for people to be overweight because they could just use a GLP-1.’”
The “Cosmetic Shortcut” Perception
Jay Campbell, a peptide expert, described the use of GLP-1s as being repurposed as a cosmetic shortcut. For those with metabolic disorders, these drugs serve as vital interventions. However, they convert into aesthetic hacks for healthy individuals with a normal BMI. Campbell noted that “social visibility and comparison” drive usage among sorority members.
Potential Risks and Benefits
While GLP-1 drugs offer benefits for treating obesity, rapid weight loss can lead to muscle loss. Campbell emphasized the importance of muscle preservation through proper protein intake and resistance training. He warned that young women may lose lean mass if weight reduction occurs too quickly without adequate nutrition or exercise.
Advice for College Students Considering GLP-1
- Determine Medical Necessity: Evaluate whether weight-loss medication is appropriate for you.
- Preserve Muscle Mass: Consume proper protein and engage in resistance training.
- Consider Fertility Implications: Avoid usage during pregnancy, and note effects on contraceptives.
- Mental Health Considerations: Monitor mood changes and discuss mental health with prescribers.
- Understand Long-Term Effects: Recognize the unknowns of prolonged use starting at a young age.
Campbell cautioned against treating GLP-1 medications as lifestyle accessories. They suppress appetite but don’t address underlying metabolic issues. A responsible approach involves working with healthcare professionals to monitor effects and adjust treatments.
Fox News Digital contacted the National Panhellenic Conference and GLP-1 manufacturers for comments. Further story tips can be shared with Melissa Rudy, senior health editor at Fox News Digital.